Crohn’s Disease

 Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect tissue from the gastrointestinal track but primarily affects the small intestine. Crohn’s disease can affect the skin. The disease is named after Dr. Burrill Crohn, who first gave a description of the disease in 1932. The disease is prevalent in the developed countries, particularly in urban areas rather than rural. The main groups affected are Caucasians, Jews from European descend, followed by African-Americans.

Causes of Crohn’s Disease

The cause of Crohn’s disease is currently unknown. There are many theories and factors that may play important roles. For example the disease is virtually unknown among cultures that have diet pretty close to the one that their ancestors have used for centuries. In other words, they do not use processed foods with additives, con-servants, colorings etc. Genetic is another factor even though no genetic markers have been identified. If one of the parents has the disease the children are more susceptible to the disease.

Infections usually cause flare-ups of Chron’s disease. Pathogens like viruses or bacteria triggers an attack of the digestive tract that cannot be properly turned off. Crohn’s is an autoimmune disease.

There are speculation that the disease may be caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium paratuberculosis. The disease caused by the same bacteria, also known as mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), in cattle is called Johne’s disease and the infection can be spread to other animals. The bacteria is heat resistant and therefore cannot be eliminated from milk by pasteurization. MAP is not considered human pathogen.

Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The symptoms of Crohn’s are similar to the symptoms of the other intestinal diseases. It is most often associated with inflammation of the small intestines some times accompanied by lesions and tissue erosion. The signs of the disease includes abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, flatulence, fever, episodes with severe fatigue, loss of appetite.

Some people experience the signs once or twice and that’s it; others have flare-ups several times a year or several times a month.

In most Crohn’s cases the last portion of the small intestine, the ileum, is affected. That is where the absorption of bile salts occur. Because of not properly functioning ileum the bile is not reabsorbed properly the fat cannot be emulsified and is excreted along with fat soluble nutrients. Serious complications may occur as a result of Crohn’s. Here are some examples: peritonitis, abscesses, bowel perforation, pus-filled pockets of infection, fistulas (ulcer tunnels connecting the intestines with an adjacent organ, most often urinary bladder, vagina or skin).

Other complications may include gallstones, kidney stones, impaired blood flow to fingers and toes, anemia, skin lesions, arthritis.

Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease may be suspected when there is inflammation somewhere else in the body, for example joints or skin. After thorough examination depending on where the physician thinks the inflammation is. If the inflammation is in the colon they can order colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If the large intestine has narrow areas, barium enema x-rays may be the necessary test. IF a fistula is suspected than instead of barium they can use Gastrografin, which is more watery.

If the inflammation is suspected to be in the upper Gicapsule endoscopy may be used to detect ulcers in the small intestines. However the capsule can get stuck if there are structures, ulcer tunnels in the intestines. That is why they usually first prescribe “patency capsule”, which can detect the presence of structures. If it gets stuck, the capsule dissolves in 40 to 80 hours.

Standard Medical Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

No drug or medical procedure can cure Crohn’s disease. The treatment protocols depend on the severity and the goal is to control inflammation and prevent and treat flare-ups.

Nutrition Approach When Dealing with Crohn’s Disease

A lot of people with Crohn’s feel much better after they remove wheat, diary and red meats from their diet. Caffeine is a stimulator and it can cause too much stimulation for people with Crohn’s. Some react to alcohol since it irritates the digestive tract. Carbonated drinks are another irritant. Artificial sweeteners, colorings, some spices and preservative may all together be avoided.

Digestive enzymes help not only with the digestion of the food but when taken on empty stomach they can digest inflamed tissue and dead cells thus clean the body from pollutants.

There are medical foods, like Ulta-X, that are formulated to provide specialized nutritional support for patients with inflammatory bowel conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The food blends contain ingredients that help soothe irritated mucosal lining and deal with inflammation.

Probiotics and prebiotics are usually low in those with Crohn’s and additional supplementation is recommended by health care practitioners.  GI Protect plus Arabinogalactans is uniquely designed to nutritionally support the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract and promote the growth of healthy intestinal microflora.

Low heat processed colostrum supplements may enhance immune activity by promoting balance. Colostrum contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals, beneficial for people with Crohn’s.

