TO HELP TRANSITIONING FROM THE STANDARD AMERICAN DIET TO A PLANT BASED DIET VIA INTESTINAL CLEANSING AND HEALTHY EATING

Transitioning from an animal base diet to a plant-eating regime can be all the more challenging that there may be digestion issues. Holistic Temple's colon cleanse programs are designed to clean the colon safely and naturally, producing large & productive bowel movements while removing toxins and adding extra energy.

Above, some of the best carminative plants

Occasional gas, bloating, flatulence and indigestion can be uncomfortable, but if this is happening regularly and frequently, it may be a sign from the body is becoming less efficient at digestion, and this poor digestion leads to an increase in gas production. There are many reasons for becoming gassy, such as eating foods that don't agree with you, not properly combining foods, gulping air while you are eating, eating too fast, digestive juice and pancreatic issues or devitalization (what the mainstreamers call "getting old"). In general though, (save from serious auto-immune and-or chronic intestinal diseases), it is the combination of loss or deficiency of digestive powers, the bacteria in your gut, and the types of foods you decide to put into your mouth that are responsible for gas production and indigestion. While it might feel that these changes have occurred quickly, in most people they have happened slowly over time as their bodies change and gets devitalized.

Lactose and Bacteria

To understand what is happening in the gut as one ages or gets devitalized, we can take a look at a common type of digestive problem: lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar found in milk. Other examples are glucose, maltose, fructose, and others. People with lactose intolerance don't have the ability to digest the sugar in milk. Most humans can digest lactose when they are young, but we lose this ability as we grow older. All babies have the enzyme necessary to digest milk sugar (lactase). As we age, many of us lose this enzyme. As an adult, if you don't have the lactase enzyme and you drink milk or eat milk products, then the sugar from the milk passes through the stomach and small intestine undigested.

Undigested sugars are a treat for the bacteria that live in the gut and all the more so that there are lots of them, billions of both good and bad bacteria. In a healthy person, the good and the bad bacteria achieve a balance.

When undigested lactose sugar comes down the intestines, bacteria gobble up the sugars. When food sources (mostly sugars) are plentiful for bacteria, they do what bacteria do best: grow and multiply. When bacteria start multiplying rapidly, they produce gas. Undigested lactose sugar equals gas production.

Bacteria can also produce toxins as they grow and multiply, which can be harmful to the lining of the gut. This can cause diarrhea. They can also encourage the production of parasites. Other sugars can cause the same problem. Any sugar that you don't digest will become a meal for the bacteria in your gut, and any meal for bacteria means an increase in gas production and toxins. This is also why it is best to eat when the digestive juices are strong, in between noon and 1 pm. And not late at night.

The smell is another story. Not all bacteria that create gas produce a gas that is smelly. The main villains - as far as smell goes – are the bacteria that produce gases that contain sulfur and methane. There is some evidence that it is the harmful bacteria that produce odd smells.

Bacteria are not the "villain" as such, it is the inappropriate food that is. Bacteria are vital to one's health and preform many functions such as breaking down complex carbohydrates (fibers), and providing us with vitamins and other nutrients.

Diminished vitality and Bacteria

There is a relationship between digestive ability and the bacteria in your gut. When we were younger and-or with more vitality, our digestive powers were at their height, but as we age, they begin to decline. This reduction can cause a few problems. The first issue to surface as a result of this reduction is that many more of the sugars that would normally be digested and absorbed can now pass through your gut undigested. Poor digestion, along with food and drug choices, can change where the bacteria in your gut are located.

Medical books would have you believe that the majority of bacteria in your gut are found in your colon. In healthy people, this is true. The colon makes up the last four to six feet or so of your intestines. In between the colon and the stomach are around twenty-four feet of small intestine. The small intestines are not supposed to have many bacteria in them, but in people who do not eat well, they do.

There is a medically recognized syndrome called small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome, where the small intestines become overgrown with large amounts of bacteria. This syndrome is much more common than many doctors realize. Bacteria are not dumb - they are going to go and grow where the food is. If there are large amounts of sugars to be found high in the digestive tract, that is where the bacteria are going to go.

Stress, a carbohydrate-rich (sugar) diet, and poor digestion – in addition to the use of antibiotics and chlorine showers that can kill off many of the good bacteria – can all contribute to bacteria relocating to the small intestine.

