Gut check helps avoid illness

The wisdom is ages old: You are what you eat. But long before what you eat leads to chronic or life-threatening illnesses, the body has the ability to talk back. It usually does so starting with the gut.

For millions of Americans, those conversations with their bodies can be audible and painful, manifesting themselves in diarrhea, gas, bloating and heartburn.

But too often, whether from embarrassment, denial, or a belief that their condition is just part of who they are, millions fail to take proactive steps that can provide relief while avoiding serious illness.

What makes our gastrointestinal system go haywire? The majority of problems are believed to be linked to damage in the gut lining and an imbalance of natural good bacteria.

Our gastrointestinal tract is composed of a single layer of epithelial cells, a thin layer of mucus and six pounds of healthy bacteria that form a tight lining. When the gut becomes inflamed, its cells shrivel, creating a space for larger food particles to leak through into the bloodstream, which can lead to food sensitivities and allergies.

As the bowel becomes more inflamed, the person can end up with both mucus and blood in their stool, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative colitis causes severe inflammation of the colon that leads to the development of ulcers in its lining. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss from malabsorption.

There are many ways to address gastrointestinal problems, and anyone experiencing a digestive problem should see their health-care provider. Changes in bowel habits can mean a more serious condition, such as cancer.

But for millions not seriously ill, but in search of relief, the question is how to cut through the noise and listen to what the body is saying? What simple, gentle steps can alleviate symptoms and rally the body’s remarkable abilities to heal itself?

Begin with diet. Whether you have a digestive ailment or not, avoid white sugar, white flour, and large amounts of dairy, all which trigger inflammation. Aim for organic fruits and vegetables, grains, and lean meats.

If you experience bloating or gas after eating, a full-spectrum digestive enzyme with meals can help break down food and decrease fermentation. A good quality probiotic should contain 12 to 14 different strains of beneficial bacteria and should be purchased and kept refrigerated. Probiotics are also found naturally in fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kefir.

There are also natural blends that are formulated to rebuild the lining of the intestines, and include cinnamon, d-mannose, slippery elm, plantain, apple fruit powder and decaffeinated green tea. If you are experiencing gastrointestinal distress or chronic symptoms, there are also homeopathic remedies to help calm symptoms.

When eating, relax and chew slowly and thoroughly. Avoid eating when in a hurry or stressed. Make room in your daily and weekly routines for exercise. A daily walk and meditation are no-cost ways to improve health while giving ourselves time to listen to our bodies.

Nourish and support a healthy gastrointestinal tract by living a healthy lifestyle, with proper nutrition, exercise and stress-relieving activities. This combination of healthy lifestyle choices will strengthen our intestinal tract, boost our immunity, and help us achieve overall health.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.