What are the Proline-Rich Polypeptides (PRP)

Colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother after a birth of a child, is known for its anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and growth promoting benefits. It has all nutrients, minerals, enzymes to promote the baby growth and it is also used for passive immune transfer. Breastfeeding promotes gut immunity. It promotes maturation of the immune and nervous system
 Colostrum in mother’s milk contains high amounts of Immunoglobulin-A, while bovine colostrum from cow’s milk contains high levels of Immunoglobulin-G. It is known that secretory IgA purified from human colostrum causes inhibits the pathogenic E. coli bacteria. Colostrum in mother’s milk of premature babies has higher amounts of immunological factors as IgA, lysozymes and lactoferin, a natural mechanism for baby protection. Bovine colostrum is 40 times richer in immune factors than human colostrum and is biologically transferable to humans.

PRPs
One of the components of colostrum is Proline-Rich Polypeptides or PRP. They are tiny information carrying proteins with awesome adaptability. During times of intense physical stress, they enhance the immune activity by promoting the production of cytokines, small cell-signaling protein molecules used extensively in inter-cellular communication. When healthy immune system reacts to environmental factors through cytokine production, PRPs send signals via specific cell receptor-sites to decrease the production of cytokines in order to balance the immune system.
In experiments with guinea pigs, ovalbumin induced sensibility, PRP demonstrated significant anti-allergenic activity.
PRPs have been reported to possess activities ranging from antimicrobial action to prevention and neuro-degenerative disorders. Numerous PRPs have been isolated from salivary glands of mammals and are characterized as ‘first line of defense’ against pathogens and petrochemicals in the food.

Clinical trials with colostrum
Colostrum derivatives have been used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In clinical tails with patients with RA and OA, colostrum has shown profound effect on pain relief.
When given orally to mice it prolonged the lifespan and improved various motor and sensory activities. Colostrum increased the lifespan of cultured cells by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Colostrum has been used as an oxidative stress modulator for prevention and treatment of age-related disorders. It had demonstrated properties to protects against the spontaneous and induced mutations. Data imply that colostrum is likely to be suitable for application in humans to decrease UV-induced cellular damage and its well-established carcinogenic effects.
Colostrum induced neurite outgrowth in cultured cells. Neurites are essential for inter-cellular communication in the nervous system.

 Are all colostrum products the same? Does quality matter?
Many colostrum products are produced in a way that they lose very important PRPs. IgG PRP is low heat processed colostrum product for maximum biological activity and is free of hormones, antibiotics and rBST.

What is Phase I and II Detoxification?

Being in the wellness industry for years and experimenting with numerous detoxification programs myself the phrase ‘phase I ans II detoxification’ always invoked association with phase I having something to do with the colon and phase II with the liver. But is that what phase I and II detoxification really is?

 Did you know that detoxification can make you really toxic?

When a person detoxes the toxins, most of them stored in the fat cells, get released and once in the blood stream they can travel to each organ of the body and cause disturbances. If they get into the joins that can cause pain and inflammation. If they get into the endocrine system they can cause hormonal imbalances and premature aging and the list go on and on.

The body get rid of toxins and harmful chemicals through the liver, skin, lungs, colon and kidneys. Liver is the primary detoxification organ. There are two enzymatic pathways in the liver, known as phase I and phase II through which the body cleanses itself. It is crucial to have proper nutrition support for bot phases of the detoxification.

Phase I chemical reactions work on the toxins to modify them for phase II. Phase I metabolites, products of metabolism, are highly reactive and can be damaging for the body if not properly removed in phase II processes.

During Phase II the toxins are transformed from fat-soluble into water-soluble metabolites and can be excreted through the urine and bowel.

 Detoxification Support

In an ideal scenario the metabolites from phase I get neutralized in phase II but even in healthy individuals that is rare. Build up of metabolites in phase I can cause imbalances. Some of those phase I products of the metabolism are free radicals that can cause cell damage.

The balance between phase I and II be altered by dietary intake, chemical products as shampoos and cosmetics, toxic environment etc. Therefore when consider detoxing make sure that you use comprehensive detox products that can support phase I and II pathways.

