Category: Crohn’s Disease

Understanding and Managing Abdominal Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
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“Abdominal pain is a common complaint that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. At Clear Passage® Physical Therapy, we understand the impact that persistent abdominal pain can have on your quality of life. Our approach focuses on non-surgical and drug-free methods to address the root causes of abdominal pain caused by abdominal adhesions and provide lasting relief.”

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females Not Pregnant?
Abdominal Cramps and Pain
Lower abdominal pain in non-pregnant females can have various causes:
1. Surgical Adhesions – The Wurn Technique® addresses adhesions and scar tissue throughout the body, providing relief for various conditions, including chronic pain, infertility, and bowel obstructions.
2. Menstrual Cramps – A non-surgical, drug-free treatment approach for menstrual pain, focusing on addressing adhesions and providing manual therapy techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve women’s reproductive health.
3. Ovulation Pain – Ovulation pain can be significantly reduced by our therapy, particularly for women with endometriosis, as their approach focuses on manually breaking down internal adhesions (scar tissue) that can attach to the ovaries and hinder ovulation, causing pain
4. Endometriosis – The Clear Passage® Approach to treat endometriosis pain has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to be as effective as surgical treatment in reducing menstrual and intercourse pain, while also improving overall sexual function.
5. Urinary Tract Infections – A urinary tract infection (UTI) essentially means that urine is clear and free of cloudiness, which is often a sign that a bacterial infection is not present; however, even clear urine cannot completely rule out a UTI, and a proper diagnosis usually requires a urine test to confirm the presence of bacteria.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
Why Do I Have Stomach Cramps Every Day?
Experiencing daily stomach cramps can be distressing. Common reasons include:
1. Chronic Digestive Disorders (e.g., IBS, Crohn’s disease)
2. Food Intolerances or Allergies
3. Stress and Anxiety
4. Hormonal Imbalances
5. Adhesions from Previous Surgeries or Infections
At Clear Passage® Physical Therapy, we specialize in identifying and treating underlying causes of chronic abdominal pain without resorting to surgery or medications. Please see a medical professional for Chronic Digestive Disorders, Food Intolerances or allergies, and stress/anxiety. Call Clear Passage® for help relieving stomach cramps due to adhesions from previous surgery, infection, or radiation.
Abdominal Cramps and Pain
Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain often involves the area below the belly button. Causes may include:
- Appendicitis
- Bladder issues
- Gynecological problems
- Lower intestinal disorders
Upper Abdominal Pain
Pain in the upper abdomen can be related to:
- Gallbladder issues
- Liver problems
- Pancreatitis
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Epigastric Region Pain
The epigastric region is located in the upper central part of the abdomen. Pain in this area may be due to:
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcers
- Hiatal hernia
- Heart-related issues (in some cases)
Stomach Inflammation Symptoms
Stomach inflammation, or gastritis, can cause various symptoms:
1. Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Bloating and fullness
4. Loss of appetite
5. Indigestion
Abdominal Cramping After Eating
Experiencing abdominal cramps after meals can be frustrating. Possible causes include:
1. Food Intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten)
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
3. Gastritis or Peptic Ulcers
4. Gallbladder Problems
5. Pancreatic Insufficiency
Abdominal Pain Remedies
At Clear Passage® Physical Therapy, we believe in the power of natural, non-invasive treatments for abdominal pain. Here are some effective remedies:
Natural Relief for Stomach Pain
1. Heat Therapy: Apply a warm compress to the affected area
2. Abdominal Massage Therapy in the case of Adhesions
3. Peppermint or Chamomile Tea
4. Proper Hydration
5. Stress-Reduction Techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation)
Homeopathic Remedies for Abdominal Pain
While we don’t prescribe medications, some patients find relief with homeopathic remedies such as:
1. Nux Vomica for indigestion and cramping
2. Colocynthis for severe cramping pain
3. Magnesia Phosphorica for menstrual cramps
4. Arsenicum Album for food poisoning symptoms
It’s important to consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner before using these remedies.
