Maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Let's talk about our Digestive System! 

Well that's pretty much your textbook representation of the digestive system.  I know most of you reading this are probably not in 7th grade anymore and i'm sure this chart didn't really give you much information on how to maintain a healthy digestive system.  Just as it seems like schools don't really give people too much of a financial education, they also leave a lot to the imagination when it comes to health.  Sure now you understand that you have a stomach, pancreas, small intestine and a sigmoid (whatever that is?).  Question is, how do I keep all this functioning properly?  Well the reason we here at Mother Nature's Remedy are bringing up information about the digestive system is simple, it is one of the most common problems people that visit our store have.  Obviously we all know about acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn.  However, these can all be precursors to even bigger problems, namely colorectal cancer.  Colorectal cancer is actually the second leading cancer in the United States.  Now, the United States isn't exactly known for it's healthy diet.  Just tune into Man vs. Food sometime and you can get a good idea of the gluttony our fine nation prides itself on.  The problem is that this same gluttony and diet of high sugar drinks, processed foods, refined starches and microwaved space station lab gruel, may just have something to do with our digestive system being out of whack.  I know we don't want to hear that message, after all we are the country that invented fried Coke.  Despite our affinity for junk food, when it comes to digestion, first and foremost we should examine our diet.  The more you can incorporate organic fruits and vegetables into your diet the better.  This will make a significant change in how your digestive system operates.  In the meantime while your addressing your diet, let's talk about some of the herbal remedies we can utilize to heal our digestive system.  

Upset Stomach, Constipation and Flatulence

Ginger Tea

Buy Traditional Medicinal's Ginger Tea here.

Ginger is a very soothing and is one of the best ways to treat flatulence or an upset stomach.  Traditional Medicinals Ginger Tea is caffeine free, USDA organic and is a great way maintain a healthy digestive system.  

Buy Mother Nature's Remedy Organic Ginger Root Here.

For all you folk that love to make your own concoctions, we also carry our exclusive brand of USDA organic fresh ginger root.  Mince our fresh ginger and add it to a variety of dishes and drinks.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes help support the breakdown of foods, Irwin Naturals Daily Digestive Enzymes can help breakdown difficult to digest foods.  It is important when looking for a digestive enzyme product that it breaks down fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars and fibers.  This is exactly why we carry Irwin Naturals Digestive Enzymes, because it's specially designed formula can handle them all.  It even has powerful food energy activators that can accelerate our bodies process of converting food into energy.  

Fiber 

Everyone knows fiber can help your digestive system, especially when it comes to constipation.  Health officials recommend 25 grams per day, however the average American only gets 10-15 grams a day.  Yerba Prima's Daily Fiber formula is a concentrated source of all 5 fiber types.  It is an ideal everyday fiber supplement, being that it contains a balance of essential soluble and insoluble fiber.  

Heart Burn, Indigestion, and Acid Reflux

Slippery Elm

Buy Nature's Way Slippery Elm Here.

Slippery Elm is part of an herb family known as demulcents.  Demulcents are know for coating and healing your digestive tract wall.  They can do wonders for indigestion. 

Buy Health Force Intestinal Drawing Formula Here.

This is Health Force's custom formula for digestion, know as the Intestinal Drawing Formula.   This formula's main ingredients are actually two different demulcents, Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root.  There is also activated charcoal which helps clear out any fecal matter stuck in the colon.  Cleansing the colon is of vital importance to maintain it's health and prevent serious issues from arising with your digestive system.  

Aloe Vera 

We are big fans of daily supplement shakes here at Mother Nature's Remedy.  George's Aloe Vera tastes pretty much like spring water so you can add it to your shakes and smoothies in the morning without affecting the flavor.  Aloe Vera is very soothing for heartburn or acid reflux.  Aloe Vera is actually just a great supplement for overall digestive health.  

Cleansing

Our final note for today will be about cleansing, specifically the colon because that's where we get a buildup of un-digested foods that can lead to serious complications and may be a significant factor in colorectal cancers. 

 Senna

Buy Mother Nature's Remedy Senna Leaf Here.

I will start out with discussing Senna Leaf.  One should only mix a small amount of Senna Leaf into a drink at first.  I have taken this before and it is one of the most powerful laxatives on the planet.  It can be very useful as cleansing agent, however some people will use or abuse it for weight loss.  We do not recommend Senna Leaf for this purpose.  It is a digestive aid, and should only be used as a short term remedy for digestive problems and cleansing.  

Cleanse Formula

Buy Irwin Naturals Daily Gentle Cleanse Here.

Our friends at Irwin Naturals make a Daily Gentle Cleanse formula for cleansing the colon.  Their formula combines an Ayurvedic digestive blend with Western botanicals to promote a healthy digestive flow.  What makes this different from Senna Leaf is that it is non-laxative. 

Activated Charcoal

Buy Nature's Way Activated Charcoal Here.

Nature's Way Activated Charcoal basically binds to and captures unwanted materials in the digestive system.  It safely flushes them out and gives your colon some room to breath.  This is very effective medicine.