Addressing Gut Health Concerns
Poor gut health is widespread, affecting 70% of Americans with symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, and IBS. If you've been dismissed by your GP or specialists, you’re not alone. Navigating digestive issues can be emotionally challenging and make you feel misunderstood. While common, these issues shouldn't be deemed normal. Our gut health impacts our overall well-being, and finding the root cause is essential.
How the Microbiome Benefits Us
Importance of Proper Digestion
Digestion works from north to south, starting in the mouth and ending in the large intestine. To maintain a healthy microbiome, each step in the digestive process must function properly. Common issues like low stomach acid can disrupt this process and lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, heartburn, and multiple food allergies. Addressing these symptoms can help restore proper digestion and improve overall gut health.
Role of Acid in Digestive Health
Acid often gets a bad reputation, but it’s essential for proper digestion. Our GI tract needs acid to prevent pathogens, break down food, and regulate digestion. Alkaline environments can foster problems like dysbiosis. Healthy bacteria produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, which help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation, support metabolism, and relieve symptoms of IBD. Proper acid levels are crucial for a balanced and functional digestive system.
Boosting Stomach Acid Production
If you're not producing enough stomach acid, try these strategies:
These steps can help enhance your digestive health and ensure proper acid levels.
Enhancing Stomach Acid Production
Digestive Bitters: Bitter herbs in tincture form can stimulate stomach acid production. Drink a small amount mixed with water 15–20 minutes before meals. Bitter foods like citrus rinds, watercress, and coffee also help with bile production and detoxification. Bitters may improve the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially aiding conditions like heartburn and GERD.
HCL Supplementation: Hydrochloric acid supplements can aid digestion, especially with protein-rich meals. While generally affordable, high doses may be needed, and caution is advised if you have gastritis.
Discover more about using digestive bitters and HCL with our free digestive guide.
Signs You’re Not Digesting Protein Properly
Proper stomach acid (HCL) and proteases are essential for digesting protein. Low acid levels can lead to poor protein digestion and reduced protein intake. It’s crucial to ensure you’re not just consuming protein, but also effectively breaking it down and utilizing it.
Determine If You’re Constipated
You might be constipated if you don’t meet these criteria:
Sesame Seed Transit Test: Consume 1–2 tablespoons of unhulled sesame seeds without chewing. Track when you eat them and when you see them in your stool. Ideal transit time is 18–48 hours; longer than 72 hours indicates constipation. Identifying the cause of your constipation is key to addressing it effectively.
Common Causes of Constipation
Transform Your Health
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