Feeling bloated? Gassy? Got heartburn? You might already have some powerful tools in your home to combat those pesky digestive symptoms before they escalate!

Constipation - Besides causing discomfort, bloating, and a sense of heaviness, constipation poses a serious threat to our overall health. When waste products remain in the colon for too long, the body reabsorbs those toxins that should have been eliminated. Aloe vera juice can help ease constipation. Make sure its organic and inner fillet only as the outer fillet of the plant can cause a laxative effect. Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals is a great option to have on-hand!

Diarrhea - On the flip side of constipation, if things are moving too fast, your body doesn’t get enough time to absorb the nutrients it needs from food. Addressing gut dysfunction at a deeper level will help resolve chronic diarrhea but for acute events try taking activated charcoal 2x a day away from food until it stops. Removing gluten can also be an effective strategy.

Heartburn/Acid Reflux - Chest pain, burning sensations, belching, the worst! Heart burn and acid reflux indicate a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that allows stomach acid to come back up the esophagus and cause these painful symptoms. Addressing stress and supporting stomach acid production is huge for mitigating heartburn. To stop heartburn while it's happening, stir 1tsp of baking soda in room temp water and sip slowly until burning subsides.

Mixing 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 1oz of water and taking before meals supports your body's natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Nausea/Stomach pain - Nausea and stomach pain can be an indication of deeper dysfunction in the intestines and liver, but for immediate support try sipping on ginger tea or peppermint tea for relief.

Floating stools/clay-colored stools - These are two tell-tale signs of biliary distress. If we don't have adequate amounts of free-flowing bile, we won't be able to properly digest fats. Fats are a super important macronutrient, so we want to be absorbing them optimally! Beets are amazing for stimulating bile flow - eat them raw, cooked, drink beet juice or beet kvass.

Gas/bloating - Gas and bloating after eating can be signs that food is hanging around in your intestines too long and starting to ferment. Supporting your gut microbiome is key here, so eating a variety of fiber-rich and probiotic foods, and adding a spore-based probiotic, can really help. For quick relief from bloating, try chewing on fennel seeds or sipping ginger tea for a simple & natural remedy.

Eczema/skin rash - Skin issues are not a digestive symptom per se, but often the result of digestive dysfunction! The root cause of skin issues can be manyfold including food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, & a compromised immune system. Coconut oil, MCT oil, and raw garlic are anti-fungal foods to add into your diet if you suspect fungal overgrowth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly (more than 1-2x a month) it might be a good idea to get some gut testing done. Gut testing through my practice can identify any imbalances keeping your digestive system from functioning optimally. My protocols based on your results are powerful and effective strategies to get you back to feeling your best.

Remember, digestion is the highest and most important healing priority. Investing in your gut health is always worth it!

Digestion is the gateway to all aspects of our health - the gastrointestinal tract is connected to every major system in the human body, so healing your gut will positively benefit all other aspects of your body and your health.

Read more about the GI-Map on my website and sign up for a call to talk it through if you're curious!

GI-Map Testing w/ Blair

With gratitude,

Blair