Vitamins for heartburn instead of kapidex

Q. I'm currently taking Kapidex and would like some more natural way to improve my heartburn and indigestion. What do you recommend?

A. Often heartburn comes about because your stomach is not putting out ENOUGH of it's own hydrochloric acid to begin with, which delays stomach emptying because food is sitting in the stomach, and then pushes the acidic mixture up against the esophageal sphincter, which then makes you feel like you have heartburn.

Taking a little Betaine HCL can help improve this situation without going on any stomach acid blockers. This is where western medicine gets it wrong very often.

The goal is to improve digestion, improve response to food allergies, gut rebuilding and repopulating with probiotics and other beneficial nutraceuticals and to improve urinary tract health with the following:

Digestzyme (has Betaine HCL 200mg) - this would help with the breakdown of foods in your stomach & intestines. The Kapidex is lowering your stomach's output of acid, and it is likely your food is not being digested well at all. You could try using this while you are taking Kapidex to help with food digestion. If you find it causes any burning in the stomach, then you should discontinue and just use the Plant Digestive Enzymes. You might want to discuss with your doctor about reducing your dose of Kapidex and eventually getting you off it.

HLC MindLinx - 1-2 caps a day.

L-Glutamine Powder - gradually work up the dose, can eventually go up to 10 tsp/ a day in divided doses for healing the intestinal wall. Remember to mix Xylitol or stevia to add sweetness when mixing with water.

Aloe Vera 200x - for immune modulating effects and to help with intestinal healing. Work up to 3 caps a day.

Probiotics for severe constipation with diarrhea, H. Pylori, fatigue, headaches, and foggy brain.

Q. Should I try your specialized HMF Probiotics? Here are my problems: I normally only have a bowel movement (BM) once a week or less, then a bout of diarrhea. I have painful pressure feeling in my upper abdomen periodically. Test for H. Pylori came back positive I went on antibiotics and an acid reducer. I've continued to have that pain.

In addition to those problems, I've struggled with extreme fatigue, sleepiness, fogginess and headaches for years. I was overwhelmed by all the choices on your website and hope you can provide some guidance on what would be good for me to try.

A. Due to the complexity of your health concerns, you need a more in-depth nutrition consult. Here are some ideas for products to get your started toward better GI health.

I recommend you start with HMF Intensive caps since it contains no FOS (FOS is an ingredient that you can use in the future with great success once you have recolonized your flora a bit better). HMF Intensive will help start colonizing your intestinal tract.

Since you tend to have some diarrhea, I would recommend starting with 1 capsule a day with a meal for 5 days to help your intestines slowly build up the probiotic. If you do not have diarrhea during those 5 days, then increase to 1 capsule with a meal, twice daily. These boxes only have 30 capsules, so I suggest buying 2 boxes so you have a good supply.

After you have been on these for about 25 days, if your friend has some HMF Powder you could try, this would be a good idea to see how you handle the FOS in this product. If you could get about 2 tsp's from her to try for a couple of days would be good. Start with 1/4 tsp with a meal twice a day, the go to 1/2 tsp twice a day. If you have no GI symptoms (gas, bloating, cramps) then you could probably go with this product moving forward on your next order. If you do have any symptoms, this can be a sign that you have some negative bacteria causing the dysbiosis you are having.

Since you have tested positive for H. pylori, and continue to have intestinal issues, it could be that you still have it. It is very difficult to get rid of, even with antibiotics, it can still come back. I would also recommend getting on GastroMend by DFH. It is formulated to help protection against H. pylori, and help with healing the damage to the intestines caused by this organism. I would recommend taking 2 capsules, twice daily on an empty stomach. You may want to take this for 3-4 months to help improve the dysbiosis.

H. pylori often comes about due to low output of stomach acid during digestion. Your stomach acid is the body's first line of defense against this harmful organism. I, personally, do not like people to use acid blockers unless there is no other alternative. It may be helpful to eat smaller meals, and do not overeat or drink at a meal so you will have more efficient digestion of your food. Sometimes it is helpful to also take digestive enzymes (with possibly Betaine HCL) to make digestion better. To start with, a good one for many components of food is this: Similase by IT - try 1-2 caps with meals. You might start with the smaller size to see how this works for you.

Your dysbiosis and hormone situation can definitely be playing into how you are feeling. I would also recommend getting tested for food sensitivities/allergies, as dysbiosis damages the intestines and makes people more prone to developing food sensitivities. Many of the symptoms you list can be associated to food sensitivities.

If you are interested in exploring this further, we do have a reputable lab we work with that offers IgG4 30 Food Antibody test for $130. It is a test you can do at home using a lancet to prick your finger for a drop of blood, then sent the sample to the lab for analysis. Contact us to purchase this test. By eliminated foods that are causing you to have reactions, can greatly help in intestinal healing.

CHIA fiber vs. PaleoFiber and when to take if on medication

Q. In addition to your great HLC probiotics I take birth control and blood pressure meds at night. When should I take a fiber supplement and which would be better, CHIA or PaleoFiber?

A. It is advisable to take supplemental fiber away from medications, as it can interfere with your medication's absorption. Taking the fiber & probiotics in the morning &/or lunch and your meds at bedtime is fine. Generally, a couple of hours difference is all that is necessary.

I often recommend the PaleoFiber because it has more soluble than insoluble fiber and it has additional probiotics. However, the probiotics in PaleoFiber are from dairy and are not as good as adhering to the intestinal tract as the HLC probiotics you already take, but they can be taken together for a better impact on gut health! The soluble fibers ferment in the intestines and help the good bacteria survive longer because these fibers become a food source for them and they help reduce cholesterol absorption from the diet.

Additionally, evidence exists that fermentable fiber sources improve absorption of minerals, especially calcium.

Consistent intake of fermentable fiber through foods and soluble fiber supplements help reduce the incidence of these health problems — obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and numerous gastrointestinal disorders. Also, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer — all disorders of the intestinal tract where fermentable fiber can provide healthful benefits.

However, the CHIA Fiber has other beneficial nutrients, but it is mostly insoluble fiber. I would recommend this if someone had difficulty with regular bowel movements and forming solid stools because the insoluble fibers help bring waste matter into a formed stool.

You might want to consider trying them both for all of these reasons I've listed. No one says you have to pick just one. You could even mix them together or take one with breakfast and one with lunch.

Damage Control After Antibiotics

I need to clear up a huge misconception about antibiotics, yogurt, and probiotics (beneficial bacteria).

Clients regularly complain about all kinds of stomach and yeast issues during and after taking antibiotics. And then they ask me: "If I eat a lot of yogurt, isn't that good enough to put these good bacteria back into my system?"

The answer is "No!". You definitely are not getting enough (or much at all) of the right strains. It can take YEARS to get your intestines back to 100% normal after taking antibiotics, and the sugar-filled pasteurized dairy yogurt often can make things worse.

The most effective way to fix the antibiotic damage is to supplement with a good probiotic like HLC Intensive both during antibiotic use and for at least 2 months after in order to recolonize the good probiotics in your body. If you're trying to replenish with yogurt, you'd have to buy organic full fat yogurt with no sugar and consume a huge amount each day for 1 year and hope it works.

