Q: Recently I've been suffering from occasional constipation. Is there a natural solution?

A: Many experts will agree that 2 to 3 healthy bowel movements every day is ideal. If you are not eliminating regularly, there are several natural remedies that may help relieve occasional constipation. Increasing your daily fiber intake can help strengthen and tone the bowel. Fiber helps by creating resistance in the bowel and stimulating the wave-like muscle contractions (peristalsis) that help move food through the intestines and ease elimination. Drinking plenty of water is also important. Liquids add fluid to colon, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. A daily oil supplement may also be beneficial. Beneficial Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 oils help keep the mucous membranes in the digestive tract moist and lubricated, which in turn helps to ease elimination. Finally, maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial intestinal bacteria is essential for preventing a sluggish colon. Because the intestinal bacteria in the colon can help provide the proper environment for healthy bowel elimination, adding a probiotic (good bacteria) supplement to your diet may prove beneficial.

Q: Is it important to take a daily fiber supplement? And what should I look for in a fiber supplement?

A: Because the majority of Americans consume less than half of the recommended 20-35 grams of fiber each day, taking a dietary fiber supplement is often incredibly beneficial. Among its many health benefits, fiber helps support healthy bowel elimination. To understand how, let's look at the two different types of fiber. Soluble fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains) dissolves and breaks down in water, acting like a sponge and soaking up toxins as it passes through your gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber (found in dried beans, whole grains and seeds) is not water-soluble. Instead, it passes through your gastrointestinal tract almost intact, sweeping away waste and harmful toxins in the bowel as it encounters them. For these reasons, you should look for a supplement that contains a blend of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is also a powerful weight loss tool. Consumed daily, fiber can help manage your hunger and slow down the rate at which your body converts carbohydrates into sugar. It can also help eliminate calories from the foods you eat by blocking the absorption of calories and leading those calories out of the body.

Q: I've been hearing a lot about probiotics lately. What are they?

A: Available in foods such as yogurt and kefir (a fermented milk drink) as well as in dietary supplements, probiotics are generally defined as live microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. This is especially important because nearly three-quarters of your immune system is located in your digestive tract, so when that balance is upset, your health may suffer as a result. Ideally, there should be a balance of approximately 80% good bacteria and 20% percent harmful bacteria in your intestines, but factors such as poor diet, stress, and illness can often upset that balance. Recent studies have shown that taking a daily probiotic supplement may help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your digestive tract.

Q: What brand of supplements does Brenda recommend?

A: Brenda recommends the ReNew Life Formulas and Fiber35 Diet brand of products. Both can be found at health food stores nationwide or through various online retailers. Call toll-free 1-866-450-1787 to find a store near you, or click Where to Buy for an online retailer.

Q: Where can I find out more information on GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or acid reflux?

A: Brenda's book, Gut Solutions, has a section on GERD/acid reflux which includes information on what this condition is, the cause, who is prone to the disease, signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, standard treatment, as well as natural suggestions, diet and lifestyle modifications. Gut Solutions is available through Amazon.com, other online retailers and in many health food stores. If your question was not answered above, please call 1-866-450-1787 to talk with one of our consumer affairs specialists.