Ease indigestion the natural way

Better Nutrition (1989-90), August, 1989 by Caroline Mure, Nancy Saltmarsh

Doctors sometimes prescribe acidophilus for their patients taking antibiotics, since antibiotics indiscriminately destroy both bad and good bacteria in the intestines.

Many disease-causing intestinal bacteria "are nullified by substances produced by lactic bacteria, particularly acidophilin, bulgarican and a factor from bifidobacteria," wrote William H. Lee, R.Ph., Ph.D., in Friendly Bacteria. "This obviously improves intestinal health."

In a study conducted by Asher Winkelstein, M.D., 107 patients were give acidophilus supplements. These patients were suffering from constipation, diarrhea, mucous colitis, diverticulitis, megacolon and antibiotic colitis. "In all," reported Dr. Lee, "45 of 49 patients with chronic constipation reported significant relief, as did 16 of 17 with functional diarrhea. All of those with other conditions reported good results.

"Some strains of L. bulgaricus have shown effective antacid action and produced heartburn relief; this process is fostered by the buffering action of the proteins found in the lactobacillus preparation."

Herbal Preparations

Among the herbs commonly recommended as digestive aids are saffron, a gentle stimulant and antispasmodic which promotes appetite and stimulates gastric secretion; angelica root, which stimulates the gastric juices and is a popular European remedy for flatulence, indigestion and heartburn; and rhubarb, which in small quantities is a valuable treatment for diarrhea. These herbs, along with aloe, senna leaves, myrrh, camphor, manna, theriac venetian, zedoary root and carline thistle are the primary ingredients in a popular "bitters" tonic available at health food stores. Bitters tonics are based on an age-old European philosophy that the body needs a wide variety of food groups, including those that stimulate the "bitter" tastebuds, for healthy digestion. Since bitter foods normally are not included in the diet because of their unpleasant taste, "bitters" are available in capsules and liquid form, free of sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. In capsule form, the herbs are blended into a base of vegetable oils and soy lecithin.

In a double-blind study, Dr. Martin Dorn reported that 50 patients were treated with a bitters formula and 30 volunteers were given a placebo. During the four-month trial, the participants each received one tablespoon of the extract three times daily.

"The comparison with placebo reveals that the [Swedish Elixir] preparation posesses an appreciable efficacy, both on the symptoms described [flatulence, heartburn and abdominal spasms] and as a laxative," Dr. Dorn said. He added that since the subjects were characterized as obese, aging, and laxative abusers, "a mild, side-effect free phytopharmaceutical is of particular importance." The subjects who were constipated reported that the bitters formula relieved their constipation without producing undesired side effects such as diarrhea, Dr. Dorn said.

If you prefer to take herbs individually, anise, chamomile, comfrey, dandelion, fennel, ginger root, goldenseal, peppermint and slippery elm are some of the herbs that often are recommended as digestive aids. You may wish to consult a modern herb manual to find specific dosages and instructions for preparations. Herbs are available at health food stores in bulk form to be used for infusions or crushed and packed into gelatin capsules. You can also buy ready-made herb capsules, homeopathic herbal remedies and instant herbal teas, many of which list common uses and suggested dosages on the label.