Still not sure if you need probiotics? If you have any ONE of these symptoms regularly, you need to take them:

Symptoms of Deficiency in Probiotics

• Bloating, Gas & Indigestion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• IBS
• Yeast Infections
• Candidiasis
• Difficulty digesting dairy

At Rockwell Nutrition, we carry the very unique line of HLC Probiotics which are made with strains identical to those found in humans (as opposed to those with strains from cows). As such, they are readily recognized by our body, effectively implant, and improve your gut function dramatically! They contain no dairy, wheat, or gluten.

Over my 12 years studying in the nutrition industry, I rank HLC Probiotics in the Top 3 Most Important Supplements for your health.

What Are Probiotics and Do They Work?

Your body contains billions of good bacteria to keep things running smoothly in your intestines. They assist with digestion, help prevent food poisoning, prevent gas, diarrhea, constipation, and yeast overgrowth.

Some probiotics are only moderately effective, but others are true superstars. So, if you're going to take a probiotic, you've got to take one that's proven to work fantastically well!

Our Client reviews for these HLC Probiotics are overwhelmingly positive, especially in comparison to competitor's brands. And Pharmax probiotics are the only kind I've used for myself and my family over the last 7 years.

Which HLC Probiotics Should I Take?

HLC Intensive Capsules are a great starting point if you've got something actively bothering your GI tract. It contains no FOS so it will not bother you if you have severe yeast issues or a very delicate GI system.

HLC High Potency Capsules are perfect as a daily maintenance product since they contain less bacteria per capsule and are less expensive.

For kids and adults who don't like capsules, HLC High Potency Powder is the equivalent of the High Potency capsules. The powder tastes delicious and can be taken right off the spoon or mixed with any food or beverage (not hot).

HLC Neonate Powder is for infants under 1 year, and HLC Child chewable tablet is for toddlers who want to chew a yummy tablet (tastes like candy, but much healthier!).

For those of you with Gluten or Casein sensitivities or allergies, HLC Mindlinx is the perfect choice. It helps you better digest foods containing gluten or casein.

We're Here For YOU!

Check out our Consultation Page for information on scheduling a consultation with our Licensed Nutritionist to answer your questions on our probiotic products.

Let's Make this the Best Year It Can Be! To your Health!

By the way, Free Ground Shipping for Online Orders over $49

We'd love to hear from you if you have any questions about our probiotic supplements or would like guidance on digestive health concerns. Just email us at mynutritionist@rockwellnutrition.com
or call Toll Free 866-757-4500 x705.

Health & Happiness,

Annika Rockwell, CN
Julie Haugen, MS, RD, LD/N

HLC Probiotics, Cod Oil, and Colostrum Help IBS

Q. I now take HLC High Potency. What other supplements do you recommend for IBS? Can adults take the HLC Neonate Powder, and if so in what dose?

A. Since you are already taking the HLC High Potency, you could add the HLC Neonate for additional probiotic support because it has the B infantis strain not found in the HLC High Potency. It would be fine to take these both in their recommended dosage.

IBS can also be helped by several other products that support the intestinal walls and decrease symptoms. To add to these probiotics I would also recommend:

• GI Revive - to help soothe and support your GI, 1 teaspoon mixed with 4 oz water, twice a day. This also comes in capsules if your prefer.

• Tegricel Colostrum - 1 capsule before meals, 2 per day, to enhance general immune function and to help reduce the annoying and sometimes debilitating effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s, Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis. It has been suggested to heal and repair damaged tissue from the use of NSAID’s.

• Cod Liver Oil by DFH - 1 TBSP a day with any meal to reduce inflammation.

• Digestzymes - these are digestive enzymes along with a little HCL to help with the digestion of your foods. Take 1 with each meal.

How much L. crispatus in HLC Mindlinx and what does "No FOS" mean?

Q. Can you please tell me the count of l.crispatus In HLC Mindlinx capsules? In your other products, the count is shown, but this one is just listed as: Lactobacillis crispatus (CUL 221). It also lists HLC LAB4 Consortium as an ingredient, and I would like to know what that is for? Additionally what does "No FOS" mean?

A. According to Pharmax each HLC Mindlinx capsule contains: 4-6 billion cells of LAB4 strains; 2-3 billion cells of L crispatus; 2-3 billion cells of L rhamnosus.

The 'CUL 221' is Pharmax's culture number for this strain. It does not mean 221 million. The HLC LAB4 Consortium refers to the 4 main strains they use in most of their probiotic products. These 4 strains have the most research that prove they are beneficial and remain active in the intestines much longer than other types of probiotic strains. These are the 4 strains in the LAB4:

Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 60)

Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 21)

Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20)

Bifidobacterium lactis (CUL 34)

"No FOS" means there is no fructoligiosaccharides (FOS) in this product. FOS is an ingredient provided as a food source for the beneficial organisms. It helps keep them alive longer in the intestines, however, this ingredient can also feed bad bacteria and it not beneficial for people who have intestinal problems, at least until their intestines are well colonized with good bacteria and the bad ones removed. At that point we start to recommend a probiotic with FOS.

There is Help for Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut!

Q. What can you recommend to help my acute Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut. I've also just got over a bout with C. Difficile infection.

A. The supplements I recommend for you for Diverticulitis and Leaky Gut, and prevention of C. difficile infection are as follows:

• HMF Intensive Probiotics - Start with 1 capsule a day with a meal for about 1 week, then start the Lactobacillus GG (below). You can increase to 1 capsule with 2 meals a day at week three, then 1 cap with 3 meals a day on week four (would recommend getting 2 bottles - 30 caps each). This will help colonize your intestinal wall with 4 strains of good bacteria (minimum 24 billion cells per capsule), while pushing out yeast and other bad bacteria. After 4 weeks, you could drop down to 1-2 caps a day until the second bottle is finished. Then I can then recommend a maintenance probiotic, depending on how you are doing. Additionally, at some point you may want to also consider adding this fiber product below.

• Lactobacillus GG - Take 1 capsule a day after you have been on the HMF Intensive for about one week. I encourage you to start this sooner if you are tolerating the HMF Intensive okay without any loose stools. This strain of Lactobacillus (30 billion per cap) will help in management of gastrointestinal disorders including clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  

• Tegricel Colostrum - 2 capsules with each meal, 6 per day, in your acute phase, once better, you can reduce to 1 capsule twice daily. Bovine colostrum performs the following roles in the protection of the gastrointestinal tract: maintains integrity of mucosa, protects against intestinal permeability, aids local immunity, systemic immunity and antigen handling. It has been suggested to heal and repair damaged tissue from the use of NSAID’s.
  

• Amino Detox - build up to 3 capsules twice daily for one month between meals, to help the liver with the upregulation of phase II enzymes detoxification pathways to help with toxin removal from the body. You may need to take this for several months before beginning further detoxification efforts.

• L-Glutamine Powder 250g - take 3-10 tsp a day to help with gut healing and immune system weakness. Start low and build up the dose. Glutamine can be taken in water, juice, or mixed into healthy shakes. Cofactor nutrient: vitamin B6, 50mg per day, helps the body use glutamine more effectively. Taking 5 tsp. or more per day of glutamine decreases protein needs slightly, as glutamine helps the body use protein more effectively.

