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Living in Guatemala, I’ve come to learn a fair amount about the human digestive system over the years.

There are a lot of diseases that can result from lazy or poor culinary choices and consumption behaviors, including toxic, infectious diseases, which may be microbial (salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, e coli, and clostridium); parasites (taenias, flatworms, nematodes, and toxoplasmosis); or viruses (norovirus, hepatitis A, and rotavirus).

Effective cleaning is the fundamental law of hygiene and the primary tool for combating disease and preventing ailments caused by microorganisms. We also need to be conscious of our consumption habits, giving them greater priority in our lives.

We are what we eat, so we should eat well and know how to choose our food wisely. Our eating habits affect our lifestyle, quality of life, and the amount of time and money we invest in our nutrition. (Of course, on the flip side, there are also the people and businesses responsible for producing and distributing our food.)

Yet, even when we have a healthy diet and exercise regularly, digestive ailments can arise for a variety of complex reasons.

Here are seven methods I have found helpful in knocking them out and feeling good again. May they be of benefit!

1. A shot of lime juice and crushed raw garlic. Take it on an empty stomach. Continue to take a shot every four to six hours as needed.

2. In the case of diarrhea, stop eating carbs and sugars immediately. Parasites feed on sugar. Raw fruit and veggies are difficult for the system to digest, and fruits have natural sugars. Opt instead for proteins and steamed vegetables.

3. Activated charcoal tablets are a potent natural remedy, which enables toxins and chemicals in the body to be eliminated. Be sure to use one that is made from coconut shells or other natural sources.

4. Bentonite clay or diatomaceous earth will help with intestinal pain. Take one teaspoon dissolved in a small quantity of hot water on an empty stomach.

5. Grapefruit seed extract is an excellent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal medicine. It can be taken in liquid form, drop form, or tablets.

6. Swedish bitters is an excellent aid to disinfecting the digestive tract. It is made in high-quality vodka with a mixture of 13 herbs. (To take it without ingesting the alcohol, put the dose of Swedish bitters into a small mug of boiling water, and the alcohol will evaporate away.)

The benefits of Swedish bitters tincture include: promotes biliary, pancreatic, and gastric secretion; soothes digestive tract, bloating, flatulence, gas, cramps, and nausea; encourages toxin elimination, regenerates the digestive tract; acts as a gentle laxative and restores natural stomach acid balance; and stimulates circulation and liver function.

7. The herbal teas that are best for digestion include: jacaranda, lemongrass, ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and senna.

If, after several days of consistent application, these methods are not effective, you may want to consider an antibiotic option, but this should be a last resort. Hopefully, with the practical, natural remedies listed above, your good health will be restored. Here’s to digestive harmony!

 

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Author: Michelle Margaret Fajkus
Image: Flickr/Chris RubberDragon
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Copy Editor: Leah Sugerman
Social Editor: Callie Rushton