At Clear Passage® Physical Therapy, we offer specialized manual therapy techniques that address adhesions, scar tissue, and other underlying causes of abdominal pain. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, providing relief without the use of drugs or surgery.
If you are struggling with abdominal pain after surgery or because of bowel obstruction, we invite you to explore our non-invasive, all-natural treatment options. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Contact Clear Passage® Physical Therapy today to learn more about how we can help you overcome abdominal pain and regain your health naturally.
February 6, 2025
Crohn’s Disease
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We Treat Crohn’s Disease Complications Without Surgery or Drugs
Testimonial of a Clear Passage® patient dealing with Crohn’s Disease.
These remarkable images show the power of Clear Passage®️ to improve the intestines of patients with Crohn’s disease. Scheduled for emergency surgery, this patient had two obstructions in her intestine secondary to her Crohn’s. On the left, we see “BEFORE” images of
- A 3-inch long ‘string stricture’ in the lower bowel that was about the thickness of a coffee straw, and
- An ‘hourglass obstruction’ in the upper bowel.
On the right, images taken AFTER Clear Passage®️ (only) showed that the therapy cleared both obstructions – without surgery. Notice also how much fuller the rest of the bowel loops are in the AFTER images. The radiologist diagnosed “normal bowel” in the images taken AFTER therapy.
Crohn’s and Adhesions
A major concern for patients with Crohn’s is internal scarring (adhesions) that forms as a response to the inflammation that so often accompanies this condition. Because the body does not dissolve adhesions, these internal scars tend to remain in the digestive tract for life. Adhesions anywhere in the abdomen can slow digestion, back up food, or cause any of a host of digestive issues. Thus, patients who have had Crohn’s or other intestinal issues that cause adhesions are prone to mechanical issues, including pain, nausea, bloating, distension, constipation, or diarrhea.
Wherever they form, adhesions can blanket the intestinal walls, prevent food from being absorbed, create pain, or cause digestive problems. Adhesions within the wall of the bowel can squeeze the intestines into narrowing spaces called strictures. Adhesions can join loops of the bowel together or glue them to other organs. Any of these situations can lead to surgery. Unfortunately, surgical repair of the problem is recognized as a primary cause of bowel obstruction, a life-threatening condition that can occur because surgeries tend to cause more adhesions to form.
Inflammation within the bowel is one of the main causes of bowel and abdominal adhesions.
Treatments
Clear Passage®️ Treatment
Clear Passage®️ has vast experience treating and decreasing internal adhesions non-surgically. This non-invasive therapy has been the focus of our work since 1989, when our physical therapist founder developed debilitating abdominal and pelvic adhesions after surgery and radiation therapy. Citations on our work decreasing internal adhesions have been published in respected medical journals, and are contained in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, maintained by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH).
Our focus is to decrease internal adhesions manually; we use our hands to pull apart the straitjackets of adhesions, like pulling out the run in a three-dimensional sweater. Studies indicate that attending CP therapy can improve the uptake of nutrients and return the body to a prior state of improved mobility and function. As the strong pulls of intestinal adhesions are released, pain and digestive problems can be greatly relieved, so patients can return to a much higher quality of life.
If you have Crohn’s, we first want to examine your medical records. Experience shows that patients should not be treated when they are in an active flare-up, indicated by certain markers in their blood. We may ask you to undergo and send results of a recent blood test, so we can be sure that the timing of therapy is optimum for you.
During your therapy, we will work to decrease and eliminate adhesions throughout your abdomen and pelvis. We will also instruct you about adhesions and show you ways to avoid them and their deleterious effects. We will provide you with a home maintenance program to help you stay in good health and avoid future surgeries.
The pain from abdominal or pelvic adhesions can be significant, yet they do not appear in virtually any diagnostic test. It can be very frustrating when your doctor says, “There’s nothing there” or (more accurately) “I don’t see anything.” We know of no other non-surgical therapy that has been shown to decrease adhesions in the abdomen or pelvis.
