Digestion first. Make sure you are absorbing nutrients before you tackle other health needs

When my patients fill out my 212-question system survey, patterns show if there are needs in the liver, gallbladder, hormones, heart, sugar metabolism, stress management organs such as the adrenal gland, the thyroid, pituitary, nervous system, and male and female hormones. If one or more of these areas show serious need of support, it can be tempting to focus on the most glaring problem first, but if the digestive system isn’t doing its job properly to provide nutrition to the body, all your efforts to provide support for other parts of your body will be in vain. The gut has to be addressed first. Once the gut is digesting properly all the other organ systems can more easily be supported because nutrition can get to them now.

Here are some clues you have issues with digestion:

• You take antacids
• You have heartburn when you lay down.
• You have a burning feeling in the stomach that is relieved by eating.
• You have a white coating on the tongue.
• You have bloating that lasts for hours after eating.
• You have an unpredictable urgency to defecate.
• Pass large amounts of gas.
• Diarrhea, or constipation
• Stool becomes pale, or greasy.

There are many different ways to improve digestion.

• I use Cholacol for someone who is missing their gall bladder and is having trouble digesting fats.
• I use Zypan for someone who needs digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid.
• I use Zymex if they need enzymes but not hydrochloric acid.
• I use Digest forte if they just need to stimulate the body to produce its own digestive enzymes and stomach acids.
• I use Hipep to help with heartburn that doesn’t respond to simply improving digestion.

These products usually work immediately with the meal you are eating right now. Once the best system for improving digestion is determined, the other organs can be given support and better health is on the way.

If you are curious about your digestive needs or other health issues you can pick up the questionnaire from our office or call and we can text you a copy of the 212 question form and you can fill it out and text it back. Dr. Ellis will evaluate it and discuss any needs he finds with you.