Gut Health

Stress.

Unhealthy foods.

Lack of movement.

Aging.

Lack of sleep.

Hormonal changes.

Bacteria overgrowth.

A round of antibiotics.

And the list goes on…

Life can be hard on the digestive track and diarrhea, constipation, nausea, acid reflux, bloating, and gas can all be symptoms that this major bodily system isn’t very happy.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help at times, but did you know that there are numerous naturopathic options that can be used complementary to, or in lieu of, pharmaceuticals?

What’s best for you may depend on what the issue is, the root cause, and if it is chronic or acute.  Dr. Graves can assist with this guidance based on symptoms, testing, and any diagnosis that has been given.

Commonly, naturopathic focus can begin with:

1. Restoring the microbiome.

The microbiome, consisting of microbes that balance the gut and provide benefit for the immune system, brain, and metabolism, is an essential component to good digestive health.

Probiotics and prebiotics (both through food and supplements) are two foundational ways to support a healthy microbiome.

A probiotic of 100 billion CFU (such as ProbioMax® DF) daily for 30 days can help reset the microbiome, particularly during and after antibiotic treatment.

Following a reset, a 25 billion CFU probiotic per day can help sustain a healthy gut and be used alongside a prebiotic supplement that provides fiber (food) for the good bacteria.

Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kombucha, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread and foods with prebiotic fiber like asparagus, onions, leeks, garlic, tomatoes, apples, berries, bananas, flaxseeds, and oats can also boost the health of the microbiome naturally.

2. Supporting the organs.

The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, and intestines can become sluggish or irritated at times.  Support of these organs and restoration of their proper function can help get digestion back on track.

Supplements that assist with this process can include:

• Liver Nutrients by SeekingHealth®
• Liver C™ by Mountain Peak Nutritionals
• GB-6™ by Health Concerns
• LV GB Complex™ by Designs for Health
• detox teas such as Everyday Detox by Traditional Medicinals and Detox by Yogi
• Digestzymes™ by Designs for Health

and can enhance a diet with:

• clean, purified water
• leafy greens (dandelion, spinach, and kale)
• cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts)
• berries (cranberries and blueberries)
• nuts (walnuts, almonds)
• omega-3 fatty acid fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)

3. Lifestyle changes.

Personal choices in daily life can be some of the most significant ways to support a healthy gut.  Take inventory of unhealthy habits, triggers, and less-than-desirable selections that are not doing your digestive track any favors and then seek ways to make changes – starting small if need be.

Some factors to consider are:

• sleep
• diet
• stress management
• exercise regimen
• daily schedule

Make sure you find time to rest and calm the mind and body to allow the digestive system opportunity to relax and function properly.

Do you suffer from digestive distress?  Contact us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Graves to find out what naturopathic options may be best for your gut issues.

The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area.  For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.

 

REFERENCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-best-prebiotic-foods#11.-Apples

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-for-your-liver#foods-for-liver-health

https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/ss/slideshow-best-and-worst-foods-for-your-liver