 Detoxification and GI Disorders

GI health plays an important role in the detoxification process. People with GI challenges like leaky gut or dysbiosis may have difficult time detoxing because the toxins and harmful chemicals released by the liver in the process of detoxification get recycled back in the system increasing the strain on the liver. Impaired GI permeability may be helped by supplements with pre-biotics, like arabinogalactan, high potency pro-biotic stains that survive the stomach acidity.

During detoxification it is important to increase the fiber intake because in order for the toxins to get eliminated they first must bind to fiber in the intestines. If there is no enough fiber the toxins are re-absorbed through the intestines back into the body.

Glutathione is an antioxidant involved in process of elimination of heavy metals and chemicals from the body. Increased free radicals in the phase I reactions may lead to depleted glutathione levels in phase II detox. Several substances are considered precursors for glutathoine support including milk thistle, vitamin C, SAMe, NAC.

 Holistic Approach for Phase I and II Support

Restore formula provides tailored nutritional and herbal support for proper detox pathways support. In addition it has well-balanced nutrients for GI support. The abundance of anti-oxidants in the formula helps with removing of the harmful free radicals. Thus, comprehensive nutritional support is provided for total body detoxification.

Mitochondrial Activators for Better Energy Production

Mitochondria are the power plants of the cells. They take glucose and oxygen and create high energy molecule called Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plus carbon dioxide and water. ATP transports chemical energy within cells. It is often called “molecular unit of currency” of intracellular energy transfer. There is a strong relationship between health and the efficiency of the mitochondria. One of the explanations on aging, described by the anti-aging doctor Frank Shallenberger, is insufficient energy production by the mitochondria. That is why some people age really fast. Without cell energy there is no life.

What affects the cell mitochondial function and thus energy production?

Our lifestyle habits and genetics are a major factor in determining how much energy the mitochondria can produce. Making the right dietary choices, working out can favor the expression of those genes that support the optimal production of ATP.

On cellular level the oxygen transfers the ATP molecules creating water and free radicals in the process. Oxidative stress develops, if the level of free radicals increases to an extend it cannot be neutralized by the available antioxidants. The visible sign of oxidative stress is inflammation.

When people are not able to use fat properly as an energy source, excess weight gain is observed.

Except for the brain, all other cells burn fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. Excess carbohydrates consumption makes glucose readily available for and therefore the body does not need to release the stored fat.Poor fat utilization leads to decreased energy and ineffective mitochondrial function. A vicious cycle of insulin imbalances results from the low energy and weight gain.

Toxic environment can disturb the function of the mitochondria. Many of the toxins cause hormonal disturbances and disturb the energy making process of the mitocondrion. Example of those toxins are heavy metals such as mercury, dioxins, PCBs etc. Once in the body those toxins recirculate and eventually can damage the mitochondia, which leads to further damage to proteins and enzymes. As mitocondia are damaged there is less energy to support the metabolic processes and that starts the cycle of disturb energy flow in the body.

We are exposed to toxins daily and that is why it is very important to detoxify our bodies as we provide the right nutrients for the body to support the detox process.

How Can I Improve Energy Levels?

People that exercise on regular basis are familiar with the flow of energy after a workout, which makes the effort worthed. That energy flow is due to increased production of nitic oxide (NO) that bring the oxygen rich blood to the muscles. NO is the messenger that signals the cells to create more mitochondria, since the numbers of mitochondria in the cells vary. Increased number of mitochondria leads to more energy. Some organs in the body consume a lot of energy. For example the brain is the most energy consuming organ, taking up to twenty percent of the total body energy.

Like always, proper nutritional supplementation like Mitochondrial Activator with D-Ribose may increase production of more mitochondria.

In these days people run for the coffee to jump start the day but is it really creating more mitochondria or it just mask the problem of low energy and ironically lead to system exhaustion.

Mitochondria function plays an important role in overall wellbeing and longevity. We cat take necessary precaution such as replace junk foods with higher nutritional value diet, exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction and specialized nutritional supplementation.

Food Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitivities

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the body treats the proteins from the consumed food as toxic elements. The particular protein that cause the reaction is called allergen. Potentially any protein can be an allergen. In America there are approximately 12 million people suffering from food allergies.

The most common allergenic foods among adults are: shell fish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and eggs; among children those are: milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nut.