• B6 (Sublingual) Liquid by DFH - 1 tsp a day, provides 50mg per dose, along with cofactors magnesium and zinc, helpful in gut healing.

These are supportive supplements which assist in the process of intestinal healing, you can add the following one at a time along with the above recommendations:

• GI Revive - 1 teaspoon mixed with 4 oz water, twice a day. To help soothe and support your GI for intestinal healing. You may want to add this after you finish your L-Glutamine. This also comes in capsules if your prefer.
  

• Aloe 200X - 1 with each meal. Aloe Vera juice can be effective for treating inflammatory bowel disease, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative Medicine. Ten patients were given two ounces of Aloe juice, three times daily, for seven days. After one week, all patients were cured of diarrhea, four had improved bowel regularity, and three reported increased energy. Researchers concluded that Aloe was able to re-balance the intestines by "regulating gastrointestinal pH while improving gastrointestinal motility, increasing stool specific gravity, and reducing populations of certain fecal microorganisms, including yeast." Other studies have shown that Aloe Vera juice helps to detoxify the bowel, neutralize stomach acidity, and relieve constipation and gastric ulcers.
  

• Cod Liver Oil by DFH - 1 TBSP a day with any meal to reduce inflammation in the gut.
  

• Digestzymes - these are digestive enzymes along with a little HCL to help with the digestion of your foods. Take 1 with each meal.
  

• Paleofiber - This is an excellent food-based, natural gentle fiber I would also recommend adding when you are feeling better. Gradually build up to 1 TBSP mixed with water on an empty stomach 1 time per day (can use on an ongoing basis). This will help with stool regularity, removing toxins in the gut, while bringing in some additional probiotics. This product also comes in capsules if you prefer, but you have to take 14 capsules to equal 1 TBSP.

Are you eating enough protein at each meal? If you need additional protein, try adding this sprouted brown rice protein powder daily:

PaleoMeal Dariy Free Protein Powder - this hypoallergenic powder is ideal for mixing with water or other beverage for a quick snack or light meal. It provides 17g of protein per serving and other health promoting nutrients and enzymes. It also has some carb content to help keep blood sugars more balanced than just protein alone. You may want to check out Annika's video on making smoothies for some ideas, she is using whey protein, but this DF PaleoMeal will be a good substitute if you want to stay away from dairy based whey: Smoothies.

Betaine hydrochloride helps Hypochlorhydria low stomach acid

Q. What is Hypochlorhydria and what can I take to improve it?

A. Here is a suggestion for what to take as well as some info on your condition:

Patients with hypochlorhydria take betaine hydrochloride or glutamic acid hydrochloride with meals and snacks. These natural supplements increase the amount of stomach acid, which helps the body properly break down and digest foods, as well as improve assimilation of vitamins.

Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) occurs when a person has low levels of stomach acid, also called hydrochloric acid. The body needs stomach acid in order to break down foods so that they can be absorbed in the intestines.

Natural aging, a poor diet, chronic use of certain medications, and past infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria may limit a person's ability to produce hydrochloric acid.

Hypochlorhydria may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as Addison's disease, depression, asthma, eczema, gallstones, hepatitis, osteoporosis, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders.

If there is low acidity in the stomach, people may only be able to partially digest food. This may lead to malnutrition. Symptoms of hypochlorhydria may include bloating, gas, belching, burning or dryness of the mouth, heartburn, multiple food allergies, rectal itching, redness or dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose, adult acne, hair loss (in women), iron deficiency, undigested foods in the stool, yeast infection, as well as diarrhea or constipation. Patients with hypochlorhydria also have an increased risk of developing infections in the gastrointestinal tract because it provides an ideal environment for disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria.

Be sure to stay well hydrated, and eat easy to digest, cooked foods, eat little or no raw foods until you feel better. You might make some broth to sip on to help ease your stomach pain and make easy to digest soup. Here is a link to our broth recipe if you need one, and be sure to use betaine hydrochloride with every meal and snack.

GI Microb X relieves my eczema, how long do I take and any other suggestions?

Q. I have been taking GI Microb X for the past 4 months due to my eczema on my hands. It is the only thing that I have found that helps relieve the symptoms. I need to order some more today, but wanted to ask you how long I can take this product and if there is anything else that I can do for my eczema (food related)?

A. I would suggest taking a break from the GI Microb-X. This product is not meant to be used for long periods of time without taking a break.

Treating eczema can be challenging because there are several things that need to be accessed and controlled:

- Food Allergies - need to be determined and allergenic foods should be excluded from the diet for up to one year. If you need help with this, I can give you some guidance.
- Lowering histamine
- Killing negative bacteria and Candida Albicans in the gut (GI MicrobX helps with this)
- Healing the intestines from damage caused by food allergies and bacteria
- Elevate immune system

I would recommend starting to address gut healing, and I will also recommend other supportive products. Here are my recommendations (based on research with eczema patients) to get started on:

• Genuine Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - for the essential fatty acids and extra vitamin A & D. Helps to lower inflammation and EFAs help reduce eczema. Take 2-3 tsp / day with food, and increase cold water fish in your diet to 2-3 servings per week.

• GI Revive - to heal the gut lining. Take 1 heaping tsp, twice daily, mix with water or juice.

• Dandelion Tincture - helps an immune mechanism that is important in destroying bacteria and foreign particles. The activation of this could result in restoration of your own ability to destroy bacteria. Take 20 drops three times daily with water, 30 minutes before meals.

• Immunitone Plus - strengthens your immune system and herbs that more gentle to the GI tract that still have anti-microbial and anti-yeast activity.

• HLC Intensive Probiotic - it is important to replenish the good bacteria in the gut after using GI MicrobX. The ingredients in this product will also wipe out your good gut flora. I would recommend 2 caps with 2 meals a day.

For your hands, you might try this cream. It has soothing chamomile and calendula and zinc for healing. It is fragrance free. It is also important to avoid exposure to chemical irritants and any other agents that might cause skin irritation. Avoid greasy cream preparations since they block sweat ducts.

• Calendula Diaper Care by Welda

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need further guidance!

I am considering Digest Plus but have problems with tablets, any suggestion?

Q. I am considering the Digest Plus by Genstra, but often have problems with tablets. Also, what do you recommend for heartburn?

A. Digest Plus tablets by Genestra can be crushed. Here is the link to the product: But Genestra makes a chewable enzyme tablet which you might be interested in. Click here to read more information about it: BioEnzymes by Genestra

Also, here is a link to our category page called “Indigestion, Gas, Bloating” and recommended supplements:

For your heartburn, I recommend you take 1 enzyme tablet before each meal and ¼ tsp of HMF Powder probiotic after each meal for the first month. As symptoms disappear, you can reduce your dose. You should see big improvements within the first week!

In addition, making some changes to your diet is key. Focus on adding in alkaline foods to each meal such as vegetables and salads. For the first month, eliminate foods which aggravate your heartburn (i.e. fried foods, refined/processed foods, and sweets). After adding in your enzymes and probiotics, your body will have more tolerance to the foods which use to cause your heartburn.

