It amazes me when people complain about gut aches, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, you-name-it, yet at the same time they are completely unwilling and resistant to doing what they need to do in order to feel better.

They want so desperately to just eat the way they’ve always eaten, yet somehow magically feel great.

I recently saw a comment from a member (I’ll call him “Bill”) of a Facebook digestive health support group that’s the perfect example of this:

Bill: “I’m running out of ideas for fast food choices!  Does anyone have any suggestions for fast food options that are low FODMAP?” 

Trust me, Bill, FODMAPs are probably the least of your concerns.  The bigger issue here is that you are not eating real food, you’re getting a daily dose of unhealthy fats, refined carbs and chemicals, you’re not nourished and oh yeah, you’re brutalizing your digestive system to try to break down the garbage you eat.

Is this you too?

If you’re among the 80 percent or so of people in the US that suffers from digestive issues, it’s time to do some self-reflection:

• Have you been resistant to changing your diet?
• Do you make excuses for eating poorly? (I don’t have the time to cook; It’s too hard/expensive/boring; I hate “rabbit food,” blah, blah, blah.)
• Are you on a never-ending quest for the latest “magic pill” answer to your problems, only to be repeatedly let down when the product doesn’t work like the advertisement claims it does?
• Are you taking medication for your digestive issues and still having symptoms and/or suffering medication side effects?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, it’s time to look in the mirror and admit to yourself that you are most assuredly contributing to your botched digestion and gut misery.

Then do something about it.

Here’s how--start by looking at…

What could be ruining your digestion?

Here are eight possible (and fixable) causes of digestive woes—and we’ll start with the most common and widespread:

1-   A poor diet

Nothing will destroy your digestion faster, easier and more efficiently than a poor 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, 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 delicious meals featuring delicious, good-for-you foods that are a snap 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 sure to pair them with the right other foods to keep your digestion humming along. 

I bet you’ll see a difference in as soon as your very first meal!  I sure did, and this is exactly what ended my IBS for good 30 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. Eating when you’re relaxed also encourages you to eat slower, which means that your body will recognize satiety before you overeat. 

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 foods to be broken down into smaller pieces, which makes the job easier for your stomach and small intestine.

SLOW DOWN.  Have a conversation when dining, chew thoroughly and put your fork down between 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 bowel movement with 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, processed food and complex meals) many people have diminished 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. 

Make 2022 the year you accept responsibility for your digestive problems and do what you need to do to finally feel better!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia