GI Health

Bowel issues bother millions of Americans on a daily basis. We take for granted the importance and convenience of good bowel health until it becomes a problem. Once problems have started for the bowels and digestion, it can require multiple medications, surgeries, dietary changes and always knowing where the nearest restroom is.

The bowels are a key to optimal health. The bowels work to turn a turkey sandwich in to the nutrients needed to build and repair muscles, organs, skin and the rest of the body every day. Adequate digestion and absorption of food relies on many factors including enough digestive power from the stomach and pancreas, strong numbers of good bacteria in the bowel and healthy bowel walls. Unhealthy bowels can lead to fatigue, headaches, bloating and both a poor immune system and detoxification system. The bowels may need a series of steps to return to optimal functioning.

There are several aspects of treatment for the bowels. The basics, which are also covered in previous articles, include:

1. Probiotics are the good bacteria needed to keep the bowel walls healthy, manufacture certain vitamins for us and block out any bad guys that may come into the bowels. Clinically, they can help with very loose bowels, especially those that follow antibiotics and may also help with bloating.
2. Digestive Enzymes help the intestines break food down adequately so that the nutrients can be absorbed and used in the body. Heavy bloating after meals is a common clue that digestive power may be lacking. Digestive enzymes will often clear this problem up very quickly.

On the next page, learn about using diet to control gastrointestinal problems.

Food Triggers and Dietary Habits

Other topics of gastrointestinal health include avoiding potential food triggers and even considering a gluten free diet. In addition to these areas of gastrointestinal health, there are several herbs that can improve the health of the bowels. If the above treatments have been tried, it may be because the bowel itself is in need of repair.

1. Peppermint oil is a commonly used remedy for bloating and irritable syndrome.
2. Marshmallow root is used to coat to the lining of the intestinal tract. Like peppermint oil, it is used clinically to help with irritable bowel symptoms.
3. L-glutamine is an amino acid, a building block of protein, and it serves as fuel for the cells lining the digestive tract [Source: Sacks]. It is used to help build and repair the lining of the colon. Glutamine will also be decreased during times of stress such as trauma or surgery [Source: Reinaldo]. Hence, this is one of the reasons why stress can cause such problems on the bowel.  Glutamine dosages start at 300-400mg a day and may increase up to 1200-1500mg a day.
4. Deglycyrrhized licorice (DGL) has long been used for its ability to help repair the lining of the stomach. The DGL form of licorice is used because will not affect blood pressure in the way regular licorice can. DGL is well-tolerated and could be useful for those with a history of ulcers taken at 100-300mg a day.
5. Gamma-oryzanol is an extract from rice bran, and the supplement has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the bowel. It can be dosed at 25 mg a daily.
6. Essential fatty acids are healthy fats required by our systems for basically every cell in the body. Healthy fats from fish, flax and coconut oil have the potential to help control inflammation in the bowel that may be causing pain and poor digestion.
7. Turmeric is a common spice of Asian cuisine. Turmeric has gained much fame for its many benefits in the body that include anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is a win-win because of its potential in helping so many conditions including inflammation in the bowels.

The bowels perform a very complex array of jobs and often struggle with the processed and refined foods they are given. Toxins, overuse of antibiotics and lack of nutrition make poor bowel health a regular problem for many. In addition to dietary changes, the digestive tract may need nutrients to help repair, rebuild and recover its normal function.

Lots More Information

Related Articles

• Digestive Health and Chronic Illnesses
• When should you take digestive enzymes?
• 5 Signs You Should See Your Doctor for Your Heartburn
• How common is GERD?

Sources

• Reinaldo A., et al. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation and the immune response of long-distance athletes. Nutrition 2002 May;18(5):376-9.
• Sacks GS. Glutamine supplementation in catabolic patients. Ann Pharmacother. 1999;33:348-54.