Looking for a natural product for IBS. Would Digest Plus by Genestra help?

Q. My husband has been Suffering for years with IBS. A friend has suggested that he try "Digest Plus" by Genestra. Do you agree with this or do you have another suggestion? General Practitioners seem to want to use "drugs" to ease the symptoms, but we are willing to try something more natural.

A. I am confident his IBS can be improved or reversed as I have seen with many sufferers. Digest Plus is a good supplement to help with IBS. However, the most important place to begin is by changing over his bacterial balance in his gut to more friendly helpful bacteria versus the antagonistic ones which currently populate his gut.

• HMF Intensive Probiotics: Take this for at least 20-30 days, 1 capsule with each meal totaling 3 capsules daily. After this period, progress to a less potent version called HMF Forte or Super Powder.
  The other critically important initial supplement is Omega-3 fatty acids, taken in the form of Super EFA Liquid Plus by Genestra. These essential fatty acids will bring down the inflammation in his gut, and allow it to repair.
• Super EFA Liquid Plus, by Genestra: Take 1 TBS daily off a spoon or mixed into a smoothie.
  It is possible he may need some additional support in the form of plant antimicrobials, amino acids and/or enzymes. Consult back with me in 1 month to help you determine the next phase of his treatment plan. Also he should be limiting his sugar, gluten (found in bread, pasta, wheat products, etc), dairy, and soy. Focus on whole foods such as naturally raised anti-biotic free meat, poultry, eggs, butter, nuts, vegetables, squash, brown/wild rice, low sugar fruits, olive oil, some legumes, etc.

HMF Forte has helped my IBS, anything else suggested for gas and bloating?

Q. I have IBS along with excessive gas and bloating all day whether I eat or not. Taking HMF Forte has helped in the past. What do you recommend I take to get rid of my problem?

A. Typically IBS symptoms are a result of a severe bacterial imbalance brought on by both problematic foods, and emotional stress. Because of the imbalance, inflammation and breakdown of the gut tissue can result. To restore your gut health I recommend probiotics, fish oils, a plant antimicrobial, and at least one other supplement containing glutamine. We have excellent products which I've listed below.

In addition, I recommend a major cut-back or elimination of food antagonists. Typical problematic foods which affect most people are wheat/gluten, dairy and soy. There may be other foods which irritate you. If so, you should also eliminate these. Also add therapeutic foods such as coconut oil, organic butter, garlic, oregano, and macadamia nuts. Focus on foods like organic meat, fish, eggs, etc, lots of veggies and low sugar fruits like berries, and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, olive oil and butter, etc. Below I will list the supplements to help.

• HMF Intensive: You should replace HMF Super Powder with this since this one is FOS free. FOS are tiny sugars which feed bacteria. They are useful ONCE YOUR GOOD BACTERIA ARE ESTABLISHED. Before this transition occurs, FOS can cause excessive gas and bloating as it feeds the bad bacteria. Take 1 cap of Intensive probiotics with each meal. After 3-4 weeks, you may be able to transition back to HMF Super Powder, and take 2-3 tsp. daily.
• Super EFA Liquid: This fish oil is rich in omega-3s and free of toxins. Omega-3s will help reduce inflammation and promote healing in your gut. You can get more omega-3s from free range meats and eggs and walnuts. Take approx. 1 TBS. daily in a smoothie or from a spoon. It tastes orangy.
• Allisyn: This is a anti-microbial to help kill some of the current bad bacteria. Allicillin in garlic and cinnamon bark oil are the active ingredients which are potent anti-biotics which also spare good bacteria. They are much "smarter" than mainstream pharmaceutical antibiotics which kill everything. Take 1 twice daily with meals.
• Amino L-glutamine: This is an amino acid needed for gut tissue healing. It helps so many people! Take a total of 6 caps daily, preferably on an empty stomach. You can split it up to 2 caps, three times a day, 15-30 minutes before meals.

What supplement can I take to Alkalize my system? Is Endurlyte a good choice?

Q. What supplement can I take to Alkalize my system? Is Endurlyte a good choice?

A. Endurlyte is in fact alkalizing, as it contains qualitative amounts of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Calcium is the mineral needed in the largest quantities for alkalinization/maintenance of a healthy pH balance. However, calcium from dairy is controversial as to whether it creates an overall net alkalizing effect on the body. In fact the most convincing research shows that the calcium in milk in not bioavailable because the calcium provided by milk (for example), is immediately consumed in alkalinizing the acids formed by the milk. The best sources of bioavailable minerals (including calcium) is green foods and nuts.

Additionally I recommend taking Phyto Greens by Genestra. Use 1-2 TBS daily to aid in alkalinizing your blood and intestinal system.

Can hot liquids such as coffee interfere with the probiotics?

Q. Can hot liquids such as coffee interfere with the probiotics?

A. You should not take your probiotics with hot liquids such as coffee, although you can drink coffee maybe 15 minutes later. Keep in mind, coffee is known to irritate the stomach and is contraindicated for heartburn and various GI complaints. If you have Candida, do not use sugar in your coffee.

Is it possible for probiotics to overpopulate and reach a point of oversaturation?

Q. Is it possible for probiotics to overpopulate and reach a point of oversaturation?

A. The possibility of oversaturation of the good probiotics is very unlikely. I have never heard of it. You'd have to have a perfect diet with no hormones, caffeine, sugar, or refined foods. And you'd have to have a stress-free life with no exposure to pollution or toxins. All these things kill off the good flora and seem to leave the bad organisms in tact.

Which of your products, acting together, will help fight Ulcerative Colitis?

Q. Can I take the Intestinal Repair Complex by Biogenesis, the Inflammatone vegicaps by DFH, the HLC Synbiotic Intensive by Pharmax, and Cartinitine capsules at the same time to help fight ulcerative colitis?

A. Your product selection for ulcerative colitis was excellent. After seeing your order, I assumed you had been advised by a healthcare practitioner since the items were so targeted, especially for your condition. The research is very strong on the HLC probiotics helping fight ulcerative colitis, and the Repair Complex and Inflammatone will really help heal your GI by reducing inflammation and repairing mucosal cells.

The only other item I would have added is Omega 3s, but I have a feeling you are already taking some. If not, consider Omega Marine Liquid or Ultra Marine Softgels by Designs for Health which are very high quality fish oils free of heavy metals and toxins.

How can a GI tract be restored?

Q. How can a GI tract be restored?

A. You may restore it by using probiotics–preferably a brand with strains that are beneficial for both the upper and the lower part of the GI-tract (as the Pharmax product).

You may kill the unwanted microbe using plant antimicrobials as Alli-cinn, Colon Guard or Garlic Freeze Dried.

Whenever you have an imbalance of your flora, it is likely that the lining of the GI-tract is inflamed. You could use a herbal product such as, Min-Inflamm or perhaps better, fish oil: Finest Pure Fish Oil. A combination of both products might be better. Fish oil is also an immune enhancer.

What can I take to help clear up Hairy Tongue?

