In the last few weeks, I have been working with clients and other practitioners focused on gut problems. Every single client of mine and every client of the other practitioners has a different “problem” or are seeking a specific answer. Some have been told by a doctor they might have a certain type of digestive condition, or they have been reading online about it and think they may have it, or they aren’t certain which one they have but they think they have something.
With this said, the one main theme is this, the reason that these people have what they have is because of foods that their bodies couldn’t handle and that led to digestive dysfunction. Anything else that developed after that is just the aftermath. The only way to fix that aftermath is to address why it started.
How can you fix the cause at home?
The great news is that if you think you have a digestive issue, or you know you do, no matter what the name of that is, the main goal for you is to change your food. Your food needs to be focused on the following things:
1. Eliminating processed and packaged goods. That includes bread and pasta from the store. Any snacks that don’t come from nature need to go – if they came out of the bag – bye-bye. This also includes DRINKS. Water is the only thing you need. You can add real lemon or lime or other real fruits to it if you wish, but no more energy drinks and no more random other bottled beverages from the store. Of course, no soda. But that seems like a given.
2. Increasing your vegetables daily. You need to have at least two cups of vegetables per meal. This takes the place of your pasta (empty calories and no nutritional value to your body). These are rich in nutrients, as well as FIBER. That type of fiber is THE TYPE of fiber you need. YOU DO NOT NEED A FIBER SUPPLEMENT. In my practice, I never use fiber supplements – ever. If you eat enough vegetables and fruits daily you will get fiber.
3. Well-sourced proteins. That means grass-fed, wild-caught, pastured animals raised in nature. If you need to learn more about food sourcing – check out this previous blog post. These need to be a part of every meal. Eggs count as a protein of course as well.
4. Drink more water. Water was mentioned above because it should be the only thing you have for beverages, but it is also necessary for most body functions and that includes proper DIGESTION. It should be consumed in small sips all day – no large amount before meals, or after meals, or really no big gulps all day – just small sips all day until you consume at least half your weight in ounces daily. You may need more if you work out, sweat a lot, or have a caffeinated beverage or alcohol.
So you are thinking this is it? That’s all I have to do? Well yes in terms of food, but it will be a big change for most people and I work with people to guide them on HOW to do this and make it tailored to THEIR BODY because the next part is where it becomes very individual. Everyone’s body works differently, and some need more support in certain areas than others. And your particular digestive dysfunction and the problem might need some very specific food and supplement support. Those are NOT the same for every person. This is where working with a practitioner like myself makes the difference in your healing journey.
Aren’t there other things that cause these issues?
Yes and no. They all came from foods that caused dysfunction (unless there was a physical defect that you were born with of course). With that said, the other things that can creep into the picture when you have dysfunction also need dealing with.
1. Parasites, worms or other “critters”
These are detected on a specific GI test I can do in my practice and they can be picked up through food and water sources and many people do have these critters and they need to be eradicated to get proper function. BUT they were able to stay and live in the GI tract because there was dysfunction – so it all goes back to those foods and habits listed above.
2. Microbes like viruses or bacteria
Some can take over and they are negative for your health. Once again, they ended up living and growing there because of the dysfunction and food above. HOWEVER, to remove them they need a specific approach.
3. Overgrowth of bacteria that can be naturally found in the gut
This happens, once again, for the same reason as above with food and dysfunction. However, the balance can be corrected with the right personal approach through foods and possibly supplements. Some of these microbes can be inflammatory in nature. That means that if you have a lot of inflammation in your body, or you have an inflammatory condition of any kind you MAY have an overgrowth of these types of microbes. These are also included in the test mentioned above I can do in my practice.
The great news is that with the test mentioned, the digestive system function is looked at, and anywhere where there are issues it can tell you from fat processing to immune response and more.
So no matter what your or your child’s digestive issue is restoring digestive FUNCTION is the number one priority for every single person. That happens through food and habits, and then secondly through directed help to deal with any consequences of the prolonged dysfunction.
Want to talk more about yourself or your child? I offer FREE consults.
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