Herbalist's Comments and Suggestions for:43 Year Old Male with Irritable Bowel SymptomsDietary Suggestions: • Peppermint tea is especially soothing to the GI tract.
• Decrease use of Sugar, White Flour, Yeast Breads, Alcohol, Fruit Juices, Cheese, Mushrooms, Refined Carbohydrates, Salt, Saturated Fats, Stimulants, Excessive Meat consumption and Vinegar. Avoid Eggs or use organic eggs in moderation.
• In some cases, simply eating a large meal will trigger symptoms. Eat smaller meals and snacks every three hours; follow the food pyramid, slow release Carbohydrates and protein will ensure a balance in blood sugar. This also increases metabolism.
• Add these foods to your diet for health: Oats (lube the bowels),Whole non-gluten grains, Fresh Fruits and lightly cooked Vegetables especially broccoli, peas, celery, strawberries, avocados, tomatoes. Nuts and Seeds(especially Pumpkin), Legumes, Yogurt (no sugar added), Garlic. Also add Salmon and Tuna which are heart healthy foods, rich in folic acid, B12, and essential fatty acids.
• Increase fiber consumption through raw foods, high water content foods such as fruits and vegetables, or a fiber supplement such as 3g Glucomannan, 5g Konjac fiber or Psyllium, 1 tsp. powder to 8oz. juice or water 30 mins to 1 hr after other herbs or any current medications, for stool frequency, consistency, and improvement of pain or distension of abdomen.
• Avoid foods that tend to cause symptoms associated with gastro intestinal upset including wheat, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, spices, fatty foods, shredded coconut, artificial sweeteners, artificial fats, MSG, chocolate, dried fruits.
Other Suggestions: Try a "diet diary" record the foods that you eat and how you feel after. Record any cravings or reactions, try eliminating foods associated with symptoms/reactions as it is possible that an allergy exists, and/or candidiasis. Also suggest a body cleanse for colon, blood, liver, and parasites.
Recommended Herbs & Nutrients:• Multivitamin and Multimineral with at least10mg Zinc. 200mg magnesium, and 5mg manganese. Vitamins and minerals should be taken 15 mins. before or after a meal.
• Chromium picolinate 100mcg, support of proper blood sugar levels
• Antioxidant complex
• Vitamin C 500mg Twice per day, a natural anti-inflammatory, immune system booster, and antioxidant.
• Caprylic acid 700mg, an essential fatty acid which helps control cadidaisis
• Cat's Claw 500mg, Cat's Claw has antiviral, immunostimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for GI complaints and diarrhea.
• Asa Foetida Tincture, 20 drops, used for irritable colon
• Pantothenic acid 300mg (Vitamin B5) or B Vitamin Complex, for energy production, fat metabolism, anti-stress hormones, and healthy skin and hair.
• CoQ10 50-100mg, an antioxidant that may have cardioprotective, cytoprotective and neuroprotective activities.
• Grape Seed Extract 100mg, In addition to antioxidant activity, Grape Seed Extract may also have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and anti-atherogenic activities
• GLA 150mg Twice per day, Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA is an n-6 (omega-6)polyunsaturated fatty acid it has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic actions. It may also have lipid-lowering activity.
• Acidophilus 10 billion cells, at bedtime; a beneficial bacteria also used to control candidaisis
• Digestive Enzymes, Papaya or Bromelian 350mg; With each main meal; Digestive enzymes are proteins that are integral to the proper functioning of the digestive system
• Chlorophyll 50mg Twice per day, a natural internal cleanser, detoxifier and immune booster.
• Blue Green Algae or Spirulina 250mg, improves digestion, increases energy, as well as immune system booster.
Other Suggestions: Have your physician check for IBS or IBS mimicking conditions, Monitor Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Lipid Checks at least every 5 years, Consultation with a Nutritionist
Relaxation Techniques and Exercise:• Increase aerobic activity to at least 3 times per week. Exercise improves digestion!
• Add a strength training routine with weights, build muscle to burn fat!
• Vary your workouts to prevent boredom
• Qi Gong is a branch of Chinese Medicine that integrates physical movement and postures with breathing techniques and focused intention. Practicing Qi Gong (Chi Kung)means cultivating your body's capacity to heal, maintain wellness, and increase your vitality.
• Yoga and Meditation for stress relief and relaxation.
• Regular Massage will aid in the elimination of toxins from the body, circulation, and relaxation. Abdominal massage for GI discomfort.
• Other methods to help with GI discomfort: Heat therapy. Accupressure for large bowel function
Comments: Regular exercise increases metabolism for up to 15 hours after workout, reduces stress, suppresses appetite, and lifts the spirit!
Other Suggestions:Limit exposure to secondhand smoke (Casino environment)
Massage and Qi Gong referral
Counseling or Therapy for unresolved issues in his past.
Warm olive oil scalp massage and catnip tea rinse for flakey/itchy scalp.
This consultation was based on a detailed health history, not revealed in this blog. Always consult your health care professional before you begin any treatment.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
