Holistic Review D: digestive system support for natural health.

    1. Eat salads and take a fiber pill. 

Most people believe it is important to brush out their toilet. The same people may scoff at the idea of "brushing out" the same material from their colon. However, a clean colon is far more important. The best way to "brush out" the colon is to eat huge amounts of vegetables, especially raw garden salads. If this causes diarhea, then start with only one leaf. The second best way is to take 1, or 2, or 3, or 4 capsules daily of "Colon Green" buffered fiber or the equivalent. It is impractical to eat perfectly, and an unclean colon can worsen almost any disease. We believe Colon Green or the equivalent should be taken by almost everyone.

    2. Use diluted yogurt, kefir or aloe vera to take prescription drugs, if allowed by the prescription. 

Also take a bit more later. Otherwise any drug, especially an antibiotic, can destroy probiotic bacteria and cause serious long-term side effects.

    3. Eat ripe raw pineapple or take enzyme supplements. 

The purpose of enzymes is to break apart food molecules. Having fewer enzymes is just like having fewer teeth. The older we are, the weaker the digestive system, causing us to become old faster. Raw pineapple is the only food that provides substantial enzyme support. Often it is served unripe which causes acidic irritation. Make sure it is ripe and has a sweet odor. In the USA, factory-peeled Dole pineapples, available in plastic containters in most supermarkets, are usually of acceptable quality if still fresh. Unpeeled pineapples are more of a gamble. (Optional: to further buffer the acidity, add a small amount of calcium powder or liquid.)

Product guide d1: the best and most important digestive support supplements.

    *   Colon Green buffered psyllium fiber by Futurebiotics. 

This is a gentle fiber formula containing psyllium, alfalfa leaves, anti-parasitical herbs, plus a small amount of acidophilus and digestive enzymes. For significant results, it is usually not necessary to follow the label directions of 6-8 capsules. Instead, you can simply take 1 or 2 capsules per day or per meal, whichever seems right for you.

    *   Aloe Vera in small liquid capsules by Now Foods. 

Aloe vera is a totally gentle and natural moisturizer found in most skin lotions. Similarly, it can possibly rejuvenate the entire digestive system. We recommend that you buy whatever liquid you can find at a good price. Just avoid the 'gel' versions which have a thickener added. However, to sustain these benefits, you should be sure to take small amounts regularly for life. The most certain way to do this is to develop the habit of taking aloe vera in small liquid capsules, such as available from Now Foods.

    *   Enteric IC Acidophilus Pearls by Enzymatic Therapy. 

You should always eat low-sugar yogurt, kefir and similar "probiotic" foods. However these might not be good enough to ensure optimum survival of your digestive bacteria. This "enteric" formula provides a broader range that is more certain to survive. Enzymatic Therapy offers both an intensive care (IC) and a regular version. There are other less expensive versions. However in this case, we think it is much better to use only the best, which is the IC Acidophilus Pearls.

    *   Probiotic Defense by Now Foods. 

Contains both acidophilus and non-acidophilus probiotics. This will provide you with beneficial bacteria that is totally different from those found in yogurt or in most supplements. This is less essential than those others, but a must addition if you want maximum variety for maximum health. We believe that only one capsule, three times weekly is usually enough.

    *   Chewable Papaya Enzymes by Now Foods. 

Probably not the most active enzyme supplement, but certainly one of the most gentle and pleasant to use. Contains not only papaya, but also bromelain and a full range of digestive enzymes.

    *   Cider Vinegar Capsules by Now Foods. 

HCL (hydrochloric acid) is your stomach's first effort in the digestive process. Aging reduces HCL, which in turn speeds up aging. Among numerous problems, calcium is not properly absorbed, promoting osteoprosis, kidney stones and rheumatism. HCL supplements are available, but which may be too harsh for some people. A gentle traditional alternative is to sip a mixture of cider vinegar with water, before or during meals. A dash of honey and stevia may be added for taste. Cider vinegar capsules are less effective but more convenient. Now Foods sells a plain version, and also a diet version, which contains herbs to reduce the appetite. (More details in chapter F.)

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