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