By Dr. Matsen

In last month’s Comment I discussed some of the general supplements that can be used by most people to help support the ileocecal valve and the kidneys. This month’s Comment will feature general remedies for digestive and bowel problems.

For those suffering acute digestive distress, sometimes the simplest cure is to use Fennel Tea, which is available in most health food stores.

If a person is suffering from severe acid indigestion that disrupts the sleep then I suggest Mastica, which is the gum of a Greek pistachio tree that has been used for 3,000 years for these complaints. Mastica has also been shown to kill Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria involved in ulcer formation.

For that heavy, bloated, gassy feeling after eating (especially fatty foods), I recommend Gallexier, which is literally a bitter bile elixir. Some people can’t take bitters or they prefer capsules, in which case Similase digestive enzymes would be more appropriate.

It’s also important to stabilize bowel function as much as possible early on in the Eating Alive Program.

For those prone to diarrhea, I recommend Smectite, a powder that is soothing to the irritated membranes of the intestines. Ambrotose, an aloe vera extract, can also be useful in the more serious, chronic forms of diarrhea.

For constipation, Flax Seed Powder can be of great help to regain bowel function. Doses are typically anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in a glass of water, once or twice a day, starting with the lower doses and increasing slowly. It’s important to drink an additional glass of water afterwards. When extra fiber doesn’t do the job, Spanish Black Radish tablets will often get the ileocecal valve and liver working together.