Gastrointestinal Issues:                                      Carrie A. Franklin, Ph.D.

Things you might consider to heal up your colon

1. Avoid coffee, including decaffeinated varieties (which may still contain some caffeine), all other sources of caffeine and all stimulant drugs.
2. Avoid milk, milk protein (casein) and all milk products. Remove any products made with carageenan from your diet. (Read labels on soy products carefully).
3. Avoid products sweetened with sorbitol, xylitol, or other sugar alcohols.
4. Take slippery elm in the form of gruel: Combine one teaspoon of the powder with one teaspoon of sugar and two cups of boiling water. Stir well. Flavor with cinnamon and drink one or two cups twice a day.
5. Take turmeric in supplement form for its anti-inflammatory effects. Choose a brand that provides two grams of curcumin daily.
6. If cramping is a problem, take enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil between meals to relieve the spasmodic component of inflammatory bowel disease.
7. Practice breathing exercises for relaxation.
8. Because stress can worsen symptoms, take a course in biofeedback or experiment with hypnotherapy and guided imagery to use the mind/body connection to heal the gut.
9. Consider psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to work on emotional conflicts that can exacerbate symptoms.
10. To address inflammation, increase your dietary omega-3 fatty acids by taking supplemental fish oil, start with one gram a day and increase slowly to two to four grams a day. If there is any increase in diarrhea, and cut back the supplement dose if necessary.
11. Start a program of friendly bacteria, using it upon rising and at bedtime every day.
12. If gas and distension become intolerable, try using Activated Charcoal for 3 days. Use it between meals only.

Always speak with  your doctor about any changes you are experiencing!