Life after Therapy
If you are like most of our patients, you will leave therapy with a much healthier digestive tract, largely freed of internal adhesions that can bind the intestines and make life intolerable. Patients tend to report a significant decrease in pain frequency and severity after therapy, and a marked improvement in digestion. They report improved social lives so they can visit friends for dinner or go to a restaurant without fear of flare-ups. In addition, our patients leave therapy with the tools they need to keep adhesions at bay and avoid surgery.
Other Treatment Options (Surgery, Drugs)
Other treatments for relieving you of chronic flare-ups resulting in life-threatening bowel obstructions are limited. In severe cases, doctors may suggest surgery. However, as stated before, surgery is frequently cited as the primary cause of bowel obstructions due to the fact that surgery results in the formation of additional adhesions as the body’s first steps in healing.
Published Success Rates
To view a full list of our published studies and success rates treating adhesion-related disorders in Crohn’s Disease patients, please visit our Bowel Obstruction Success Rates page.
Testimonials
To read previous patient success stories of Clear Passage®️ treatment, please visit our Testimonials page.
Related Content:
- Diet Guide
- Crohn’s Disease
March 21, 2021
What is the Cause of a Small Bowel Obstruction and What Are Your Options for Treatment?
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What is the Cause?
The most common cause of bowel obstructions is adhesions. In fact, 65%-75% of bowel obstructions are caused by adhesions. Adhesions are collagenous bands of scar tissue that form after some sort of trauma during the healing process. Think of it like a scab forming on your skin after a cut. Adhesions are internal “scabs” that assist in the healing of trauma; however, they can have serious side effects. These collagenous bands of scar tissue can wrap around your intestines and strangulate them, causing obstructions in the bowel. We usually use the metaphor of a hose that is being pinched shut. Adhesions can form following any type of trauma, for example, after infection, radiation therapy, or inflammation, and most commonly, they form after some type of surgery.
Adhesions form to help the body heal from surgery, infection or trauma. After healing, adhesions can create strong glue-like bonds that last a lifetime.
Other, more rare causes of bowel obstruction are hernias, Crohn’s Disease, malignancy, volvulus, and diverticulitis. Hernias can squeeze the bowel shut, making it difficult or impossible for contents to pass through the intestines. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. These persistent inflammations lead to scarring and, inevitably, the formation of adhesions through the never-ending inflammation of the delicate tissues. Malignancy, the presence of a tumor, can obstruct the intestine, causing blockage. Volvulus is an obstruction that occurs from the intestine is twisted or knotted. Diverticulitis is fairly similar to Crohn’s, an inflammation or infection in the digestive tract that can cause scar tissue (adhesions) and constipation.
Symptoms of a Small Bowel Obstruction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and inability to pass gas
- Abdominal distention, which can be confused with bloating
- Fever
- Tachycardia (higher than normal resting heart rate)
- Loss of appetite
- Recurring or extreme abdominal pain
If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it is important to notify your doctor. A bowel obstruction can be a life-threatening condition.
Here, you can see adhesions forming in different areas of the intestine, leading to a bowel obstruction
How Do You Cure Bowel Obstruction?
When a bowel obstruction occurs, doctors and physicians generally turn to surgery as the first option. But is it the best? What are the risks of surgery? Do you have options that are better suited for you? Below, we will discuss the risks and recovery of bowel obstruction surgery as well as other treatment options that are less well-known in the medical field.
Surgery
As written above, doctors generally turn to surgery as the “cure-all” for bowel obstructions. While this surgery is life-saving, it does come with some associated risks and validated concerns from patients. We now know that 65-75% of bowel obstructions are caused by internal adhesions. We also know that an internal trauma, such as a major abdominal surgery, will cause more adhesions. In fact, 90% of patients who undergo a major abdominal surgery develop adhesions. It seems somewhat counterintuitive that you would undergo surgery to treat adhesions causing your bowel obstruction, with a 90% chance of forming even more adhesions that will lead to another bowel obstruction following your surgery. It is important to note that surgery may be required in order to remove infected or necrotic (dead) tissue or to repair perforations to the bowel.
