PROBLEM SOLVING
I have built this section of the program to be a helpful reference for you to explore. Read through them and see if you can identify any signs and symptoms you may be experiencing. I offer general recommendations based on the symptoms themselves, not the whole person. I am very careful to do this because functional medicine is all about looking at the WHOLE person and not just the symptoms. So please know that if you are reading this and experiencing chronic digestive discomfort (or otherwise), you may need to work closely with a healthcare practitioner to get the answers you need.
These are just a few of the most common digestive complaints. I have a huge database if you would like to explore them one-on-one. I didn’t list them all here because I want to focus on the basics. If you need a deeper dive, feel free to reach out to me to schedule a strategy session! You can do that HERE.
GAS AND BLOATING
A little bit of gas and bloating are pretty normal. However, when you deal with chronic gas, that is another issue all together. Methane is the main culprit for excess gas in the GI tract. Excess methane becomes problematic because it can deplete our stores of healthy short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that live in the large intestine. SCFAs are largely responsible for regulating fat metabolism, burning off excess fats and decreasing overall storage of fats. When SCFAs deplete, we open the doors for long term health implications in the colon.
Uncomfortable after eating and feeling very full
Distention of abdomen usually accompanied with pain
Excessive flatulence
Heartburn or reflux
Symptoms:
Chew your food thoroughly.
Gentle exercises like walking or yoga (try yoga poses for digestive health)
Colon massage (great in the bathtub when relaxed)
Lifestyle considerations:
Increase fiber (very slowly)
Soak beans and grains before cooking
Avoid sugar alcohols (most anything that ends in “ol” like sorbitol or xylitol)
Consider adopting a low FODMAP diet
Sip on “Yogi tea” daily (in recipes)
Nutritional considerations:
LEAKY GUT
Leaky gut is a condition where the integrity of the gut lining has been compromised. The wall of the small intestine develops microscopic holes where tiny food molecules can escape into the blood stream, causing an immune response. This immune response varies from person to person depending on their genetic expression, triggering events and mediators. Leaky gut is linked to a number of autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s, celiac, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, autism spectrum disorders etc.
ADD/ADHD
Chronic fatigue
Nutrient deficiencies
Malnutrition
Food allergies and intolerances
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Joint pain and discomfort
Impaired liver function
Chemical sensitivities
Skin conditions including acne
Depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges
Symptoms:
Chew your food thoroughly
Try to relax and enjoy your meals. Avoid eating when anxious
Avoid antacids
Be mindful of antibiotic use (explore other options if possible)
Stress management and reduce in overall stress load
Lifestyle considerations:
Avoid all high inflammatory foods
Consider an elimination diet or IgG and/or IgE testing for food sensitivities
Incorporate fermented foods
Incorporate fresh ground flaxseed (store in refrigerator or freezer)
Add bone broth or collagen
Drink aloe vera juice daily (2-4 ounces)
Probiotic supplementation
Consider digestive enzymes
L-glutamine
Licorice DGL
Nutritional considerations:
DIARRHEA
Stool is normally made up of about ¾ water and ¼ solid matter. Diarrhea is a symptom that something is wrong because the body is expelling it as quickly as possible. Three things need to be considered: your genetic predisposition, your digestion and levels of inflammation. It’s important to determine the underlying causes for diarrhea. It usually resolves itself once the underlying causes are addressed. Often times diarrhea is caused by food intolerances (commonly sugar, lactose), impaired fat digestion and absorption, leaky gut/damaged mucosal lining, antibiotics, stress or anxiety, excessive magnesium or vitamin C, etc.
Loose or watery bowel movements
Frequent bowel movements during the day
Urgency to illuminate
Abdominal cramping or discomfort
Undigested food in stool
Blood or mucus in the stool
Fatigue and/or brain fog
Symptoms:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid dairy, fats, sugar, and consider lowering meat intake
Lifestyle considerations:
Avoid all high inflammatory foods
Sip on tea of slippery elm, red raspberry or nettle
Sip on green juices, coconut water, tea and broths
BRAT diet (banana, rice, apples, toast)
Consider the therapeutic use of gluten-free oat bran or carob
Drink aloe vera juice daily (1-4 ounces)
Increase amounts of ground flaxseed (start low and go slow to test fiber intolerance)
Licorice DGL
L glutamine
Probiotics, drinks may be better to start
Digestive enzymes
Zinc