Having bacteria high in our guts means that they are now in competition for our nutrients. Most of the absorption of nutrients and vitamins occurs high in the gut. If bacteria are creating toxins and irritating the gut lining, then there is the potential for malabsorption syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). High in the gut are also where the bacteria lie in wait for their next sugary snack.

What About Foods That Create Gas, Bloating, and Flatulence?

There are foods that tend to create gas; some of these are famous for doing so such as beans, cabbage, and others. These foods typically contain a difficult to digest fiber that is perfect food for bacteria. Other foods that create gas are those that contain a large amount of sugars.

Traditional Gas-producing Foods:

The Anti-Gas and bad digestion Action Plan

You can try to avoid the foods that cause gas, but these foods are some of the best foods you can put in your body. Broccoli alone is the subject of over two hundred studies, and is prized for its ability to prevent a wide number of cancers, to act as an antioxidant, and numerous other health benefits. Likewise, cabbage, onions, and oatmeal are full of great nutrients that your body needs. The best way to avoid digestive gas, bloating and flatulence is to take an integrated approach.

Step One: Drop the Fork and or take up the chop sticks and breath deeply during the eating process without talking, nor watching tv.

One of the easiest tricks to chewing your food well is to take set the fork down on the table until you are done chewing. Most people are picking up their next bite as they are chewing; this creates urgency where you are trying to get the food out of your mouth because the next bite is waiting on the fork. Chop sticks are better as they can't capture huge amounts of food. If there is compulsion eating, setting them aside when masticating can also be a good technique. Breathing in a meditative state while eating can help one to concentrate on the eating, thanks to which the energy focus will remain with the digestion.

 

Step Two: Try a One to Three-Week Colon Cleanse

A one- or three- week program helps to rebalance the good and bad bacteria in your body, and also helps to push the bacteria back into the colon where it belongs. A simple colon cleanse can do wonders for reducing gas, this is because returning the colon to a healthier state means that it no longer takes days for food to pass through the colon. A shorter transit time means that there is less time for bacteria to produce gas.

Step Three: Take Digestive Enzymes Prior to Meals

Digestive enzymes will help support your digestive system and relieve gas, bloating and discomfort. The enzymes will break down the sugars that you are eating, leaving little left over for the bacteria. Digestive enzymes are most often taken prior to meals. In some cases, people simply forget to take them, but you can still take them after a large meal when your stomach reminds you!

 

Step four: Eat as much raw foods as possible.

Raw foods contain their own digestive enzymes. Moreover, cooked foods are bacteria treats, whereas raw foods are not. The only precaution is to avoid taking raw cereal with fruits, as this combination produces fermentation.

Step five: Smoothies with psyllium

Green smoothies with a few table spoons of psyllium can do wonders in terms of intestinal transit. Moreover, fibers act like a broom. They sweep the intestinal tract thereby absorbing toxins and chemicals that can lead to polyps and colon cancer. (See Burkitt's works).

 

Step six: Make probiotics, wine (homeopathic doses for vegans), spearmint and other herbal plants that focus on eliminating parasites, priorities.

Probiotics is a living food, that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria similar to those normally found in your body. There is encouraging research that these bacteria are said to keep your digestive system running smoothly and help your body fight off illness. Probiotics in the form of supplements or yogurt or kefir are important to take, especially if one bathes in chlorinated water and takes certain drugs like anti biotics and anti-mitotics. A little wine (i.e. a little less that what "moderate" signifies) helps the digestive process as well as an after meal spearmint, especially if there are animal foods present in one's digestive tract. Parasites can also be an issue. Parasite development can be fought with high doses of probiotics such as lactobacillus. Intestinal parasites or yeast infections ravage the intestinal flora making it very important to rebuild this micro flora after treatment for parasites, including, but not limited with black walnut tincture. Increasing your lactobacillus and raw food intake can help prevent future parasitic infection.

More to be developed later

 

Common Culinary Herbs and Spices to Aid Proper Digestion

 

 

Below, a few digestive helpers

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus: 1 Billion CFU
Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal micro flora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection and parasite growth. Individuals with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are also better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.

Seabiotic: 1 Billion CFU

Sebiotic are lactic acid producing bacteria, which bear spores. These organisms exhibit the characteristics of both general Lactobacillus and Bacillus. These organisms are encapsulated in spores, and therefore more resistant to heat; they are activated in the gut by hydrochloric acid, producing lactic acid bacteria. These desirable bacteria inhibit the bad bacteria in the intestine, thereby maintaining the balance of intestinal flora.

