Digestion is a major problem in 21st century lifestyle. Everybody is too busy to sit down and eat properly, or healthily and there is a massive increase in colon cancer cases.
The question we must ask of ourselves is why does this happen? Followed by what can I do about it?
Why Indigestion?
Let’s start with why does this happen because this has far wider implications than mere indigestion.
Indigestion is nothing more than a symptom that your digestive juices are not performing the function that they are designed to perform.
In a nutshell that means that your body is not disposing of excess or waste products. This causes indigestion, heartburn etc. It also assists in putting on weight and constipation.
So we have three problems now: Indigestion, obesity and bowel dysfunction. We can also add to that the potential for heart problems caused by obesity. It doesn’t come more serious does it?
What to do about it
The second question we should ask is: “What can I do about it?” There is a simple, natural, remedy that I will come to later but for now let’s look at what most people do about indigestion.
They buy hundreds of millions of dollars worth of ‘off the shelf’ cures. Without mentioning names of products because every supermarket and drug store has shelves full of various cures for indigestion and heartburn that I’m sure you know as much as I do.
People who buy and use these products will know that, at best, they only provide temporary relief and cost quite a lot of cash for what they are.
I’ve seen products retailing at $8 or $9 that contain a few cents of ingredients. Little wonder they only want to give you temporary relief; this goose lays 24 carat golden eggs for the makers and sellers. Now let’s look at something that goes to the soul of the problem.
Overcoming indigestion
To overcome indigestion, and the more serious offshoots mentioned above, you must regain the balance of your body function by stimulating your natural digestive juices to work in the manner that they should.
The common link between indigestion, obesity and colon disorders is the inability of your body to break down the food that you eat and process it in the correct manner.
The answer is Apple Cider Vinegar. Take one Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water with each meal.
The acidity of the vinegar stimulates the natural digestive juices into performing their natural function and your body will start showing the effects within a couple of days. Often on the first day of using it.
Medicinal powers of Vinegar
The medicinal powers of vinegar have been catalogued for many years. During World War 1 common vinegar was used for cleaning infection from wounds before dressing, it has been used as antiseptic for surgery in emergencies. The benefits of this product are widely publicised but just as widely ignored.
Personal experience
On a personal note I suffered from indigestion and a hiatus hernia a little over a year ago. The hiatus hernia was controlled by a strict diet – mainly avoiding spicy foods. This was murder to keep up with because I love food and especially spicy food.
A friend suggested I use a Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water when I eat and I was prepared to try it.
The result: I have just about forgotten what indigestion is and can eat any spicy foods that I wish and never suffer from the hiatus hernia.
There is one more thing that you can do to help your body function in the manner it was designed to work and that is to increase your daily exercise. I don’t mean sign up at a gym or employ a personal trainer. All you have to do is walk for at least 20 minutes each day.
You can start by taking 4 walks of 5 minutes and build up to 20 minutes. It doesn’t have to be power walking, just remember that the body needs movement to function and only you can give it that.
Before too long you will want to walk for 40 minutes each day as you start reclaiming your body. – Just don’t get into heavy exercise unless you have discussed what you propose to do with your doctor and she/he has approved it.
The way of life that came to the fore in the late 20th century and persists today is not a natural way for your body to function. Just be aware of that and make a few minor changes.
There is little point in having a great income and lifestyle to die young is there?
Bromelain For Increasing Digestion
Did you know that pineapple plants have a group of protein digesting enzymes? Yes, it is true.
Such groups of protein digesting enzymes or proteolytic are so powerful that they have certain crucial functions for overall health.
They are commonly known as bromelain which was discovered in 1957 and since then, bromelain is widely studied in different corners of the world.
Bromelain is said to be essential for decreasing the muscle and tissue inflammation for the reason that bromelain has a combination of enzymes and ox bile which are responsible for digesting food.
Since it contributes a part to the digestion of protein, bromelain is thus applied as a digestive aid.
The bromelain supplements are generally developed from the enzymes that are located in the pineapple stem.
Bromelain is such a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory. As such, it generally functions by breaking down the fibrin, which is a blood-clotting protein that has the capability to obstruct the proper circulation and it may hinder the tissues from draining properly.
In addition, bromelain is so powerful that it hinders the production of compounds that are responsible for causing a certain kind of swelling and pain.
Since the bromelain is an anti-inflammatory, it is somehow understandable that when the inflammation is gone or just reduced, the blood can flow more easily to a traumatized area which then leads to easing the pain and speeding the healing.
The wonder of the bromelain does not end there for it is essential for treating pains, strains, and muscle aches and pains.
It is probably for the reason that this enzyme has the power with its anti-inflammatory properties to lessen swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness that can largely result from tissue injuries and some muscle aches and pains, and maybe from surgery.
Bromelain also ease back pain and chronic joint pain that are generally related with arthritis.
It assists the digestion and it lessens the heartburn for the fact that it has the power to increase the effect of the digestive enzymes as trypsin or pepsin.
For much interest, this enzyme has also the potential to decrease the swelling and pain of gout and according to certain studies, if bromelain is taken regularly, there is a great possibility that it will prevent recurrent gout attacks.
Besides, this powerful enzyme can ease chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies for its anti inflammatory effect.
Other researchers suggest that this enzyme can give relief to carpal syndrome tunnel, lessen the swelling and fasten the healing of cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and sting, and it can reduce the symptoms of eczema.
It is perhaps for such multiple uses that bromelain is much preferred by most people today. In the market, such enzymes come in the form of tablet, powder, and capsule.
When buying it, just be aware that the amount of bromelain in the products varies from brand to brand, so it is necessary to check the dosage recommendation before taking it.
Finally, in the process of taking it, just make sure that you take the supplement on an empty stomach, maybe between meals, unless you are applying it as a digestive aid, in which case, you should take it just before taking the meals.
It is also much better to consider combination products for the fact that bromelain increases the impact of various compounds.
Camille McClellan, MD, DNM, MBS
Naturopathic practitioner
McClellan Natural Health, Wellness & Nutrition
Free Naturopathic/Homeopathic Consults Available
