I recently conducted a little experiment to see if my suspicions were correct. 

And they were. 

I wrote letters to 65 local gastroenterologists in my surrounding area and along the east coast of Florida, introducing myself, including my curriculum vitae, and explaining that I would be happy to provide specialized meal suggestions and convenient guides that they could give to their patients to help address any dietary-related causes of their symptoms. 

Know how many responses I got? 

Zero. 

I suspected that may be the case, but I was hoping I was wrong. 

And unfortunately, the patient ends up being the big loser here because they undoubtedly are on some kind of medication, likely suffering side effects and/or seeing little improvement in their symptoms, and don’t know what to do with respect to their diet. 

And since their doctor is not trained in nutrition, they have no plausible advice to give. 

Am I talking to you? 

If you saw yourself in what I said above, listen up.   

The vast majority of digestive issues (including acid reflux, IBS, diverticulitis, heartburn, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis, Crohn’s disease and Barrett’s esophagus) are caused or worsened by your diet. 

And if your gastroenterologist is just shoving medications at you and you’re still not feeling good, it’s time to take a look at your diet, as well as other common factors that may be playing a part in your GI misery: 

1-   An unhealthy diet 

Nothing will destroy your digestion faster, easier and more efficiently than an unhealthy diet. 

If you ever want hopes of being free of GI problems, you MUST eat wholesome real foods that are natural sources of nutrients and fiber. 

What foods you pair together in your meals also makes a huge difference! 

By combining the right foods in your meals (foods that require complementary digestive enzymes—acid or alkaline), you make your GI tract’s job MUCH easier, and can set the stage for comfortable, complete digestion. 

This is the basis of my Great Taste No Pain program.  

Great Taste No Pain shows you how to structure tasty meals featuring delicious, good-for-you foods that are simpler for your system to break down.   

Now don’t worry!  You’ll still be able to eat foods you love.  You just need to be a bit more discerning about what foods you pair together.   

You could see a difference as soon as your very first meal!  I sure did, and this is exactly what ended my IBS for good 31 years ago. 

2-   Medications

Digestive problems are a side effect of many commonly used drugs. 

For example, antibiotics destroy your gut microbiome and cause gas and bloating, antidepressants trigger nausea and other digestive problems, blood pressure drugs can lead to constipation and anti-inflammatories cause ulcers and GI bleeding. 

If you are on any medications that are causing digestive problems, it’s time to talk to your doctor about alternatives, lowering doses, or possibly even getting off them altogether.  

3-   Stress

Digestion is a parasympathetic process, meaning your body must be in a relaxed, non-stressed state for it to be carried out properly.  

But if you instead eat when your sympathetic nervous system is in gear (such as when you're working, driving, emotionally upset, rushing, etc.), that can have a huge negative impact on your digestion. 

Be sure that your meal times are as relaxing and stress-free as possible and strive to keep your overall stress level low.  Get help if you need it, and keep in mind that regular exercise (with your doctor’s OK) is the #1 stress reliever (plus it also encourages better digestion too!).   

4-    Imbalanced gut microbiome 

The friendly bacteria in your gut microbiome help to break down starches and fiber—and without their help, you are far more prone to gas, bloating and constipation! 

Unfortunately, many people’s gut bacteria populations have taken a harmful hit from things like lacking sleep, medications, stress, and diets high in refined carbs and soda…and are they ever paying the price! 

If you suspect that your microbiome balance might not be what it should be, you can help maintain a healthier balance with Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula.   

Super Shield provides a supportive 7.25 billion CFUs and 13 strains of well-studied probiotic bacteria that can help repopulate your supply of crucial intestinal microbes, and help you achieve a more optimal bacterial balance. 

5-   You inhale your food 

If it takes you approximately 12.5 seconds to inhale a meal, you’re cutting your own throat in terms of digestion. 

First of all, starch digestion begins in your mouth, so the longer you chew, the better prepped the starches are to continue their digestive journey. 

Plus chewing more helps break your food down into smaller pieces, which makes the job easier for your stomach and small intestine. 

Eating slower will also help your body recognize satiety before you overeat.   

SLOW DOWN.  Have a conversation when dining, chew thoroughly and put your fork down after every few bites.    

6-   You overuse laxatives 

Overuse of laxatives can make your bowel “lazy” to the point where you’re unable to have a BM without them. 

But your bowel can be retrained!  You can help by taking the following measures: 

• Concentrate on high-fiber foods, fresh fruits and vegetables 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Take a complete probiotic formula (Super Shield is a help here too!) 
• Get regular exercise 
• Don’t ignore “the urge” to go  
• Avoid caving and using laxatives as much as you can   

7-   Omega-3 EFA deficiency 

Chronic bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are characterized by marked inflammation. 

But many sufferers have gotten relief by helping to reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract with Nature’s anti-inflammatory--Omega-3 essential fatty acids.   

Our outstanding fish oil formula VitalMega-3 can help ensure that your body has healthful, supportive levels of these crucial fats!   

Not only can fish oil help ease intestinal inflammation, but it also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol too!   

8-   Enzyme deficiency 

Because of our typical modern hard-to-digest diets (with their high concentrations of fast food, ultra-processed foods and complex meals) many people have challenged their body's ability to produce adequate enzymes for digestion.   

Plus our enzyme making ability decreases as we age, and people who have had gastric or gallbladder surgery are behind the 8-ball as well. 

If you feel you may be lacking in enzymes, a complete enzyme supplement like Digestizol Max can pinch-hit where your body might need help. 

Digestizol Max’s blend of 15 plant-based enzymes can help your body tackle whatever you eat, plus its calming herbal formula can help soothe a stressed GI tract.   

Now you are armed with the information you need to help make a big difference in your digestive issues.   

See what may be triggering your symptoms and help alleviate them safely and naturally. 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia