Treating digestive issues can be a daunting and long road. Almost all of us have dealt with some kind of ailment, whether as acute as a stomach flu or complicated as chronic issues. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome impacts the digestive symptom rather dramatically, as is my case at least. I feel like I’ve passed through every possible digestive complication and co-morbidity. I’ve had issues my whole life but everything worsened at 16. I’ve been in a silent battle with my stomach ever since. And due to the nature of my condition, my symptoms are constantly in flux. I’ve experimented with everything on myself. LowFodMap diet, low histamine diet, elimination, intermittent fasting, anti-inflammatory diet, liquid/purée diets, ayurvedic treatments and more. I’m dealing with mast cell induced SIBO, IBS, ulcerative colitis, chronic nausea, intestinal hyper mobility, malabsorption, easy dehydration, periods where I can’t keep food down, days of intense burning reflux and insatiable hunger followed by days where my stomach literally cannot digest food. It’s been an intense road but little by little, especially with the integration of healing and nurturing plants, I’ve figured out how to calm the flares and respond to whatever symptom I wake up to. When dealing with digestive issues it’s about an all around approach and attacking the problem from all angles. Finding the diet that works for you; eating in whatever capacity makes you feel best (small meals, never at night, separating liquids from solids, etc.); restoring the delicate micro biome of intestinal flora; using plants, herbs and roots that can relieve bothersome day to day symptoms; and exercising serious patience. The digestive system is far more complex and crucial than we can even comprehend. Healing and balancing this system takes time and commitment, but it does pay off.
Chamomile: not just for calming nerves, this tea contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help to ease indigestion and bloating. (1)
Probiotics: this is all about getting a healthy biome. Probiotics can be essential tools for building up the digestive system after antibiotics or general digestion issues. But they shouldn’t be taken on the long term as too many probiotics can equal an imbalance in the other digestion. Too little good bacteria is problematic but so is too much. Consult with your doctor, especially if you’re dealing with pre-existing digestive issues, to establish a proper length of probiotic treatments. (2)
Cinnamon: can offer relief from gas, acid reflux, indigestion, nausea and cramps. This medicinal tree bark has anti-fungal properties that is particularly effective in the treatment of an overgrowth candida yeast in the intestinal tract which can contribute to gas and bloating. A sign that your digestive tract has too much bacteria, sulfur smelling stool. (3)
Ginger: this magical root is respected by healers and doctors alike for its effects on the digestive system. Ginger acts as a carminative (flatulence inhibitor) and intestinal antispasmodic. Gingerol is the active compound in ginger and account for the distinctive taste and smell and are charged with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some scientists hypothesis that ginger can block serotonin receptors that cause nausea. I like to take my ginger grated fresh into in anti-inflammatory turmeric milk. I drink it in the morning to help with nausea. (4) (5)
Peppermint: can lesson contractions and bloating. To brew fresh mint tea, pour boiling water over fresh leaves and cover. Let them infuse for 15 minutes. Add a spoonful of honey too! (6)
Turmeric: this root’s anti-inflammatory properties help ease stomach aches and treats inflammation of the digestive tract. (7)
Fennel: the seeds of this plant are charged with phytoestrogens that help fight against nausea, bloating and gas. Make a tea with fennel seeds (and ginger!) to ease nausea. (8)
Apple cider vinegar: nausea is often associated with too much stomach acid, and while ACV might be acidic outside the body, it turns alkaline once ingested and helps to neutralize excessive acid. Lemon acts in a similar way! (9)
Licorice: Folk remedy for acid reflux. Drink as a tea or nibble on candy extracts. But be careful not to overdose as licorice can lower potassium levels. (10)
L-Glutamine: this amino acid is produced naturally by the body and is believed to help with nutrient absorption, balancing bacteria in the digestive tract, and repairing the system from damage caused by drug treatments. It can potentially help with those who have had part of their digestive tracts removed. We can supplement this amino acid with food sources including: bone broth, whey protein, raw dairy, spiraling, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli and organic venison and poultry. (11)
Artichoke: this flower like plant an help with symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomitting, gas and abdominal pain (and also supports liver function! Everything is connected…) and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. (12)
Activated charcoal: this miracle black magic powder has multiple uses, but is particularly powerful in treating gas, nausea and bacterial infections. It also works as a powerful detox helping to flush the digestive system of toxins. Mix a teaspoon in a glass of water for instant. (13) (14)
Alternative Digestion Treatments
Yoga positions to facilitate digestion and treat bloating
Drink room temperature water not cold
Apply heat to stomach for stomach ache and contractions
Cannabis (CBD is particularly effective for nausea)
Diffuse essential oils like peppermint, aniseed and clove to ward off nausea