digestion Archives - Live Clean n Prosper

Antacids, are they worth it?

Today’s post is about antacids and are they worth it?

First, what is an antacid?

Antacids are a product used to treat heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach. They are a combination of several compounds, usually utilising various salts of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum as active ingredients. The antacids act by neutralizing the acid in the stomach and by inhibiting pepsin. Many types of antacids are available over-the-counter without a prescription. When our digestive system goes to work digesting the food eaten, the glands in the stomach lining produce stomach acid and an enzyme that digests protein. This acid is released into the stomach from cells called parietal cells. This helps the nutrients to be broken down so that they can be used by the body for repair, energy etc.

There are different types of ant acids

There are tablets and liquids, some are made for short term relief such as 2 to 4 hours and others are made to act for longer periods, anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. The most common type is technically referred to as a “PPI” or proton pump inhibitor. This is because all acids contain protons. A PPI inhibits this acid from being released into the stomach. Generally, most people believe that the sensation of heart burn and other symptoms is caused by an excess of stomach acid. This belief is the reason people turn to using ant acids or P.P.I’s. Unfortunately, the production of excess stomach acid is very rare and quite often the opposite is mostly true, being that too little stomach acid is the cause of these symptoms.

Are there side effects from long term PPI use?

Yes, there several side effects, one of the more serious is kidney damage which can begin from about 6 weeks and this is generally irreversible. Nutrient deficiencies are, an almost certainty. This is due to the digestive process not happening the way it should because of the reduced production of stomach acid. So, therefore proteins don’t get broken down properly. The body needs protein for almost everything we do, from hormone and neurotransmitter production to muscle growth. This is just the tip of the ice burg. The human body is a complex machine and those couple of issues lead into so many more problems across the entire body, from hair loss to thyroid function. If you are taking a PPI long term because you believe you have to much acid in your stomach then chances are the medication will become far worse than the problem. So, it is very important not to self-diagnose. Make an appointment to go and see a health professional. Make sure you have a detailed discussion about all thing’s digestion. Now to be clear it is my opinion that this class of drug is possibly the most dangerous over the counter drug for sale at the moment. So much so, that a large legal firm recently launched a class action against the manufacturers of a poplar PPI product, due to stomach cancer and kidney damage. This is just one of several around the world and hundreds of millions of dollars have been paid out by drug companies through the courts. Unfortunately, drug companies consider this the cost of doing business and continue to advertise these drugs. I guess the takeaway here is – buyer beware and talk to your preferred health professional about your symptoms. Till the next post, Live clean n prosper

Fibre and Fibre Supplements

Today’s post is about fibre and fibre supplements.

Continuing on from our last post on stomach acid, today we will take a look at fibre.

What is fibre?

There are actually two forms that we can consume – soluble and insoluble.

Basically, one forms a gel like substance when mixed with water (soluble), chia seeds are an example of this. This soluble fibre helps to reduce cholesterol and fat absorption and improving glucose control, it also helps us to feel fuller helping with weight loss.

Insoluble fibre stays pretty much as it is eaten, all the way through the digestive process, an example of this is psyllium husk. This type provides bulk to the stool as well as helping to clean out the digestive system. It does this by acting as a sort of broom inside the digestive tract sweeping away things that are trying to cling to the sides.

Both types of fibre are an important part of a healthy diet and especially for digestion.

The two forms of fibre perform many tasks that are necessary to our overall health. They provide the balance between constipation and diarrhoea, they provide a food source for important bacteria in the digestive tract and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and some intestinal cancers. Fibre also slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream which keeps the blood glucose levels from rising too fast.

What about a fibre supplement?

Studies have found that only 5% of adults consume the recommended level of dietary fibre. So, for many, taking supplements can be a convenient way to improve part of their diet. There are easily available products like Metamucil or Benefiber that can help. However, these products don’t offer the same nutritional benefits of getting the fibre from food sources.

What about long-term use?

Is a supplement sustainable in the long term raises the question of why you are taking a fibre supplement in the first place.

As a Naturopath I feel that the reasons for continued use of a fibre supplement should be explored. There may be other issues to consider and if they are not addressed then more health concerns could occur. Therefore, it is more important to ascertain what that underlying problem may be.

It could quite simply be that there are gaps in the diet not providing enough of the right type of fibre. In this case the simple answer is small changes to your diet to include more. This means including things like fruits, beans, whole grains and vegetables into your diet in greater amounts and preferably unprocessed.

Of course, it is possible to get too much of a good thing and fibre is no exception. Too much fibre can lead to bloating and excessive gas and no-one wants that. As with all things, there is a balancing act going on inside the body at all times.

So, if you think you have an issue with too much or too little fibre then see your health professional.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – National Library of Medicine –

A plant called White Yarrow

Todays post is about a plant called White Yarrow.

We have been given this plant as a gift from my mother. At the time she gave it to us, she said that it was just our type of plant as it had health benefits. Not having heard of it at all, I have done some research. As usual I am sharing what I found.

What is White Yarrow?

The common yarrow plant, White Yarrow, also called Achillea Millefolium is a perennial herb. It grows naturally in northern hemisphere and is grown around the world as a medicinal and ornamental plant. With feathery leaves that spread along the ground, it has flower stems that grow up to 60cm.

There are multiple species of Yarrow including some varieties of wild natives. Several ornamental varieties feature a wide range of colourful flowers including pale pink, purple, red and yellow.

There are records showing that this plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many cultures around the world. The Latin name Achillea comes from the mythical Greek warrior Achilles. This is due to legends in which Achilles used this plant to heal soldiers wounded in war. In the Middle Ages it was used as an ingredient in gruit, a herbal mixture used to flavour ale prior to the use of hops.

The flowers and leaves are still used in some types of bitters and liqueurs.

What else can it be used for?

Studies indicate that this plant may have various benefits as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs. When researching the health benefits, the list is quite extensive. I have shared the most researched uses.

Due to its styptic and antimicrobial properties, it is famously known for its ability to stop bleeding (when applied directly to a wound). It can prevent infection, and aid blood circulation when taken internally.

It is often used as a poultice, wash, soak, or salve to relieve pain, and help to heal wounds and injuries of various types.

One study, conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna, demonstrated that its antispasmodic effects might help to soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Long considered by herbalists to be a “blood-moving herb,” yarrow has been used to stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

Historically, it has been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and constipation. Yarrow contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints.

Research has also found that plant-based alkaloids like those in yarrow tea reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress

The next time you have a toothache, try chewing on a yarrow leaf. Its analgesic properties can help to numb the affected area.

The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow are thought to be helpful for dull, pounding headaches or migraines.

Yarrow is most often taken as a tea or a tincture to support digestion and soothe stomach aches.

How else can it be used?

In manufacturing, yarrow is used in shampoos and as a cosmetic cleanser. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads or to decorate foods.

Yarrow is safe for most individuals. However, you should avoid it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing surgery. You should also avoid it if you have a bleeding disorder or are allergic to ragweed.

I find that I walk around nurseries looking at plants in a whole new way after doing research like this. I hope you have also found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

(Sources – The Gardeners Path – Healthline – WebMD )