General Summary
They say you are what you eat, but in fact you are only what you assimilate and absorb. The digestive system is comprised of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestine.
Also known as the gut or gastro intestinal tract, this system is one of the most important systems in our bodies because it is responsible for our overall health and well-being. 80% of our immune system is located in the gut and its health directly influences all other ailments that may pop up in the body.
Our gut has an “inner ecosystem”, also known as the microbiome, which is a blend of good and bad bacteria that coats our intestinal lining. A healthy balance of the two allows for proper absorption of nutrients, regular bowel movements, mucous regulation, energy, and our ability to ward off disease. If this ecosystem is thrown off balance, we then begin to see physical symptoms manifest itself.
General Causes of Imbalance
Malnutrition, high sugar diet, high acidic diet, high fat and low fiber diet, alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, food allergies/sensitivities, chronic stress and anxiety.
Common Digestive Disorders
Hiatus hernia, GERD, Indigestion, Gastritis, Hyperchlorhydria, Ulcers, Pancreatitis, Constipation, Celiac disease, Gas, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Dysbiosis, Candida, Hemorrhoids, Polyps, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hepatitis, Fatty Liver, Liver Disease.
General Recommendations for Digestive Support
|
Supplement |
Role |
|
B complex |
Maintains healthy muscle tone, hydrochloric acid production, supports mucous membrane, bile secretion, converts fat into energy |
|
Ginger |
Assists with indigestion, gas, upset stomach and bowel movements |
|
L- Glutamine |
Helps to heal mucus membranes and intestinal lining; great for Ulcers, GERD, Chron’s, Colitis and Heartburn. |
|
Slippery Elm Bark |
Coats Intestinal lining – Great for temporary relief of Ulcers, GERD and Heartburn (a natural alternative to an antacid) |
|
Probiotics |
Balances gut flora, helps boost immunity and regulates bowel movements. Replaces flora when lost through administration of pharmaceutical drugs. |
|
Bioflavonoids |
Stimulates bile production which is involved in the breaking down of fats. |
|
PABA |
Maintains healthy intestinal flora |
|
FFL Elderberry Syrup |
Potent antioxidant blend that nourishes cells, promotes healthy digestion, balances blood sugar and boosts immunity. |
|
FFL Black Seed Oil |
Immune booster, reduces excess phlegm and inflammation |
|
FFL Digest |
A blend of glutamine and herbs to help combat indigestion and heal the intestinal lining. |
|
Fiber |
Regulates bowel movements, balances blood sugar and assists with detoxification. |
General Emotional Causes
Everything that is physical has an energetic counterpart. In other words, for every disease or ailment, there is a long-standing emotion or mental pattern attached to it. Thoughts and emotions have a direct influence on our physical health. Whether it be positive or negative, we can either strengthen or weaken our vital force with the way we think. In this section, we will take a generalized look at the Digestive system and how its imbalance relates to our emotional health.
The process of digestion includes assimilation, breaking down of the food, absorption of nutrients then lastly, excretion of toxins. It’s a smooth process that is controlled by internal mechanisms. We cannot voluntarily reverse this process nor can we control what happens to our food once it has been eaten.
This system is related to “digesting” and embracing the experiences of life with grace and ease.
One of my favorite quotes is, “If nothing moves you, life will”. This means that no matter how stuck we feel, what we try to resist, control or avoid, the journey of our lives will always move forward, in a constant motion, just like our digestive system. The only thing we can control are our own thoughts and actions, just as we can control what we eat. When we focus more on ourselves and what we have the power to change, we begin to see change around us. This is called the law of vibration.
What situation or person are you trying to control? What is causing you worry and tension? Are you feeling stuck and going against the grain of life? Do you judge and criticize, refusing to accept outside of your norm? Are you reliving your past, afraid to move forward?
If so, then in order to flow, you must let go of that which you cannot control or change.
Affirmations
I experience life and its lessons with grace and ease.
I release the need to control, all is in divine alignment.
My power lies in my choices and I choose to live in the present moment.