Aloe leaf: 500 mg
For centuries Aloe has been used for treating constipation, hemorrhoids, rashes, and minor cuts and burns. Aloe contains anthaquinones, a natural laxative used for treating chronic constipation. Aloe has also been used to treat intestinal infections.

Cascara sagrada bark: 300 mg
Cascara sagrada is a natural laxative made from the reddish-brown bark of a cascara sagrada tree. This herb has compounds (anthraquinones) that stimulate the wavelike contractions of the large intestine. Combined with plenty of dietary fiber, water, and exercise, cascara may help prevent the pressure and pain associated with hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and anal fissures. Cascara has also been known to expel parasites, and is highly recommended for parasite removal.

Buckthorn bark: 200 mg
Throughout its history, buckthorn bark has been consistently used to relieve one ailment: constipation and its by-products (hemorrhoids and anal irritation).

The compounds in buckthorn bark increase the colon's ability to contract. They also reduce water absorption by the intestines. This means more liquid is left in the colon, producing a larger volume and softer stool, which in turn eases constipation.

Rhubarb root: 200 mg
Rhubarb root contains two major constituents. The purgatives are responsible for increasing contractions of the colon and cleansing. This purges the bowel. The tannins come through the colon after the cleansing process has been completed. These act as an astringent cleansing the colon, killing any of the leftover infectious bacteria. Rhubarb root also acts as a mild laxative, and helps to ease an upset stomach.

Barberry root: 150 mg
Traditionally used to purify the liver and maintain regular bowel movements, this root contains berberine, which stimulates the immune system. An antioxidant, barberry root may also help to reduce inflammation. Berberine, a natural antibiotic, is also effective in expelling parasites.

Black radish root: 150 mg
Black radish is rich in vitamin C, which helps us fight infections. Black radish also contains a variety of chemicals that increase the flow of bile, and can help to play an important role in the digestion process. This herb can help to maintain a healthy gallbladder, reducing the risk of gallstones. Black radish root also has an antibacterial effect on our digestive flora.

Ginger root: 150 mg
Ginger is a classic tonic for the digestive tract. It stimulates digestion and keeps the intestinal muscles toned, a key factor in speeding up transit time. Ginger is also recommended for fighting parasites such as the roundworm and the blood fluke.

Marshmallow root: 100 mg
The root of the marshmallow plant is particularly rich in mucilage, which gets extremely gooey when wet. This quality makes it valuable for coating and protecting irritated mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Marshmallow also contains rich stores of various vitamins and minerals, including key immune-system boosters such as vitamins A and C.

Echinacea: 100 mg
Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years to stimulate various immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. The herb helps boost the cells' production of a virus-fighting substance called interferon. It is also used to help with digestion and balance intestinal flora. Echinacea is believed to be a lymph cleanser, and improves lymphocyte and phagocyte actions.

Red clover flower: 100 mg
This flower is believed to stimulate liver activity. And is thought to purify the blood by promoting urine and mucous production, improving circulation, and stimulating the secretion of bile.

Burdock root: 100mg
Burdock root contains high amounts of insulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Burdock root is rich in vitamins, B-complex, E, and P. It contains high amounts of chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, zinc, sodium, and potassium. For centuries, burdock has been known to natural healers throughout the world as a powerful blood purifier, diuretic, and diaphoretic. It is believed to help improve liver function, and has antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

Goldenseal herb: 75 mg
Goldenseal is believed to cleanse the blood, liver, kidney, and skin as well as stimulate general detoxification. It has long been valued for its ability to soothe inflamed or infected mucous membranes, and is found in popular herbal blends for taming intestinal inflammation.

Raspberry leaf: 75 mg
The high tannin content in raspberry leaves can be useful for ailments that cause intestinal inflammation and discomfort, such as diarrhea. This herb helps balance the laxative effects of the herbs in Puristat's Colon Cleanse.

Fennel seed: 75 mg
Fennel seed is used to help remove and expel waste and parasites from the body. It is also used to inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract. Historically, fennel seed has been viewed as an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy due to its ability to relieve abdominal cramps and flatulence.