Q. I am looking for suggestions as to how to clear up a hairy tongue. There is no pain, itching, burning, etc. It feels fine, but looks awful at times.

A. Your "hairy tongue" is a common symptom of dysbiosis in your intestines. Your tongue is an extension of your gastrointestinal system, and its color and hairy white appearance means there is an overgrowth of one or more microbe and lack of balance with friendly bacteria. This is common after taking Flagyl since antibiotics kill off the good organisms which are responsible for keeping overgrowth of pathogenic ones at bay.

Pharmax LLC has done studies on patients taking antibiotics. I have attached some to this email. They show that there is an elevation of pathogens in the GI during antibiotic use. It can 6-12 months to re-establish the good flora and sometimes longer unless probiotics (beneficial bacteria) are taken to speed up the process.

I recommend you follow the below three-pronged approach with supplements from Pharmax. Pharmax private labels products for Genestra so they are the same high quality human strain probiotics you have read about on the Bacterial Vaginosis support group.

Kill, purify, and restore. First you need to gently kill off microbes or pathogens in your GI with "Alli-Cinn". At the same time, you need to cleanse out the toxin from your intestines with "Intestinal Purifier". And most importantly, you need replenish the beneficial bacteria which will keep balance in your intestines and vaginal canal with "HLC Intensive caps" and then "HLC Synbiotic Intensive sachets".

All three parts are important to get the desired results and prevent re-occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis (and your hairy tongue). You must restore the health of your intestines and vaginal canal to be symptom free.

Alli-Cinn by Pharmax (plant antimicrobial- garlic and cinnamon): Take 1 with each meal (3 per day) for 1 month and then reduce to 2 per day.
Intestinal Purifier by Pharmax (fiber and intestinal cleansing nutrients): Take 1 scoop per day mixed in liquid (i.e. 1-2 hours after dinner, with
breakfast)
HLC Intensive by Pharmax: Take 1 capsule twice daily after breakfast and dinner for 10 days.
HLC Synbiotic sachets: Take 1/2 sachet twice daily after meals for 7-14 days.

After this 17 day probiotic treatment, you make move on to a maintenance product HLC High Potency capsules, or keep taking HLC Intensive 1 capsule per day.

You may also want to consider using HLC Candaclear vaginal probiotic suppositories for your Bacterial Vaginosis. These have been tremendously helpful to women with Bacterial Vaginosis.

Should Probiotics be taken during an herbal Candida cleanse?

Q. I have been told to wait until after a Candida cleanse to start with probiotics, because the herbs will kill the probiotics along with the candida. Others have advised that one should take probiotics while on a clandida cleanse. What should I do?

A. Based on research done by Pharmax LLC, a nutraceutical company owned by a PhD Biochemist, they have found that taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment (or cleansing herbs which have an antibiotic or anti-yeast effect) offers greater benefit than taking them just afterwards. This is because during the "killing phase" of the antibiotics (or herbs), new harmful or unfavorable strains of bacteria (Staphylococci, Enterococci, and Enterobacteriacaea) were found to overgrow and thrive in the intestines, and it took over 28 days before levels were normal again after treatment.

Yet, patients taking probiotics 4+ hours after their antibiotics did not have the overgrowth of these pathogenic strains and thus their bacterial flora was back to normal weeks (or months) faster than the group which did not take the probiotics during antibiotics as well as after.

Is Ultra Fiber Plus by BioGenisis available in a form that is Gluten free?

Q: I have been using your product, Ultra Fiber Plus by BioGenesis for about 2 years or more. Is it in a form that is gluten free?

A:We found out from BioGenesis that although Ultra Fiber Plus is gluten free, it is manufactured in a facility which has gluten products, so there is always a chance for traces of gluten in the Ultra Fiber Plus.

I have Celiacs Disease. What do you recommend?

Q. I have Celiacs Disease. What do you recommend?

A. GI healing is possible! Here are three excellent products:

1. HLC Mindlinx, by Pharmax: (1/4 tsp twice daily). HLC mindlinx is the only probiotic in the country that not only helps restore GI health, but actually breaks down gluten and casein in the digestive tract so that you don't react as badly to it. It can be used in tandem with GI Revive.
2. GI Revive, by DFH: (1 scoop daily in water on empty stomach) I love this product, however some find it sweet. If you have an aversion to the flavor- contains peach flavor and stevia among other nicely flavored herbs and aloe vera, you could try just pure L-glutamine, by DFH: (1 tsp daily with water)
3. Finest Pure Fish Oils by Pharmax: Works to reduce inflammation in the GI, boost immune system, improve energy, and many other benefits which you can read about on the product page.

Can I take Omega 3s and other fish oils without experiencing digestive discomfort?

Q. I have trouble digesting fish oils and Omega 3s, is there anything I can take to help with digestion?

A. If you have trouble digesting fish oils or Omega 3s, I highly recommend Bile Support by Pharmax. It makes a big difference when you take it since it helps break down the fats. I personally notice that I do not burp up the fish oils if I take the Bile Support along with my capsules or liquid.

Is Oregacyn effective against gastritis and ulcers due to Heliobacter Pylori?

Q. Is Oregacyn effective against the Heliobacter pylori bacteria, which is the most common cause for gastritis and ulcers?

A. Yes, Oregacyn can kill H.pylori! The suggested dose for H.Pylori is 4 softgels with each meal (they are very tiny softgels) taken for about a month, so you'll need about 6 bottles and then you can get re-tested for H.pylori.

Related products: Oregamax, Oreganol

How do I take Alli-Cinn? HLC Maintenance vs. Intensive? Bloating causes?

Q. Should I take Alli-Cinn by Pharmax with food? 2.What is the difference between HLC Maintenance & HLC Intensive? 3. Why do I have some bloating & gas?

A. Alli-Cinn is best taken with food (contrary to what the label might say). It can be harsh on a delicate stomach and the food helps to buffer this effect, and its potency will remain just as good. I recommend you continue to take Allisyn 2 twice daily with meals, and take your HMF Replete after a different meal. For example, take Allisyn after breakfast and dinner, and take HMF Replete after lunch.

The HLC Intensive caps contain the identical probiotic strains as the HMF Maintenance , but does not contain any FOS which could be causing some gas initially. This is why we typically recommend a 10 day treatment on HMF Intensive (3 caps per day) and then HMF Replete packets. If you find you are still having gas and bloating while using the HMF Maintenance , then increase the dose of HMF Intensive to 1 cap 3x daily after meals for 5+ days, and then take the HMF Replete every other day before bed (so you won’t notice any bloating since you’re asleep).

The bloating and gas is a sign that your intestinal micro-flora is still not in balance. As you continue to take the probiotics, these symptoms will completely go away and you’ll know you’re doing much better!

Best way to take Bio-Alkalizer? What is its effect and why recommended?

Q. What is the best way to take Bio-Alkalizer 8 oz by BioGenesis? Between meals or with meals? What is the effect of this supplement? Why do you recommend it?