The most severe allergic reaction may result in life-threatening situation when the blood pressure drops and the individual has difficulties breathing.

Food Sensitivity

Food sensitivities are non-allergic reactions to components of the food. The most common case is Celiac disease, which is an inflammatory reaction to a protein called gliadin, found in wheat, rye and barley containing foods. The inflammation along the intestinal walls of the small intestines damages the villi, small finger like fibers of the intestinal wall, preventing the nutrients absorption and causing unpleasant symptoms.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerances occur when the individual lack proper enzymes to digest the food. The most well known is the lactose intolerance. People suffering from lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which digest the lactose in the milk products. Other common food intolerances are towards aspartame and sulfates. The missing enzymes can be supplemented by digestive enzymes or enzymes blends containing that particular enzyme.

The Proteins

All proteins are made up of amino acids in different ratios. A balanced amino acid profile is essential to get the most benefit out of the protein, but not all protein sources have a balanced amino acid composition. If only one protein source is used for an extended period of time, the body could become deficient in the lower occurring amino acid. Protein synthesis require up to 20 different amino acids, but even one deficient amino acid can be limiting factor in the process. Although plenty of protein may be consumed, if the correct balance is not there, the body will not be able to use the protein efficiently.

Pea Protein

Pea Protein is highly digestible, hypoallergenic protein source. Thanks to its high levels of the essential amino acid lysine, arginine, leucine, isoleucine and valine, it become very popular. Pea protein has the ability to boost nitrogen retention and has been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol and triglycerides. Pea protein is also ideal for weight conscious diet based on low glycemic index and high protein intake.

Rice Protein

Rice Protein is highly touted as hypoallergenic and easy to digest. It includes all eight essential amino acids for building muscle mass and complements pea protein well because of its small amount of lysine. Rice protein is high in arginine, which is easily converted to nitric oxide for increased blood flow, and glutamic acid.

Hemp

Hemp is considered complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids in quantities and ratios that meet the body’s needs. About 65% of the protein in hemp is edestin, a plant globular protein resembling the globulins found in human serum and is used to manufacture antibodies. This unique feature of hemp protein provides immune system support without animal blood derived IgG. The remainder of the protein in hemp is albumin, a free-radical scavenger. Hemp contains important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is a good source of fiber.

Chia Seed

Chia seed is a unique vegan product that contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and calcium. These nutrients provide both quick energy and sustained energy for later use, and can help building strong bones, nails, hair and skin. Chia seed’s fiber absorbs more than 12 times its weight in water, which may help promote prolonged hydration and enhance endurance. Proper hydration and electrolytes can also optimize the body’s ability to absorb other nutrient.

Cranberry

Cranberry is a protein source includes antioxidants for immune support. Cranberry is well known for its urinary health support due to its antibacterial agents. It a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber and omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. It contains carotenes, flavonoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols and anthocyanins.

Neuro Brain and Immune Activator is an innovative protein formula containing 24 grams of protein with only 6 grams of net carbohydrates. It advanced protein profile includes 5 specific proteins – pea, rice, hemp, chia and cranberry – creating a balanced amino-acid profile for increased lean muscle mass.

Additional ingredients to protein blends that support detoxification

Arabinogalactans

Arabinogalactans are an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber that supports the digestive function. Arabinogalactans can promote natural killer cells’ cytotoxicity, important for the elimination of cells infected by viruses. Because it is not digestible fiber, it enters the large intestines and lowers colon pH and create an environment for the pro-biotics like Lactobacillus to flourish. Arabinogalactans increase the production of butynate, a short-chain fatty acid, which acts as a protectant against disease. In addition, arabinogalactans minimize ammonia generation and absorption.

BrocColinate

BrocColinate is broccoli seed extract that provides high levels of sulforaphane glucosinolate for optimal detoxification support. Sulforaphane has shown to activate Nrf213 which is important for regulating dlutathione synthesis and cellular detoxification processes. Activated Nrf2 has shown to fight acute oxidative stress in liver and lung. Sulforaphane is a potent inducer of has II detoxification in prostate, breast, skin cells. It has shown to eradicate Helicobacter piroli and block gastric tumor formation.

