Digestive and Eliminative System Disorders: Constipation

Digestive disorders often occur due to stress and sensitivity to high allergen foods such as wheat, wheat bran, dairy, corn, and eggs. Other causes are overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the gut, heavy smoking and drinking, caffeine, and frequent use of antibiotics. I am astounded by the enormous increase in constipation in recent years. From the Iridologists viewpoint, those people with brown, mixed brown, or dark hazel eyes, are constitutionally predisposed for having constipation.

Cleansing the intestines is essential for intestinal and overall health.

Over a period of 20 to 30 years it is surprising how much unwanted waste accumulates in the intestines. Many layers of mucoid plaque substances, often inches thick, stretch the entire length of the stomach to the small intestines and bowel. The colon can hold up to 30 pounds of old matter and can be packed with fermented and undigested foods, parasites, yeast fungus, harmful disease-promoting bacteria, drugs, and other toxic substances. During cleansing, one may notice many changes in their bowel elimination, such as increased bulk, different shapes indicating the area of the bowel from which it came, an unpleasant odor, and mucus. Nevertheless, what a relief it is to get rid of it all! 

Waste accumulation in the intestines has several unhealthy effects.  The normal exchange of nutrients and bodily wastes is greatly inhibited. Cleansing can make a big difference in the way your body performs. It just might be the missing link for preventing many chronic and degenerative conditions. Cleansing is necessary not only for your health, but is fundamental for the quality of your life.
 
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.

Gastrointestinal Health Program

G. I. Gel plus Fiber™ (The Herbalist) Gastro-Intestinal Tonic Powder
A new and improved powder that provides soothing mucilage and soothing fibers to promote healthier elimination.* It is effective for both constipation and diarrhea.*
Suggested use: Take one Tbs. 1 to 2  times daily in 8 ounces of juice or 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.

Digest Gold (Enzymedica)
This is the most potent enzyme formula available. It has been formulated to assist in digesting proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber. Keep these with you when not at home.
Suggested use: Take one with each meal.

L. B. T. Caps™ (The Herbalist)
“Don’t leave home without them.” This encapsulated blend of herbs gently yet effectively relieves constipation and irregularity.* Can take with G. I. Gel plus Fiber .
Suggested use: Take one to three as needed before bedtime.

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

Probiotic - Flora Elite (Interplexus)
Contains “friendly” bacteria that can stabilize the digestive tract and produce natural antibiotic properties that fight harmful bacteria.*
Suggested Use: Take 2 daily on empty stomach.

Magnesium (The Herbalist)
This mineral is essential for relaxation of the smooth muscles, including the large intestine, which improves elimination and relieves constipation.* Magnesium also promotes a restful sleep.*
Suggested use: Take one to two caps before bedtime.

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

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.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.