Risks Associated with Surgery/Side Effects of Surgery
- 7-day hospital stay recovery
- Risk of developing more adhesions (scar tissue), leading to future bowel obstructions
- Potential abdominal bleeding
- Potential of damaging other internal organs
- Repeat surgeries
Manual Physical Therapy (Clear Passage®️ Treatment)
There’s a much less-known treatment for bowel obstructions that involves no surgery, drugs, or medications to eliminate small bowel obstructions and assist you in gaining your life back after struggling with recurring bowel obstructions. For over two decades, Clear Passage® has been extremely successful in clearing bowel strictures by treating the root cause–adhesions–naturally. The Clear Passage® ® Treatment uses a hands-on approach by gently breaking apart the adhesions restricting your intestines over a 20-hour treatment course and educating you on how you can treat yourself after therapy. View our published studies and success rates in treating bowel obstructions here.
Risks Associated with Physical Therapy/Side Effects of Surgery
For most patients, side effects from this treatment have been transient and minimal, such as temporary minor soreness of the treated areas, soreness in other areas of the body following treatment, possible spotting for women after internal treatment, and fatigue.
Small Bowel Obstruction Prevention Options
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking more water will help food move more easily through your digestive tract.
- Chew your food thoroughly: Chewing your food thoroughly will decrease the amount of work your digestive tract must do, and help to prevent intestinal obstructions.
- Diet Change: Changing your diet to be more digestive health-friendly may help prevent future small bowel obstructions. Read through our Digestive Health Guide for Bowel Obstructions to learn more.
- Take note: Many of our patients have found it very helpful to keep a food journal. Learn what agrees with your stomach and what triggers your issues. Many people find it helpful to slowly reintroduce foods into their diet to make sure they can pinpoint what is causing the issue.
January 15, 2021
The Most Common Causes of Bowel Obstruction and How to Prevent It
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Obstructing? Need Help Now!
How Can Therapy Help?
Experience relief from bowel obstructions with Clear Passage® Physical Therapy’s Free Consult and Request Info, offering a non-surgical, manual therapy approach that treats adhesions – the primary cause of most small bowel obstructions – potentially helping you avoid risky surgeries and recurrent blockages. To learn more about applying for therapy, visit our Apply to Therapy page.
Table of Contents
What is a bowel obstruction?
An intestinal obstruction, also known as a bowel obstruction or bowel blockage, occurs when food or liquid is unable to pass through either the large or small intestine. If left untreated, life-threatening complications such as tissue death or infection, even death, can occur.
Tissue death occurs when the intestinal obstruction cuts off the blood supply to a section of your intestine and causes the tissue to die. The dead tissue weakens your intestinal wall, which can lead to a tear, allowing the contents of the bowel to spread throughout the abdomen, a condition called Peritonitis. This infection that occurs deep within the abdomen is life-threatening. Surgery, along with direct application of antibiotics to the infected internal sites, is often required to save the patient’s life.
Colon Obstruction Close Up
Symptoms of a bowel obstruction or bowel blockage
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and inability to pass gas
- Abdominal distention, which can be confused with bloating
- Fever
- Tachycardia, which is a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate
- Loss of appetite
- Recurring abdominal pain
Causes of mechanical bowel obstructions
Adhesions: The most common cause of small bowel obstruction is intra-abdominal adhesions. Adhesions caused by abdominal or pelvic surgery cause about 65% to 75% of all small bowel obstructions. Adhesions are scar tissue that can form after infection, radiation therapy, inflammation, and most commonly, surgery. One of the reasons recurring bowel obstructions are so difficult to treat is that obstructions and blockages are often treated with surgery. Post-surgical adhesions can wrap around the intestine and squeeze it shut, similar to pinching a garden hose. In other cases, a stricture (narrowing) can occur, preventing liquids and food from passing through.
