MARCH 22, 2012 GERD HERBAL PROTOCOL

"Sometimes finding the answer is as easy as taking a break and stepping back from the situation."

Thanks Karen

We all have to do this once in a while. When I do not know the answer I always step back , ponder, think what I might have done or what I will do, and then tackle the problem. The answer to most of my problems is communication. Getting the exact message across is key. Communication is key. Something I frequently take a step back and re think is friendships. As I get older, I find that there are fewer friends that I want to spend time with. My tolerance is shorter. I know this is not really true, so I must do one thing--Meditate and Pray.

The removal of inflaming or offending foods is the key in patients who are allergic, but this is one approach. My other approach is to take the HERBAL approach.

Two MUSTS are probiotcs (friendly bacteria) and glutamine. I prefer powder form as the irritated gut needs soft repair and restoring abilities. It is a lot easier with a powder versus capsules or tablets.

I have been taught to use an antimicrobial tea (per many conferences at either Southwest Botanical Conference in Tempe AZ or the Medicine of the Earth conference in Asheville NC)

This tea consists of :

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

2. Matricaria recutia (Chamomile)

3. Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

4. Organum vulgare (Majoram)

I would mix equal parts of the above herbs (about 2-4 oz) and drink 1-2 cups per /day. The first two herbs, chamomile and licorice help rebuild the digestive mucosa and reduce the frequency and intensity of the GERD. There is an herb called Hamamelis that tightens the lower esophageal sphincter. This is one of the digestive barks. Of all the major systems in the body, I feel there are more herbs that can alleviate problems of the digestive system. I often utilize Weiss's Herbal Medicine text among others to mix/match herbs that I frequently use. There are simple demulcents for esophagitis (a precursor to GERD). These herbs can be used as teas or syrups. These are Althea, Ulmus and Symphytum.

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 20, 2012 GASTROINTESTINAL REFLUX PART ONE

"Your very own inner wisdom should be valued more than any other and will always guide you in the direction you need to travel. WHEN THE HEART SPEAKS....TAKE GOOD NOTES.

"Enjoy life....it has an expiration date.."

I was going to discuss heart disease, but I want to discuss a very prevalent disease with increasing rates - Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). The reason it is so prevalent is the bad dietary habits of Americans, as well as the over-the-counter antacids that are available. Many people seem to think they can eat whatever they want if they take an antacid.
Studies have shown that many OTC medications can be the cause of memory loss.

GERD could be reduced or eliminated if you change your dietary lifestyle. The most important factor is the consumption of simple carbohydrates. You need to eliminate sugar. I am talking about simple carbohydrates as bread, cookies, pasta, etc that convert to sugar quicker than table sugar. This is the glycemic index. In order to alleviate GERD try to eat low glycemic foods.

I want to help my patients support, maintain and restore their digestive systems. I do this with three changes to the diet: 1. elimination of the above mentioned foods, 2. the addition of amino acid L - glutamine, and 3. the addition of probioitc. These should be in powder form as it is better for the gut to absorb. Of course, I will discuss herbs tomorrow - GERD PART TWO. There are many beneficial herbs for the GI tract and GERD.

One epidemiological study showed that aspirin overuse and psychosocial stress contributed to GERD. There is also a statistical correlation between halitosis (bad breath - probably originating from gum disease), pickle consumption and headaches with GERD. Smoking is a well known contributing factor to GERD. Some even say coffee causes GERD. This may be so, but what happens if you want it black which studies show prevent Alzheimer's. It is a double edged sword.

So, this weekend while visiting the New York Botanical Gardens ( http://www.nybg.org/) Orchid Show which I highly recommend, I bought a book in the garden store called The Devil's Cup. I started to read it last night. It is about COFFEE. So far very entertaining and informative.

Until tomorrow...