1,000 mg of calcium“Hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist.
It is just like the roads across the earth.
For actually there were no roads to begin with,
But when many people pass one way a road is made.”
—Lu Hsun, 1921
Maya Angelou said, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” I hope that these pages will help you to know better so that you can do better.
Part IV provides a comprehensive list of self-care ideas for the most common digestive problems. We start our journey at the mouth and move south. Some of the following ideas alleviate symptoms, while others work to help your body heal the underlying cause. The remedies are mostly nutritional and herbal because those are the fields I know best; I have included other modalities whenever possible. The most important ones are listed first. Read each section that applies to you, find the remedies for your symptoms, and try those recommended more than once first. Also try the remedies that make the most sense intuitively.
In all cases begin with the DIGIN model for optimal healing then look for specifics in these chapters.
Each herb or nutrient is listed separately, but often they can be found in combination supplements. You’ll notice that specific recommendations are repeated for many problems. Although each health condition has its own unique properties, many have similar characteristics that respond to similar treatment programs. You’ll probably want to work with a health professional to tailor a program that will best suit your needs.
Health care is both a science and an art. You may need the science in the form of lab testing, diagnosis, and evaluation of your needs. Your clinician will order the customary lab work. I have included information about functional lab tests that are most likely to reveal new information; these tests will probably be unfamiliar to your physician. You will find a resource directory of suggested laboratories and supplement companies online at http://www.digestivewellnessbook.com.
The art of healing comes into play when determining which paths to follow, which ideas have the most merit, and which dosages are appropriate. Healing often happens in layers. Sometimes you try the right thing at the wrong time. Later, you try it again with great results because the initial obstacle has been removed. If the first program you try doesn’t work or works only partially, try another. You can feel better when you are persistent and patient. Remember, our symptoms are our body’s way of telling us to pay attention, that something is out of balance. By listening, we often have the inner wisdom to know exactly what we need.
Begin your program by taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Think of a multivitamin with minerals as inexpensive health insurance, and arm yourself with an excellent supplement. Your diet is likely to be deficient in several nutrients that supplements can provide. Because minerals are bulky, you’ll find yourself taking anywhere from two to nine pills daily. Read the ingredients on the label carefully. If a product contains artificial colors, preservatives, shellac, or carnauba wax, put it back on the shelf and keep looking. Also, look for an expiration date and batch number. Although I love food-based supplements, if you have a lot of food sensitivities or allergies, think twice about taking one. It’s likely that one of the foods that’s in the supplement may be one that you react to. Look for a multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains at least the following:
Recommended Multivitamin with Minerals
1,000 mg of calcium
400 to 600 mg of magnesium
400 IU of vitamin D
At least 100 IU of vitamin E
At least 250 mg of vitamin C
200 mcg of chromium
200 mcg of selenium
5–10 mg of manganese
At least 15 mg of zinc
At least 400 mcg of folic acid
At least 10 mg of each B vitamin
If you do this, the rest of the nutrients will be in line.