Digestion is key to our health and our looks. (Garbage in; bad looking skin) One trip to the emergency room after eating Frito’s corn chips on an empty stomach taught me that the only thing you want to eat on an empty stomach is fruit; Frito’s – no. The hydrogenated oils and ‘natural flavors’ usually found in most commercial chips are the bad oils, which are very hard on digestion, and ‘natural flavors’ can include over 100 different chemicals, and normally contains MSG; unless absolutely clarified that it doesn’t. Both of these things are practically indigestible to the human body.
I take probiotics and digestive enzymes often. Probiotics are good for regulating the good and bad bacteria in your intestines – and we all know if our intestines aren’t happy, we aren’t happy. But remember – garbage going out? Literally! Currently, I am taking a probiotic called ‘femdophlius’ from Jarrow Formulas which also promotes urinary tract and vaginal health naturally – helping to keep the PH normal; which can cause issues if it isn’t. There is a WONDERFUL product from Life Extension that has enzymes and probiotics combined that really calms my stomach and helps movement. Digestive Enzyme Complex from Botanical Choice is a great one; and a good price. Aloe Vera is another soothing choice; typically one TBS a day helps your digestion.
Gluten is in everything…and even backing off from obvious sources for a week or so brings much relief. Believe me, I have probably tried everything because my stomach used to hurt ALL the time. Google celiac disease or gluten intolerance; you may see some of your symptoms outlined there. My sister was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease and the problems it caused her were tremendous. It is one of the only auto immune issues that can be cured through diet; but it is a lifelong commitment.
Another option is two products from Premier Research Labs’ Quantum Betaine HCL - and The HCL Activator these were recommended to me by health care practitioners at a compounding pharmacy. I have found good success very recently with these two products. If you have heard about HCL – hydrochloric acid and its benefits to your digestion; this product is outstanding. Most people on a western diet have had their stomach’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid compromised by age 30 and need an HCL supplement as their most important digestive aid to properly break down their food. Rotting food is a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria!~! YUCK! unfortunately I have had experience with both.
You want your body to work normally – give it the right tools.
I want to talk about: Stomach Rubbing. I’m a believer…..The other night my son was craving pizza; I had mine with jalapenos and onions. Big mistake. I woke up at 2 a.m. feeling like something really big was crawling around in my tummy, and it hurt. However; I did my stomach rubbing exercise, and not only did it calm my stomach; I fell back asleep. This morning; all went well, my tummy was flat again and happy. Here it is, from the book The Taoist Seven Ways of Weight Loss by Dr. Stephen P. Chang. The Stomach Rubbing Exercise. Best if done first in morning, last before bed; but is beneficial anytime.
- Begin by lying down flat on your back. Relax.
- Put the palm of your hand on your navel. If you are right handed, use your right hand; if left-handed, use your left hand. Then start to rub clockwise from the center – that is, from the right to the left – first in small circles and then gradually expand the movement until the upper and lower limits of the stomach and abdomen are being rubbed.
- When you have completed the first movement, then reverse it, rubbing counterclockwise in smaller and smaller circles until you are back to the center of the navel. You need not press down with any force. Apply a slight pressure as you rub slowly. Repeat this clockwise and counter clockwise motion as many times as you wish. This absolutely helps you to eliminate and it will calm you down during upsets, as well as leave you calm for sleep.
If I wake up in the night; and what woman lately hasn’t? I will perform the stomach rub, because it moves the blood away from your head and legs and into the stomach, calming you down. The Taoist book also mentions the brisker version where you take your hands placing them on your sides and moving up towards the rib cage and down past your navel, in larger circular motions. They say this can help your girth. It’s worth a try!