A. The best way to take Bio-Alkalizer 8 oz is between meals for optimal absorption (empty stomach). I recommend you take 1 Tablespoon per day (=3 tsp). I usually take it straight with water and use a shaker cup to mix it, but you can also mix it with some of you favorite juice (apple, raspberry, apricot). I suggest only 1/2 juice 1/2 water in order to cut back on the fruit sugar which is acidifying.

There are many good reasons to take a green food supplement each day. It is packed with natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It keeps your system alkaline which allows your bones to absorb calcium and minerals into your bones. It helps improve your digestive health by healing the mucosal cells in your intestinal tract. And it keeps your immune system strong by allowing detoxification and binding of heavy metals in your system.

What supplements should I take for Celiac disease?

Q. What supplements should I take for Celiac disease?

A. FAs are great for Celiac Disease since they help reduce inflammation in the GI so that healing can occur. The dose of 1 Tablespoon per day is a good one for you.

The HMF probiotics are incredible. Every Celiac patient should be on them. They are the only human strains of beneficial bacteria available in the US (not dairy or animal strains which do not implant well in human GI), and they work incredibly well to heal repair the intestinal lining so that food is properly digested and absorbed. Taking probiotics long term helps heal leaky gut or permeations in the intestinal lining which cause food allergies and sensitivities to foods. Clients with casein or gluten intolerance sometimes find that after long term supplementation along with EFAs and other gut nutrients, they are able to tolerate these foods occasionally.

What is best to supplement your colon cleansing program to keep my energy up?

Q. Your colon cleansing program says it requires a 5 day fast. Could I juice during the fast to keep my energy up? Also should I order Creave Arrest and Yeast Arrest along with the cleansing program?

A. The 21 day Internal Cleansing Kit by Blessed Herbs does not require a 5 day fast. It is just a recommendation for those who want extra serious cleansing. You will accomplish a lot even if you don't fast. Try to at least modify your diet to a healthier one including a lot of fresh vegetables and salads and eliminating junk food, sugar, and processed foods. Also, when you do find the time to do a fast, doing one which includes vegetable/fruit juice is more therapeutic than water fasting.

While a colonic is great for eliminating waste in the bowels, it does not eliminate waste from the cells. Thus the Internal Cleansing Kit is more thorough than a colonic, yet I highly recommend doing a colonic in addition to the cleansing kit.

The Crave Arrest is a great idea for your sweet tooth. I would also add in Chromium Synergy by DFH since this will help balance your blood sugar at each meal and help you crave less sweets.

The Yeast Arrest product is for vaginal use only. Instead, I recommend you get Oreganol. You can open a capsule and use the oil topically and take it internally.

I augment my HLC with 1-2 caps of L-Glutamine daily for Celiac. Is that enough?

Q. I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 7 months ago. I recently started taking supplements. I use HLC Intensive probiotics and L-Glutamine. I've seen a difference in how I feel since taking the probiotics and L-Glutamine. The problem is that I really don't know how much L-Glutamine to take. The bottle says 1-2 capsules a day, and that is all I take. Is this enough?

A.Glutamine is the amino acid that helps to repair GI tissue caused from gluten. You would greatly benefit from taking more glutamine than recommended on the bottle (1 or 2 caps daily). I recommend you use a powdered form, and mix it into water or a smoothie 1-2 times daily. Ideally you would take approx. 6 grams daily, or 1 tsp, twice daily. Check out L-Glutamine powder, by DFH.

Also consider taking Glutenzyme by Pharmax when eating any questionable foods, such as when out at a restaurant, etc. Take 1 capsule just before or during the meal to aid in breakdown of gluten.

And, after a few more weeks of HLC Intensive, switch to HLC Mindlinx and continue to take 1 cap with each meal. This is just like Intensive Probiotics with the addition of bacteria specifically meant to break down gluten and casein. Even if you are not currently eating gluten, it is helpful, since part of the reason for your sensitivity is a lack of this friendly bacteria.

Lastly, my favorite GI Repair formula which tastes like sweetened peach tea is called GI Revive by DFH and it can be used in addition to the Glutamine powder. This combination of herbs and aminos are all healing and restorative to the gut allowing fast normalization of gut function, healing of leaky gut, and strengthening of the digestive mechanisms.

Recommendations please for my 4 yr old with leaky gut who appears toxic?

Q. I have a 4 year old with leaky gut, constipation, and who is toxic (pale skin, dark circles under eyes). Would you recommend GI revive or just HLC Mindlinx?

A. Mindlinx is highly effective at restoring good bacteria to help with leaky gut. However you may need a couple of additional nutrients to fully reverse her leaky gut. Please consider:

• GI Revive—this tastes like sweetened peach tea (easy to drink) and contains lots of healing nutrients and herbs including additional l-glutamine, the main amino acid for gut repair, glucosamine and MSM for tissue building, aloe and slippery elm for membrane healing, and much more. Give her 1/2 teaspoon daily, mixed in a few ounces of water.
• Finest Pure Fish Oils or Berry Frutol—these are good tasting sources of omega-3 fatty acids, needed to reduce inflammation in her gut. Since inflammation (caused by food allergens and lack of anti-inflammatory hormones) is the root cause of a leaky gut, it needs to be reversed in order to ever fully heal. Omega-3s are always deficient in these patients. You can use FInest Pure Fish Oils which is a liquid oil, flavored pleasantly with orange essential oil for a better taste, or Berry Frutol which is a puree of berries emulsified with fish oil. Berry Frutol hardly tastes at all fishy, and my 4 year old niece always requests it at my home. Both are great! She would need to take twice as much Berry Frutol as FInest Pure Fish oil since it is more dilute due to the berries. 2 tsp berry frtuol daily versus 1 tsp of Finest Pure Fish Oils.

Also, if you can, eliminate completely dairy and gluten (wheat, oats, rye, barley) and possibly corn from her diet since dark circles are indicative of severe food allergies. In order to heal her gut, you must remove the allergenic/inflammatory foods. Also include more protein and fruits and vegetables. For gentle detoxification and fortification of fruits and veggies, consider a smoothie including PaleoGreens (powdered fruits and vegetables) and PaleoMeal (protein powder) along with frozen fruit and fish oils.

Also, perhaps some allergen free protein bars would be helpful for your situation. My favorite are UltraLean Glucosupport bars by Biogensis, crispy rice flavor. My niece also loves these! They are gluten, corn and dairy free.

What products do you recommend for constipation that will not make me gassy?

Q. I have had a daily struggle with constipation; I have tried many fiber products with brans etc. and find them to be terribly gassy and difficult to use. What products do you recommend?

A. As far as fibers are concerned, it seems that each person is unique in their response to the various types. Since you have found that (wheat) brans do not work well with you, I personally suggest you try a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber such as Ultra Fiber Plus

A perfect accompanying product is the HLC High Potency Powder by Pharmax (which should be taken after meals). The HLC products by Pharmax are the highest quality ones I have ever used, with supporting scientific research on their viability and ability to colonize the GI.

If you have been diagnosed with Candida or feel it may be contributing to your constipation, consider adding in Pyloricin, which is an excellent herbal product which targets intestinal Candida.

