Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common complaints heard by doctors today. Still, many people fail to look beyond the symptoms when seeking relief, and as a result problems can worsen over time. Knowing that roughly 80 percent of our natural immune defenses are found in the digestive tract, it is time to reconsider how we deal with digestive issues—and with that comes getting a better understanding of certain things that can affect a healthy gut.

 If you have persistent gas and bloating, abdominal pain, or chronic constipation or diarrhea, here’s something you should know: More and more Americans are finding out that sensitivity to gluten may be at the root of their problems. But is it just gluten sensitivity or is it celiac disease? And what’s the difference? The following is a brief overview:

 Gluten sensitivity is a broad term used to include many different types of sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat. People who are sensitive to gluten may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild inflammation of the intestinal lining to abdominal discomfort and occasional irritable bowel, but not everyone with gluten sensitivity develops celiac disease (those who don’t are considered Non-celiac Gluten Sensitive, or NCGS).

 However, people with gluten sensitivity may be experiencing the beginning stages of celiac disease. In essence, gluten sensitivity implies that the immune system cannot tolerate gluten in the diet. As a result, it forms protective antibodies to try to neutralize the gluten, in the same way it reacts to harmful bacteria or viruses. When these autoimmune reactions cause intestinal damage, a person is then considered to have celiac disease.

 Celiac disease is genetic and in some cases may be triggered by a traumatic physical or emotional event. More than 2 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which can include severe abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, and in some cases even severe anxiety and depression, skin problems, as well as bone and joint pain.

 The bottom line is this: If you have unexplained, persistent gastrointestinal issues and you and your doctor can’t seem to figure out why, gluten sensitivity may be the culprit. The best way to determine if you are truly gluten sensitive or if you have celiac disease is to have a simple stool test performed. Visit www.enterolab.com to find out more, and once you have the results you and your health care practitioner can take the next step toward better gastrointestinal health.

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Do you experience gas and bloating, brain fog, muscle aches and pains, and fatigue? Did you know these symptoms might be caused by a very common yeast organism found in the human body called Candida albicans? Candida overgrowth is a condition that can lead to any number of symptoms and ailments. Although many Americans suffer from this widespread condition, it is often overlooked due to the refusal of mainstream medicine to fully acknowledge candida overgrowth as a cause of more serious health issues.

The Candida Self-Test

Print this page to answer each question below. If you score 3 or higher, there is a chance that you are suffering from candida overgrowth, or Candidiasis.

1. Do you experience regular fatigue and/or muscle aches and pains?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

2. Do you have food sensitivities or food allergies?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

3. Have you experienced nail fungus, athlete’s foot or jock itch?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

4. Do you have recurrent vaginal yeast overgrowth?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

5. Have you taken broad-spectrum antibiotics, even once in your life?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

6. Do you crave sugar?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

7. Do you commonly have gas and bloating?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

8. Do you crave bread, pasta, etc. (and similar foods made with refined white flour)?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

9. Have you taken birth control pills for 6 months or longer?
     
YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

10. Do you experience brain fog?

YES (   )  NO (   )  (YES = 1 NO = 0)  _____

Total Score  ____

STEPS TO ADDRESS CANDIDIASIS

1. IDENTIFY AND TREAT. Use an effective, natural herbal cleansing formula to treat Candida and parasites. 2. CHANGE YOUR DIET. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, sugar, and foods that are high in carbohydrates. 3. INCREASE FIBER INTAKE. When adding more fiber to your diet, be sure to consume a healthy balance of approximately 75% insoluble fiber to 25% soluble (water-soluble) fiber. 4. REPLACE INTESTINAL FLORA. Maintain a healthy bacteria balance in the digestive tract with a daily probiotic supplement that includes Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. 5. AVOID RAW VEGETABLES. Eat lightly steamed vegetables, fish, and lean protein. 6. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of purified water each day (For example, a 120-pound person would require 60 ounces of water daily). 7. TRY COLON HYDROTHERAPY. In contrast to a traditional enema, colon hydrotherapy involves repeated infusions of filtered, warm water into the colon to help tone the bowel and promote healthy elimination.

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