Mullein leaf: 50 mg
The astringent (constricting) and soothing compounds in the leaves and flowers explain why mullein has been long used internally for diarrhea, and externally to encourage healing of wounds and hemorrhoids. It is also used for gastrointestinal inflammation and cramps in the digestive tract.

Parsley leaf: 50 mg
Parsley is a mild diuretic and is believed to help flush the kidneys. It is also used to help control indigestion and gas, and acts as a digestive aid.

Wood betony herb: 50 mg
Wood betony is traditionally used for its relaxing effects as it gently tones and strengthens the nervous system. It also has a relaxing action and can be used for the nervousness associated with anxiety and tension. Wood betony is generally described as an herb that supports the nervous system, promoting relaxation and calmness.

Dandelion root: 50 mg
For centuries, dandelion root has been regarded as an effective, gentle laxative. The roots and leaves are used to treat liver conditions and to encourage normal digestion. All parts of the plant contain high concentrations of vitamin A, and choline: - a B vitamin that stimulates the liver. It is also believed to also be an effective blood cleanser.

Ginger root: 50 mg
Ginger's effectiveness as a digestive aid is due largely to its ability to help neutralize stomach acids, enhance the secretion of digestive juices, and tone the muscles of the digestive tract. Research confirms the presence of anti-inflammatory properties in ginger as well. It is believed to be effective in stimulating circulation and sweating.

Cramp bark: 50 mg
This herb is commonly used for its antispasmodic effects on smooth muscles, rendering it effective for alleviating gastrointestinal cramping. It is also often used to relieve menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps.

Cayenne pepper: 25 mg
Cayenne pepper is believed to be effective in cleansing the blood and increasing fluid elimination. It can also be an effective herb for the elimination of parasites, and is considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramps, and gas. Cayenne may help ease the discomfort associated with constipation.

 

DGST Support Proprietary Blend: 500 mg
Digestive enzymes help relieve indigestion and other digestive ailments, as well as assist your body in enzyme production, so that food can easily be broken down into nutrients.

Pancreatin 8x: (providing Protease, Amylase, and Lipase) 
Pancreatin is a combination of three enzymes which break down protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Protease breaks down proteins, Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, and Lipase breaks down fats.

Papain
Papain is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal micro flora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection and parasite growth. Individuals with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are also better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria. IBS sufferers can benefit from an increase in beneficial bacteria. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers can benefit from an increase in beneficial bacteria.

Golden-seal (root)
Goldenseal is believed to cleanse the blood, liver, kidney and skin, and stimulates general detoxification. It has long been valued for its ability to soothe inflamed or infected mucous membranes, and is found in popular herbal blends for taming intestinal inflammation.

Dandelion (root)
For centuries, dandelion root has been regarded as an effective, gentle laxative. The roots and leaves are used to treat liver conditions and to encourage normal digestion. All parts of the plant have high concentrations of vitamin A, and chorine, a B-vitamin that stimulates the liver. It is believed to also be an effective blood cleanser.

Chamomile (flower)
Chamomile is derived from the chamomile plant, and is used most often as a muscle relaxant. The muscle relaxing qualities of Chamomile help the human body to combat illness, reduce stress and depression, decrease insomnia, and relieve menstrual cramps. It is a cumulative treatment, which means it not only starts working as soon as you start taking it, the more often and longer you take it, the better results you get.

Betaine HCL
Betaine HCL is a vitamin-like substance found in grains. Supplementation of betaine HCL is recommended for those who have a deficiency in stomach acid production.

Lactase
When digesting foods, Lactobacillus Acidophilus produces a byproduct called lactase. This is the enzyme that breaks down lactose, a product found in many dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant lack this enzyme and therefore are unable to break down lactose in their foods.

Cellulase
Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that aids in the digestion of fiber, helping to extract nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

L-Cysteine/N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
L-Cysteine/NAC is a simple amino acid, a powerful antioxidant, a premier antitoxin, and important in immune support. Its primary activity is to neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and DNA. Free radicals are considered to be a major factor in the aging process.

Bromelain (minimum 500 m.c.u.)
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins.

Glutamic Acid HCL
Glutamic Acid HCL, also known as glutamate, is one of the more common amino acids and essential for proper cell function. It plays a role in brain function, specifically in the areas of learning and memory.

Common Culinary Herbs and Spices to Aid Proper Digestion

REFERENCES AND SOURCES

 

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