In order to restore your bowel health, I recommend you:

• Take HLC Intensive or HLC High Potency Probiotics
• Eat 5-6 servings fibrous veggies daily (fresh green and red cabbage)
• Drink at least 8 cups water daily including herbal tea
• Use fiber supplement such as PaleoFiber (mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers), in addition to meeting your vegetable goals. If you are on medications such as heart meds, advise your doctor before starting fiber.
• Consider "Digestive Stimulator" by Blessed Herbs
• Take 2 digestive enzymes before each meal: Digestzymes by DFH

HLC Intensive, Cascara Sagrada, and Psyllium not easing my constipation. Suggestions?

Q. I am having trouble with constipation. I have been taking HLC Intensive Probiotic for about a month. I am also taking the laxative herb Cascara Sagrada. This problem has been getting worse and I wonder what you could suggest. Psyllium products seem to irritate this condition.

A.

• Change to HLC High Potency Probiotics (powder or capsules), to help with colonization of good bacteria. The FOS has a natural laxative effect in higher doses.
• Ensure you are eating lots of fibrous foods like broccoli, salads, almonds, greens, etc.
• Try GI Revive by DFH. It is very helpful for creating a healthier GI—works on mucosal cells and tissue.

Just mix a teaspoon with water! Tastes like peach tea.

During pregnancy, is it safe to take HLC Synbiotic Intensive by Pharmax?

Q. During pregnancy, is it safe to take HLC Synbiotic Intensive by Pharmax?

A. Yes, it's very safe and recommended to take any of the HLC probiotics by Pharmax during pregnancy! There are many advantages for mother and baby.

The same safety profile exists for all HLC probiotics for pregnant or nursing mothers. The only word of advice for HLC Synbiotic Intesive is it can cause some gas in 20% of people for the first 1-2 weeks. This is because it contains FOS which feeds and nourishes the flora. If there is not enough good flora already established in the GI, gas results but symptoms subside within days. The more gas one has from the product, the more it means the good flora is deficient.

If you experience gas and find you cannot take the product until symptoms subside, then you can try HLC Intensive which contains no FOS, but it is more expensive since you’ll need 3 bottles per month (2 caps per day), and then 1 capsule per day for maintenance.

Can Serenaid allow a gluten sensitive child to eat gluten?

Q. My son is very sensitive to gluten. If I put him on "Serenaid", can he can start to eat Gluten containing foods?

A. Giving your son Serenaid does not mean you should begin feeding him gluten or casein regularly. However, it will help protect him against accidental intake, cross contaminated foods, or occasional intake such as when eating out or at a party. Depending on how he does with the product, you may be able to give him occasional gluten/casein in the future.

Another product which will compliment Serenaid by supplying some of the missing bacteria needed to break down gluten/casein is called HLC Mindlinx. He would take this regularly to re-implant the bacteria.

Can you recommend a good over-all formula for digestion?

Q. Can you recommend a good over-all formula for digestion?

A. First and foremost, I recommend taking HLC probiotics since this is good bacteria which will help heal and repair your digestive tract and improve natural digestion and elimination. Most people are deficient from years of exposure to chemicals in food/water, and of course, antibiotics. One single course of antibiotics kills up to 95% of your total good flora, never to be replaced unless you supplement with probiotics or eat freshly made yogurt or kimchi or miso daily.

I suggest starting with HLC Intensive (1 cap with each meal) for 1-2 bottles and then progressing to HLC High Potency for maintenance—1 tsp daily for another couple months, gradually decreasing to 2-3 doses a week.

I also recommend other digestive system supporters like L-Glutamine Powder (1/2 tsp 2-3 times daily) or a combination product with healing herbs and nutrients. Click here for some other options.

What would you recommend for compacted stool as softeners are not helping?

Q. My Daughter is 21 and just gave birth. Every time she passes a stool, it is very large and compacted and seems to get stuck and she has bleeding. They are the size of a baseball. Stool softeners are not helping. She is in severe pain. What would you recommend?

A. Some of the problem is stemming from the trauma and changes related to pregnancy and childbirth. However, it could be directly related to any medications she was given during the delivery. Below are my recommendations.

• Take Probiotics—HLC Intensive for 20 days, followed by HLC High Potency for another 1-2 months daily. This will help re-colonize her gut with good bacteria which she may have lost in the hospital.
• Drink more water—if she is breastfeeding, much of her fluid intake is going to production of breast milk; There for she is left dehydrated. She should be drinking at least 10 cups of water/herbal tea daily.
• Increase fruit and vegetables—one large 5/6 cup salad daily plus 2 cooked veggies or a stir fry at dinner, and fruit in between. These provide fiber and water to help with regular bowel movements. She can also take PaleoFiber by DFH, however I recommend small amounts to begin, since you don't want to add too much fiber at once. Have her try 1 tsp daily with a large cup of water. If she isn't drinking enough water, too much fiber can make the problem worse, since it could make stools harder.
• Try functional foods like papaya, Coconut Oil by Nutiva, and ginger which all stimulate digestive function.
• PaleoGreens by DFH would be very helpful. It is a greens formula which will help with general gut rebalancing and enabling a healthier floral balance.
• Light exercise is always helpful to regulate the bowels.
• If needed and as a last resort, Digestive Stimulator by Blessed Herbs would be very helpful. If she is breastfeeding, first check with her doctor to see if Digestive Stimulator is permissible.

What do you recommend to ease IBS gas, runs, and hemorrhoidal bleeding?

Q. I have IBS and my symptoms include a LOT of gas and a loose, runny discharge in my stool. I also get a violent urge to go RIGHT AWAY. In addition, I have internal bleeding hemorrhoids aggravated by the IBS. Please help!

A. You should continue taking HLC Intensive caps a bit longer, at least another month. It contains no FOS so it will not cause any extra gas. If FOS causes you gas, it indicates a major bacterial imbalance—which we already know you have since you have IBS. After another month, perhaps you can try a small dose (1/4-1/2) tsp of the HLC High Potency (since it's more economical). If you do experience more bloating, this means you are not ready for FOS, and you need to replenish with strictly with HLC Intensive caps for a while longer.

L-Glutamine powder will be very helpful with your IBS and I also suggest you take something to help with inflammation (which will allow the gut to heal) such as Finest Pure Fish Oils by Pharmax and perhaps Min-Inflamm by Pharmax

You can dose around 1 TBS daily of the fish oils, and as indicated on the bottle of Min-Inflamm. Fish oils contain omega-3's, which are the precursor to the body's natural anti-inflammatory hormones. Min-Inflamm contains herbs to reduce inflammation.

There are other adjunct nutrients which would help support your condition: Zinc Challenge by DFH, PaleoGreens by DFH, Intestinal Repair Complex by Biogenesis, and Magnesium Glycinate by DFH.

Also, consider adding some functional foods such as cook with coconut oil, eat papaya, and make your own chicken broth and drink daily! These foods have helped me personally and many others with gut healing. You should also, if you haven't already, limit or eliminate all gluten containing foods and reduce or eliminate dairy and all forms of sugar. Sugar feeds bad bacteria, and gluten and dairy are both extremely hard to digest and prevent your gut from healing.

