Holiday Gut Health

Promoting Natural Movement

Holiday meals can be challenging to your digestion and gut health, especially if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other common gut health issues. This can make you wonder how you can enjoy the party or any meal without the impending digestive discomfort. However, there are simple ways to support your digestion in the face of holiday temptations.

One important aspect of proper digestion is the process called peristalsis, which relies on muscular contractions in the digestive system to move food along and assist nutrient absorption. It is crucial to keep this process in balance. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium play a significant role in supporting natural movement. These minerals should be kept in balance, as an imbalance can lead to issues like soft stools.

Supporting Digestive Flora

Another potential issue with gut health or IBS is an imbalance of digestive flora, which refers to the wide array of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Including probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (specific ingredients that nourish beneficial bacteria) in your diet can greatly relieve bowel issues. Additionally, you can consider using a certified organic, liquid probiotic formula with prebiotics and 19 digestive herbs, in the form of a fermented beverage for optimal bioactivity and bioavailability.

The Importance of Enzymes

In individuals with gut health issues, IBS, or long-term gut discomfort, digestive enzymes may not be working at peak efficiency. Supplementing with natural digestive enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase can help improve digestion. Slowing down and chewing food slowly and thoroughly can also aid in digestion by pre-digesting the food and reducing the burden on stomach enzymes.

Eating More Fiber

Increasing fiber consumption can have a positive impact on digestion and bowel movements. Contrary to popular belief, fiber does not necessarily speed up digestion. Instead, it acts as a modulator for digestion and can improve both constipation and diarrhea.

Trying Natural, Researched Supplements

There are several herbs and botanicals known to promote digestive health. A comprehensive gut health formula that includes ingredients like pomegranate seed, pepper fruit, cassia bark, Chinese cardamom fruit, tangerine fruit, ginger root, and sacred lotus seed can provide support. These ingredients have been traditionally used to strengthen digestive activity, promote circulation, alleviate cramping and gas, support intestinal movement, combat nausea, and address gastrointestinal issues.

If you’re looking for extra support during this holiday season, these simple solutions can offer fast-acting relief and long-lasting digestive support. Implementing these strategies can help you feel your best throughout the holidays and beyond. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

The post Holiday Gut Health appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in alternative medicine and complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine is a treatment that is not commonly used by mainstream medical professionals, but has been proven to be beneficial for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.

Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don’t recommend them because there isn’t enough evidence or safety concern.

There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.

Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. However, clinical trials over the past 20 years suggest that some of these therapies might work.

Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Similarly, preliminary data show that it may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.

Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.

People are increasingly turning to CAM practitioners to find relief from common ailments.

Despite this popularity, many people still have questions about “alternatives” and “complementary” medicine.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?

Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It could save you money and time in the long run.

Is holistic medicine safe to use?

Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects that are most common include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness as well as diarrhea, constipation and insomnia. These side effects can be difficult to understand and must be weighed against the benefits offered by alternative treatments such acupuncture.

There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.

Before starting any new treatment, consult your doctor.

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the four types of complementary and alternate medicine?

The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products include herbs and vitamins, minerals as well as dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. Prayer and visualization are some of the techniques used for energy healing.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners can also do diagnostic testing (e.g., blood test) and prescribe medication. Others do both.

There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. There are many subcategories within mind-body medicines, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness training. Natural products are nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations, medicinal plants, and teas. Manual, movement, traction and electrotherapies are all forms of manipulative therapy. They include cupping, stretching and myofascial release. Trigger point therapy, orthotics, neurostimulation, trigger point therapy, manuals, trigger points, trigger point therapy, orthopedics. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.

There are many different reasons people use the CAM.

To improve their overall health.
To manage a particular condition.
To reduce discomfort or pain
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

People turn to CAM for greater control of their health than conventional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.

Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This is true regardless age, gender and race.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. 95% or more of adult Americans have used some type of CAM in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.

The American Medical Association has reaffirmed its support to integrative medicine in 2013, It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark 2007 report called “Relating Constraints” that concluded that there was no evidence to support the claim that any particular CAM intervention can prevent, treat, cure, or cure cancer.

CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.

CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies can be used for pain relief, but many have other benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and increased immunity.

For example, acupuncture can help relieve chronic back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve immune function, promote weight loss and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments have roots in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

It was not until the mid-1800s when Western science began to gain prominence, but TCM remains an important element of health care today.

TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.

Yoga is another popular CAM therapy. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.

Yoga has been gaining popularity with the general population because it provides many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase strength and help with blood pressure.

Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM therapies like aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, and/or homeopathy are also becoming accepted in mainstream medicine.

One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to American Cancer Society, 45% adults diagnosed with cancer reported that they used alternative medicine during treatment.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent survey, 51% reported that they used at least one type (CAM) of CAM.

However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.

Healthcare delivery suffers from a large gap because of the lack of communication between CAM users, conventional medical providers, and traditional medical providers.

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