Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Sometimes we forget about critically important basics. Dallas Clouatre, PhD and I will discuss the B Vitamins, especially B 12 . Then nutrition expert and radio personality, Dr. Bob Martin will tell us about his new book, Secret Nerve Cures . I’d tell you what it’s about…but it’s a secret. Be a part of the show by calling 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide .
(Gut Series, Part 1 – Overview and the mouth part of the system )
(Gut Series, Part 2 – The Stomach . NOTE, the Q&A I promised on heartburn is at this link . )

So many jokes…so little funny if you are suffering

What tickles a 6 year old more than potty jokes? How many dads have used “Pull my finger” as a way to teach their kids that farts are funny? Not only do we never seem to outgrow that stuff, bodily functions (especially those that take place south of the stomach) also make for satisfying expletives. I mean really, who says, “Oh, ear-wax!” when they are annoyed? Ahem, I digress. Suffice it to say we may laugh or get grossed out, but what really goes on is serious business.
Surely you’ve heard the phrase, “We are what we eat.” Well not exactly. We are what we eat, break down, absorb, transport to cells, use effectively and don’t eliminate.

Enzymes . Besides the role of stomach acid discussed last week, we also need enzymes…lots and lots of different enzymes to break foods down into their component nutrients. R aw foods still have their enzymes but we don’t always eat raw and enzyme production typically wanes as we age or if we are unwell. So, you may well see good results by supplementing general digestive enzymes. Also, some folks don’t make the enzymes for specific foods like wheat and dairy. Inability to digest the lactose in dairy is a source of discomfort and even bad breath for many. My choice for supplemental enzymes is Enzymedica . They also make targeted enzymes for the specific issues I mentioned and much more.

Critters . If the lining of the small intestine has been compromised as might be the case with an overgrowth of yeasts, the surface area for uptake of nutrients is greatly reduced. Yeasts also tend to ferment foods and create gas (both belching and the toots). Because beneficial bacteria help reduce yeasts and do important work digesting some of our foods, they are your best friend. For more than a decade I have used and recommended Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics to support a healthy environment in the gut and there still isn’t anything better. Or you can forget about the health concerns and just try to avoid the consequences of gas with odor-filtering seat cushions .

Speed. “Transit time” is the length of time from when you swallow that burger until it becomes city property. Food moving through the system too fast (the trots?) or too slow (constipation) are both problems. Too fast means there isn’t time to absorb needed nutrients. (Dehydration also becomes a serious risk.) Too slow and toxins are absorbed into the blood stream. The toxins can cause fatigue, headaches and as a chronic problem, hemorrhoids and much worse. Don’t let anyone (even a doctor) tell you that a twice a week poop is “normal for you.” 18-24 hours is normal. Have you noticed how dogs scamper with frisky joy after leaving a nice deposit in the yard? (They seem to be actually smiling.) Well, that is what we are going for-the satisfyingly normal elimination of what is left of our food after we’ve extracted the goodies. Some factors:

Fiber. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and feeds the good bugs. News stories on the topic are what got me started on this series. Most Americans do not get nearly enough fiber-possibly because fiber comes from fruits, vegetables and whole grains but not Snicker Bars and beer. The study referenced in the news stated that you live longer if you eat more fiber. It also said that fiber from g rains had a more substantial health benefit than vegetables. Perhaps that is because the authorities usually classify French fries and catsup as veggies. Whole grains are indeed a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Unfortunately, due to packaging trickery, it is harder than you think to get real whole grains; many people are sensitive to the popular grains; and millions are already getting too many carbohydrates for the health of their blood sugar.

Water. Insufficient water intake can be as big a problem as insufficient fiber intake. I recommend drinking as much water per day as would equal ½ your weight with pounds changed to ounces. Example: 150 pounds equals 75 ounces. To keep track, in the morning draw up the amount of water you need for the day. Make the water as clean as possible and taste great. Avoid the plasticizers from bottles. Save money by filtering your own. (Surprisingly on a per gallon basis you save the most not as you might think with the pitcher type filters but with a unit that attaches to your faucet.) This one is the best I’ve found . And, to make the water wetter and add more minerals, as I mentioned last week, add some Willard Water .

Probiotics. These guys again? Yep, if your transit time is too fast or too slow try probiotics. They provide a significant part of the bulk to the stool and they eat fiber, thereby creating fuel for the lining of the digestive tract.

Food sensitivities, medications, too much/too little magnesium and stress can also be factors in transit time, but it may be easiest to start with the basics above.

If you haven’t had your fill of fart jokes. Check this out .

My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book : Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

Copyright 2011 Martie Whittekin, CCN