Colitis

The digestive and eliminative systems of the body are two of the most challenged areas of the body. Many acute and chronic disorders originate there. If we knew early in life their importance we could be proactive in caring for these areas. Many common disorders such as indigestion and constipation would not become chronic; i.e. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Digestive disorders often occurs due to stress and sensitivity to high allergen foods such as wheat, wheat bran, dairy, corn, and eggs. Other causes are Candida yeast, heavy smoking and drinking, caffeine, and frequent use of antibiotics.

There are effective natural treatments to promote healthy digestion, increase intestinal health, and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. People with functional bowel disorders often have a predisposed weakness in their gastrointestinal tract. They should stay on a healthy regimen for at least three to six months, if not permanently.

This program can be effective for alleviating acid indigestion, chronic constipation, diarrhea, fibromyalgia symptoms, GERD, heartburn, and ulcers.

Gastrointestinal Health Program

G. I. Gel plus Fiber (The Herbalist) Gastro-Intestinal Tonic Powder
Suggested use: Acute: Take one Tbs. as needed up to 5 times daily. Preventive maintenance: One Tbs. 2 to 3 times daily
A new and improved powder that contains demulcent herbs that reduce inflammation and heal the G.I. tract, fiber that adds bulk to the intestines, and clay that absorbs toxins and gas. It provides soothing mucilage and soothing fibers to promote healthier elimination. It is effective for both constipation and diarrhea and also for acid indigestion, GERD, Crohn’s disease, and parasitic upsets.
Directions: On an empty stomach, add one Tbs. G. I. Gel to 4 ozs each of juice and water. Shake well. Follow with an 8 oz. glass of water. Avoid food for ½ hour.
Ingredients: Organic herbs of Slippery Elm bark and Marshmallow root, Psyllium seed, organic Flax seed, Bentonite clay, and organic Ginger root.

Tum-Ease™ (The Herbalist): Soothing Support for Digestive System
Suggested use: Acute: Mix two droppersful in water or juice 4 times daily.
Prevention: Mix two droppersful in water or juice 2 to 3 times daily. Best taken before meals to stimulate healthy digestion.
It is essential to strengthen digestion for IBS and other related GI disorders. This extract contains bitter herbs that stimulate digestive juices and promote healthy digestive organs. It contains cooling herbs that remove excess heat in the gut, relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, stomach upset, gas bloating and nausea. It’s anti-spasmodic and carminative properties relax a nervous stomach and irritable bowel and cool hot inflamed conditions. Add to sparkling mineral water to enhance effects.
Ingredients: Fennel seed, Catnip leaf & flower, Angelica root, Gentian root, Oregon Grape root, Ginger fresh root.

Herbal-Biotic (The Herbalist)
Restores Overall Health to Body Systems
Suggested use: Acute: Mix two droppersful in water or juice 4 times daily.
Prevention: Mix two droppersful in water or juice 2 times daily.
A tonic specific for arresting rectal bleeding, infection, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Often those who suffer from IBS and related disorders have an overabundance of Candida yeast, undesirable bacteria, and/or parasites. Herbal-Biotic contains herbs with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that relieve inflamed mucous membranes and arrest bleeding. The herbs contain the alkaloid berberine, which has yeast-killing, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities to eliminate infection without disturbing healthy bacteria in the gut.
Ingredients: Oregon Grape root, Golden Seal root, Yerba Mansa root.

Repair (Enzymedica)
Suggested use: Take two capsules, 2 to 3 times daily on an empty stomach.
Contains the highest amount of proteolytic enzymes (enzymes that break down proteins) that have exhibited anti-inflammatory qualities. (Keep these with you when not at home - in purse or car.)

L.B. Tea™ (The Herbalist)
Lower Bowel Tea: SUPPORTS HEALTHY GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT
Suggested use: Drink 2 cups daily and as needed to promote healthy daily elimination
This soothing herbal tea gently cleanses, lubricates, and strengthens the gastro-intestinal tract. It promotes healthy elimination. It helps relax abdominal cramping and pain by gently dispelling gas and soothing inflamed tissues.
Ingredients: Slippery Elm bark, Flaxseed, Marshmallow root, Peppermint leaf, Licorice root, Rhubarb root, Fennel seed, Ginger root, Cinnamon bark.

Probiotic - Flora Elite (Interplexus)
Suggested Use: Take 2 daily on empty stomach. Can take at same time as G.I.Gel.
Contains “friendly” bacteria that can stabilize the digestive tract and produce natural antibiotic properties that fight harmful bacteria.

Omega 30+ Fish Oils (The Herbalist)
Suggested use: Take 2 to 4 daily.
Essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote healthy elimination.

Glutamine (Source Naturals – powder/Country Life, 500 mg caps)
Suggested dosage: 3 to 5 grams between meals daily. Take ½ to 1 tsp daily. Or in capsules of 500 mg each, take 6 to 10 caps in divided doses.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is especially important as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines. It repairs damage to the intestines in IBS and boosts the functioning of the immune system. It can be effective for healing peptic ulcers and Crohn’s disease.

Dietary Suggestions:

Therapeutic Foods and Beverages
Food should contain plenty of fiber, but be low in roughage. Vegetables should be lightly steamed or sautéed. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Organic pesticide-free foods are best!
Whole grains, such as basmati rice, quinoa, barley, wild rice, oats, and sprouted mixed grain bread.
Fresh mixed vegetable juice such as carrot, apple, beet, cabbage, ginger.
Vegetables such as sprouts, leafy greens – kale, chard, artichokes, asparagus.
Seeds and nut butters - sesame (tahini), sunflower, almond. (Avoid seeds and nuts in whole form. They can get stuck in a sensitive area of the gut and cause great pain.)
Legumes - lentils, azuki, black bean, and split pea.
Fowl or meats, raised organically - chicken, turkey, duck, beef, lamb. Limit to a couple times per week.
Fish (ocean-caught) - wild salmon, halibut, sardines, herring, and albacore tuna.
High omega-3 eggs (poached or soft-boiled) contain DHA, Vitamin E, and B12.
Fruits (without skins). Yellow-orange fruits - peaches, pears, and cantaloupe. Berries without seeds - blueberry.
Cultured foods - yogurt and kefir.

Limit these foods and beverages:

Wheat products and wheat bran.
Dairy - milk and milk products.
Alcohol (especially yeasty beer), caffeinated and decaf drinks - coffee, soda pop.
Avoid pork.
Raw vegetables, head lettuce.

This web site is for educational purposes only. The theories and formulae presented in this web site are opinions expressed by The Herbalist, and as such are not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe, or administer in any manner to any physical ailments. Products manufactured by The Herbalist contain structure/function claims that have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. In any matters related to your health, please contact a qualified healthcare practitioner. The Herbalist is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should carefully read all product packaging. All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.