Belly Tricks

When your digestive system is a bit out of whack and you want a quick fix, try some of these techniques that work for us...

Probiotics

We store our probiotics in the refrigerator, and bring them on trips. The two probiotic strains that we keep on hand are Acidophilus and Saccharomyces Boulardii capsules (I order them from GI Pro Health). One of the most effective probiotics is homemade yogurt. If you are lactose-intolerant, culture your yogurt for 24 hours.

Warm cup of lemon water

Some warm or hot water and lemon juice soothes the digestive system, and helps with bathroom issues. And a teaspoon of honey is nice too!

Mint tea

Mint tea settles and soothes your digestive system, especially your stomach. You can make it using dried mint leaves, commercially available tea bags, loose tea, or even fresh leaves. If you have fresh mint leaves, just pour hot water over the leaves and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the desired strength is achieved. If you are allergic to mint or don't like the taste, try chamomile tea. I've also heard that fresh ginger tea is quite good - scrape some fresh ginger into hot water, let it steep for a few minutes before drinking.

Enzyme Tablet

Once in a blue moon, or a little bit of an upset stomach, we have what is called a "Chewable Peppermint Enzyme" tablet. I purchase these at our local PCC Market, but you can find something similar in any health food market. The ingredients are pretty basic in ours, and all vegetarian sources: fructose, cellulose, stearic acid, natural peppermint flavor, calcium stearate, silicon dioxide, sodium copper chlorophylin, beet root fiber, and, of course, a list of enzymes, including Lipase, Protease, Amylase and some other plant enzymes.

What is so amazing about these tablets is that they work within seconds, and they are so easy to take. You can break them up easily, or just chew them and swallow with a glass of water.

Other foods that offer digestive comfort and are easy to digest:

Chicken soup

Scrambled eggs

Yogurt smoothies

Steamed veggies

Comments

[LucyRic]

Thanks for the great tips.

I never heard of the Peppermint Enzyme. Is this SCD Legal? Since you listed fructose, I don't think so.

[Erica]

Lucy, I'm not sure, but my guess is you're correct - it's not SCD legal.

[David]

What about "slippery elm"?

[Erica]

David, I've never tried slippery elm.

[Janine]

mmm ginger tea- I love the stuff, but I have to say it makes me "go" with a bit more frequency than I'd care for, so for anyone with IBD I'd say try it first when you're at home :)