Consider a diet such as eggs cooked in coconut oil with veggies for breakfast, protein shake with organic Whey protein (Paleomeal) , berries, coconut oil and/or milk for an alternate breakfast or snack, nuts, low sugar fruit, fresh coconut chunks or milk for snack, salmon salad for lunch, meat and veggies cooked in butter, olive or coconut oil for dinner. Brown rice, sweet potatoes, brown rice pasta, quinoa, etc. for grains in small portions with meals.

For any further meal planning advice, we offer paid consultations.

Yet I have tried to provide you with a solid starting place so you can once and for all feel better and kick this problem! As you know, mental health also plays a large role, so keep improving in that department too :-).

Which Probiotic product should an adult as well as 7 yr old use for Leaky Gut?

Q. My husband and 7 year old son were both diagnosed with Leaky Gut. Which probiotic would you recommend and how much? Anything else?

A. Each person's exact protocol can vary some, so please prepare yourself to tweak each of their protocols in the upcoming months as necessary. To start, the protocol I lay out below will be very helpful. They may also benefit from a Nutritional Consultation so I can create a customized meal plan to promotes healing.

1. Eliminate food allergens and inflammatory foods—gluten, casein, sugar, and any food allergies—may want to have them each tested and consider at least temporarily removing these foods until they are healed.
2. Probiotics—HLC Mindlinx—this truly amazing probiotic has helped so many of our clients with food allergies, a primary antagonist of leaky gut. It has even helped me personally. You may notice it has some glutamine, yet they will benefit from additional l-glutamine (recommendation #4). Your husband should take 1 cap with each meal, your son, 1 cap with meals 2 times daily. You can open them up for your son.
3. Finest Pure Fish Oils—this helps with inflammation reduction to allow gut cell healing. Your husband should take 1 TBS daily, your son 1 tsp daily.
4. Intestinal Repair Complex—1/3 dose for your son.
5. Include more functional foods—coconut oil, papaya, homemade chicken broth made from bones, whole organic eggs, organic butter, vegetables, avocado, etc.

All of these supplements and more information can be found on our section for Leaky Gut Syndrome.

How long should I take digestive enzymes to improve my digestion?

Q. I am taking digestive enzymes to improve my digestion after meals. For how long should I take them?

A. There are a couple of ways to look at it. There is research to support that taking enzymes long term takes stress off of your organs and improves all chemical reactions in your body, thereby increasing your lifespan and improving quality of life. This refers not just to digestive enzymes but also to "systemic enzymes". An example of a systemic enzyme is called Vitalzym, by World Nutrition.

However in your situation, you can take digestive enzymes to support digestion until your bacteria are replenished and you are able to produce more of your own digestive enzymes. This process of re-implantation and colonization of good bacteria can take weeks or months. Length of time needed ranges and depends on factors such as current floral balance, diet, amount of probiotics taken, inflammatory status, etc. Inclusion of healthy fish oils & a good fiber supplement and reduction of sugars, dairy & gluten will help.

The best way to know if your digestive system is back into balance is by judging your symptoms (or lack of symptoms). You can stop taking the enzymes periodically to test whether your system is supporting yourself. However you may find that regardless of your bacterial balance, digestive enzymes will still be helpful and beneficial.

Will either Alli-Cinn or Allicillin cause garlic breath or body odor?

Q. Will taking either Alli-Cinn by Pharmax or Allicillin by DFH cause me to have garlic breath or body odor?

A. Taking either garlic product will typically not cause any odor, although it has happened very occasionally. The reason certain people have an odor from taking garlic capsules has to do with their liver's inability to break down the compound which causes the odor.

If you know you have a weak liver, this may happen to you. Only when your liver is not working properly will an odor result. In addition, while eating garlic produces an odor in most people's mouth (since it is broken down in there), taking these freeze dried forms allows the compound to break down in the gut instead of the mouth, thus most people never have even a trace of odor from taking the product.

Alli-Cinn by Pharmax—Natural Anti-Bacterial Anti-Yeast

Allicillin by Designs For Health (DFH)—caps or liquid

What a huge difference the Alli-cinn made for my 4 year old.?

Q. What a huge difference the Alli-cinn made for my 4 year old.?

A. Hi Rachael, what a huge difference the Alli-cinn made for my 4 year old. It was truly amazing to witness the difference (in my 4-year old’s stomach aches and behavior). The HLC Uritol has also reduced her urinary frequency and discomfort but it was more gradual and I'm about to order more because we haven't completely resolved this issue but it is 65% better. I did start weaning my older daughter (6 years old) off the Bactrim with HCL Intensive 3 times a day and Allicillin 2 times a day and she seems to be doing quite well. No huge side effects or outrageous behavior, both children are doing well, and I will be eternally grateful for all of your good advice!!
—Jennifer D.

What products do you recommend for healing the gut and yeast in an autistic person?

Q. What products do you recommend for healing the gut and yeast in an autistic person?

A. The first product listed below is the one I would recommend specifically for killing yeast and fungus, and the one below it is one I would recommend for gut healing.

• GI Microb-X by DFH - is a potent blend of botanical extracts which provide a broad spectrum of activity against the most common pathogens present in the human GI tract in conditions of dysbiosis, while being relatively sparing of normal flora. Take two capsules daily upon arising and 2 capsules at bedtime. Change to taking with a meal if it causes stomach upset.
• GI Revive - take one teaspoon, one to two times daily mixed with water or a little fruit juice. You could take this at a different time of day as the GI Microb-X. I would also recommend taking this on a fairly empty stomach. This product can be taken as long as needed.

Lastly, I would also suggest this probiotic HLC Mindlinx to begin after you finish with the GI Microb-X;

• HLC MindLinx - this is an excellent probiotic for those with Autism. It is good to take 2-3 capsules a day to help colonize the GI tract. Take this with a meal.

Additionally, we do have a section on Autism with nutritional recommendations and products.

Protein for picky child who doesn't like protein powder

Q: What would you suggest as a protein supplement for my 12 yr old son who eats only carbs and refuses to eat protein? He will swallow pills but doesn't like protein powders.

A. Ideally, you should work on getting your son to start eating some protein rich foods. Some ways you can do this are:

• egg fortified pancakes or muffins,
• yogurt with fruit and nuts,
• almond butter,
• fried rice with extra egg,
• cream soups using whole milk.

Of course, chicken, fish, and red meats are healthy too. One thing I have found true in children who do not eat proteins is that it often stems from a deficiency of healthy bacteria in the gut. Since the gut is essential to digest protein, children who are deficient literally cannot digest protein, and therefore refuse it. Lack of good bacteria is caused by lack of breastfeeding and antibiotics or other meds. Is this applicable?

Try giving him HLC High Potency Probiotics by Pharmax to restore his gut function. It tastes very good and is administered as a powder with excellent compliance by children. (give him 1/4 tsp. twice daily to begin. Retry protein foods in small quantities to find out if he tolerates them better in about 1-2 weeks)

For now, since your son will not take any protein powders, here is a capsule supplement that he would do well on: Enteric Amino Complex by Pharmax 90 caps

Depending on how his protein needs (based on weight, health level, and physical activity), he would need about 8-10 capsules 2x per day between meals. You will need about 1 bottle per week.