DISORDERS

(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,

causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)

Disorder: INDIGESTION

Description: Indigestion may be a symptom of a disorder in the stomach or the intestines, or it may be a disorder in itself. The gastrointestinal tract is a tube twenty-five to thirty-two feet long that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. Digestion begins when food mixes with enzymes in saliva. The process is then carried on in the stomach by hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Food is liquefied in the stomach and passes into the small intestine, where it is further broken down by digestive enzymes from the pancreas. The enzyme protease digests proteins, the enzyme amylase digests carbohydrates, and the enzyme lipase digests fats. The gallbladder secretes bile, formed by the liver, to aid absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Most food absorption takes place in the small intestine, while water, electrolytes, and some of the final products of digestion are absorbed in the large intestine.

Symptoms: Symptoms can include gas, abdominal pain, a "growling stomach," a bloated feeling, belching, nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation after eating.

Incidence: Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are common and can lead to improper digestion, malabsorption, and nutritional deficiencies, all of which may contribute to the development of many other diseases.

Causes: Some foods and beverages that can irritate the digestive tract, causing indigestion include alcohol, vinegar, caffeine, and greasy, spicy or refined foods. Swallowing air by gulping down food or chewing with the mouth open can also cause indigestion. Other causes contributing to indigestion include intestinal obstruction, malabsorption, peptic ulcers and disorders of the pancreas, liver or gall bladder. Food allergies and intolerances (such as lactose intolerance) can also cause indigestion.

Treatments: Proper diet, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and stress reduction can all help to restore proper digestion and enhance overall health.

Nutrients:

Supplement Dosage Comments

Proteolytic enzymes	As directed on label, with each meal. Take l/2 the recommended dose with snacks.	To aid in the breakdown of protein for proper absorption. Important for combating gas and bloating.
Acidophilus	As directed on label, l/2 hour before each meal.	Necessary for normal digestion. Use a nondairy formula.
Garlic	2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals.	Aids in digestion and destroys unwanted bacteria in the water.
Vitamin B complex	100 mg. 3 times daily, with meals.	Essential for normal digestion.
Alfalfa		See under Herbs below.
Aloe Vera		See under Herbs below.

Herbs:

	Alfalfa supplies needed vitamin K and trace minerals. Take in liquid or tablet form.
	Aloe vera is good for heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Take ¼ cup of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning and again at bedtime.
	Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea.
	A few sprigs of fresh parsley, or ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley, taken with a glass of warm water, can help relieve indigestion.
	Catnip, chamomile, fennel, papaya and peppermint are all good for indigestion.

Recommendations:

	Eat well-balanced meals with plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
	Eat a high-complex carbohydrate, high fiber, moderate protein, extremely low-fat diet.
	Include in the diet fresh papaya (which contains papain) and fresh pineapple (which contains bromelain). These are good sources of beneficial digestive enzymes.
	Add acidophilus to the diet.
	For gas, bloating, and heartburn, try brown rice and/or barley broth.
	Limit your intake of lentils, peanuts and soybeans.
	Chew your food thoroughly.
	Do not eat when you are upset or overtired.
	Do not drink liquids while eating. This dilutes the stomach juices and prevents proper digestion.
	Charcoal tablets, available in health food stores, are good for absorbing gas and toxins. Use for relief of occasional digestive difficulties.

Eliminate the following from your diet:

	All food additives and all prefabricated foods and junk foods.
	Dairy products.
	Bakery products, beans, caffeine, carbonated beverages, citrus juices, fried and fatty foods, peppers, potato chips, red meat, sugar, tomatoes, and salty or spicy foods.
	Consult your physician if you develop heartburn and the symptoms persist. If the pain travels down your left arm, or is accompanied by a feeling of weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help. The early symptoms of a heart attack can be very much like those of heartburn and as a result, many people mistakenly dismiss them.

Considerations:

	Drinking the juice of a lemon in a cup of water first thing in the morning is good for healing and purifying the blood.
	Exercise, such as brisk walking or stretching, aids the digestive process.
	Most antacids sold in the United States contain aluminum compounds, calcium carbonate, magnesium compounds, or sodium bicarbonate. Aluminum-based antacids can cause constipation. Calcium carbonate can cause a rebound effect in which the stomach produces more acid after the antacid’s effect wears off. Magnesium compounds can cause diarrhea. Sodium bicarbonate can cause gas and bloating.
	Taking antacids to relieve indigestion and heartburn may actually make it worse. Antacids neutralize the acid in the stomach, preventing proper digestion and interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Antacids do not prevent gas and bloating.

Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:

Product No	Description	Comments	Cost
253-15	Aloe vera 25 mg. extract Tablets	As directed on label	$7.50/100
889-15	Alfalfa 500 mg. tablets	As directed on label	$2.25/100
334-15	Digestive Enzyme	As directed on label	$6.95/100
888-15	Acidophilus with pectin hardshell	As directed on label, l/2 hour before each meal	$6.95/100
245-15	Activated Charcoal 260 mg. Caps.	As directed on label	$5.95/100
978-15	Garlic 400 mg. odor free tabs.	2 tablets 3 times daily	$5.50/100
890-15	B Complex 100 mg. tablets	1 tablet 3 times daily, with meals	$8.95/100

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd Edition

By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide

Compiled by the Burton Goldberg Group

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