Aminogen

Aminogen is a natural, plant-derived enzyme that breaks down protein and increases amino acid absorption. A recent study shows that Amingen increases nitrogen retention by 32% and releases 100% more plasma amino acids.

Taurine

Taurine is non-essential amino acid that is often deficient in a vegan diet. Taurine has shown to have platelet-stabilizing effects that can reduce coronary risk and aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Glutamine

During periods of stress body reserves of glutamine may be depleted and supplementation may be necessary. Glutamine plays an important role in protein metabolism and the deficiencies may affect the gut.

AlgaeCal

It is a marine whole food source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, strontium and other naturally occurring minerals. Studies show that it has about 80% better absorption of calcium than inorganic calcium, due to its unique porous nature.

Suma Root

It is an adaptogenic Brazilian herb that is used for ‘all things’. Suma root has shown to assist the body in adapting to external stress-ors, reduce inflammation and relieve joint discomfort..

Can the Aging Brain Make New Cells?

As the CEO of Boston Brain Clinical Institute, Thomas Lewis, stated that if you balance the inflammatory processes that occur during suboptimal cognitive health, the aging brain can recover cognitive function and memory. This recovery process is thought to involve the disaggregation and clearance of abnormal protein deposits.

Neurogenesis, which involves the production of new brain cells, is an obligatory part of the recovery process, leading to the progressive restoration of the ability to recognize family members and friends as well as communicate coherently.

Important requirement for the recovery of brain cell functions is the adequate and consistent circulation of oxygenated blood to the brain. This improved blood flow provides more glucose (for energy), amino acids, antioxidants and other important nutrients.

If oxidative stress in the brain, which leads to imbalanced inflammatory process, is significantly reduced by the antioxidants, then the brain can start to rebuilding the tissues as regenerating new, young neurons. The flow of oxygen rich blood produces growth factors that stimulate the activation of brain stem cells that differentiate to produce new neurons. This growing number of new neurons and the ongoing clearance of the deposits of abnormal proteins leads to healthy cognitive functions and memory.

Neuro Brain Activator contains plenty of ingredients shown to stimulate neurogenesis or regeneration of brain cells and thus improving cognitive process.

Protease is an enzyme that facilitates digestion of proteins. Taken systemically (on empty stomach, usually 2h before or after meal) may help clean up the whole body, by removing the unwanted proteins. Thus, assisting in purifying the bloodstream and restoring the energy and balance.

The Gut Brain Connection

Gut – the second brain

The gut is the second brain in the body known as the enteric nervous system. In the walls of the intestines there millions of neurons even more than in the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system. Many neurotransmitters occur in the enteric nervous system. Dr. Michael Gershon in his book ‘The second brain’ outlines how the majority of the serotonin neurotransmitters were found in the gut as opposed to the brain. In fact, every known neurotransmitter present in the brain is also present in the gut. There is a real physical basis to having ‘gut reaction’.

Most neurological conditions are not one specific thing but a diagnoses that encompasses a range of possible conditions, symptoms and causes. The current criteria for diagnosing a person with something such as autism or related conditions are based solely on behavior and noticeable outward symptoms, not on biological or medical test results. In the past decades, increased evidence has surfaced showing that many individuals diagnosed as being the autism spectrum suffer from a variety of physiological issues that need attention on the biological level.

Enzymes and autism

It is evident form much of the research that many people with neurologically related conditions may have a multitude of gastrointestinal problems. Because digestive enzymes are key factor when it comes to the gastrointestinal track, they are the first to consider when dealing with such issues.

Digestive enzymes are notoriously effective in facilitating and support intestinal function, immune system health, detoxification along with many other functions. Enzymes may improve digestion, absorption, and utilization of the consumed food. A person taking enzymes may just feel so much better that he or she is in a better frame of mind to learn, think, work, and interact. This way enzymes may contribute to behavioral therapies effectiveness. Digestive enzymes may be fundamental short-cut to better health and learning. They are the catalysts of the chemical reactions in the body after all!

Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis is generic term for imbalanced gut microflora. When the micro-flora is disturbed the person is vulnerable to pathogens. When the good bacteria diminished create ground for yeast (candida) overgrowth, small parasites or large parasites multiplication. Dysboisis can be caused by use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, GI infections, surgery, use of acid-suppressing medications, constipation, chronic stress, food alergies.

Symptoms of Dysbiosis

• Recurrent GI infections
• Chronic diarrhea
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease-like symptoms, including cramps, diarrhea, urgency and mucus/blood in stool
• Chronic constipation
• Decreased cognitive function or brain fog
• Gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue/Low energy
• Chronic sinus congestion
• Itching in the vagina, anus or other mucosal membranes
• Halitosis (bad breath)

Types of Dysbiosis

Bacterial Dysbiosis

Bacterial Dysbiosis occur as a result of too few beneficial bacteria are present and too many potential pathogens. Examples of bacteria that can cause dysbiosis are Clostridium, Salmonella, Shigella and Camplobacter.

Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth

Small bowel bacteria overgrowth is a form of dysbiosis that occur when bacteria normally found in the large intestine travel up to the small intestine, where they overgrow. This abnormal overgrowth of bacteria can result in poor absorption of nutrients and the breakdown of certain carbohydrates before the body is ready causing GI symptoms such as upper gas, bloating after meal. Small bowel bacteria overgrowth is observed in people with fibromialgia,

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans and similar species. These organisms, which are part of the normal flora of the gut, mouth and vaginal mucus membranes can become opportunistic pathogens during overgrowth. This is usually a consequence of chronic antibiotic use or immune system suppression due to chronic stress.

Parasites

Parasitic infections represent a specific form of dysbiosis. Parasites can be microscopic organisms or large organisms. If you have been exposed to them, detecting and treating the parasites is vital.

Functional Medicine Approach for Treating Dydbiosis

Clinicians have many tools to assess and treat GI dysfunction. One of the popular approaches for clinicians practicing functional medicine is the ’4R’ approach: Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate and Repair

Remove Allergens and Toxins

• Elimination Diet
• Detoxification Protocol
• Stool Testing for Pathogens
• Eliminate Pathogens

Replace

• Acid
• Enzymes
• Bile

Re-inoculate

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics

Repair

• Anti-inflammation
• Bowel Nutrients
• Liver-Immune Support

Ask your doctor if your GI condition could be benefited by Chantilly Core Catalyst.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs stomach content, which usually flows through the digestive system, moves back into the esophagus (the tube that facilitate food transport between throat and stomach).

What are GERD Symptoms?

• Frequent heart burns some times accompanied by sour taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Indigestion
• Dry Cough

What causes GERD?

The acid from the stomach that goes back into the esophagus and irritates the lining of the esophagus causes GERD symptoms.

In a health person the lower esophageal sphincter located at the bottom of esophagus completely closes and prevents the stomach content to go back into the esophagus. Majority of patients with GERD have relaxed or weakened valve (esophageal sphincter) allowing the food to return in esophagus.

Factors that contribute to loose esophageal sphincter:

• Some medications
• Consumption of caffeine, chocolate, saturated fat, food that causes allergies, not enough fiber in the diet, alcohol
• Inadequate acid secretion and improper digestion
• Overeating
• Genetics

Conventional GERD treatments

• Antacid prescription or over the counter medications
• Surgery

Reduced stomach acidity has undesirable consequence as inability to properly digest the food and increased risk of developing infections.

What to do the alleviate GERD symptoms

• Eat smaller portions, avoid large meals before bed time
• Increase fiber intake
• Avoid food with saturated fats, simple sugars, chocolate, caffeine
• Avoid lying down right after eating
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake

Natural Supplementation and GERD

Digestive Aid

Quality digestive enzymes are able to help with the food absorption. Bear in mind that processed food requires a lot of enzymatic work.

Buffered Vitamin C

Over-the-counter antacids may bring temporary relief by neutralizing the stomach acid but let’s not forget that the stomach acidity is needed for food digestion. Low acidity in the stomach makes people more vulnerable to pathogens. Buffered vitamin C cannot only deliver the benefits of the antioxidant C vitamin but can help with neutralizing the stomach acid.

Vitamins and minerals

Taking acid-blocking drugs may prevent the proper absorption of nutrients. Taking easy to absorb minerals and vitamins can address the issue.

Probiotics

Probiotics help the good bacteria restore the balance in the digestive track. They are known to help with lowering inflammation.