Hernias: When the intestine protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall, it is called a hernia. Hernias can squeeze the bowel shut, making it difficult or impossible for contents to pass through the intestine. This causes impacted stool, a stricture, or a blockage to occur.
Crohn’s disease: This is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. The constant inflammation leads to scarring and the formation of adhesions.
Malignancy: This is defined as the presence of a malignant tumor (cancer). A tumor can obstruct the intestine, causing a blockage.
Volvulus: This is an obstruction caused by the intestine being twisted or knotted. Once the intestine is twisted or knotted, nothing can pass through. This condition can also obstruct blood flow, causing tissue death.
Diverticulitis: Similar to Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection in the small pouches of the digestive tract that can lead to scar tissue and constipation.
Food that can cause bowel obstructions
You may be wondering what food you can safely eat with a bowel obstruction. Here are some foods to avoid if you have been diagnosed with a bowel obstruction.
- Fruits with a cellulose structure can cause or contribute to an obstruction. One of the most common fruits reported to cause intestinal obstructions is the persimmon, though a large number of cases have been reported with citrus fruits in general and other dried fruits.
- Dried nuts and seeds.
- Whole grain or other high-fiber breads.
- Tough or stringy pieces of meat.
Bowel obstruction prevention
- Drink plenty of fluids – It is generally suggested that individuals drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day. Water helps food move more easily through the digestive tract.
- Chew your food thoroughly – Not chewing food well increases the amount of work your digestive tract must do and can contribute to intestinal obstructions.
- Clear Passage® – A manual physical therapy that treats the adhesions causing recurring bowel obstructions – without surgery or drugs. By avoiding surgery, patients can often avoid repeat bowel obstructions because surgery is the primary cause of adhesions and bowel obstructions.
- Diet change – Changing your diet may help prevent future bowel obstructions.
Bowel obstruction treatment
Fasting – Allows the bowel to rest and helps reduce the risk of complications during surgery, if that becomes necessary.
Nasogastric intubation – An “NG Tube” is a tube that carries food and medicine down the throat and into the stomach, and also pumps out excess stomach liquids in an effort to decompress the bowel.
Surgery – Surgery may be required to remove infected or necrotic (dead) tissue or to repair perforations to the bowel.
Click here to learn more about a non-surgical treatment option for bowel obstruction.
References
November 1, 2017
SIBO and Gut Motility
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What is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)?
A person is diagnosed with SIBO when there is an increased number of bacteria or a significant change in the types of bacteria found in the small bowel. A common misconception is that SIBO results from a single type of bacteria. Because a healthy bowel contains a spectrum of bacteria, SIBO occurs when those multiple types of bacteria increase to levels that are no longer considered healthy.
SIBO can cause malabsorption of nutrients, which results in vitamin deficiencies and weight loss. Persistent SIBO can also lead to IBS, leaky gut, inflammation, and increased sensitivity to food allergies.
What causes SIBO?
Pinpointing the exact cause of SIBO can be difficult because of the condition’s complexity. There are several common predictors of SIBO, including Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis, as well as the use of antibiotics, acid-blockers, and other medications that alter the normal gut flora.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Bowel surgery
- Bowel obstruction
- Prior use of antibiotics
- Decreased stomach acid (can be caused by acid blockers)
- Abdominal adhesions
- Decreased gut motility
If you have one or more of these risk factors and experience any of the following symptoms, you may have SIBO:
- Abdominal pain
- Severe bloating
- Abdominal distension
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Frequent gas and belching
What is gut motility?
Gut motility is a measure of the ability of food to pass through the digestive tract. Many issues can arise from poor gut motility, particularly malnutrition, which results from the body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly. The body may also have trouble absorbing medications, making it difficult to fully treat and resolve SIBO. Here are a few signs that you may have compromised gut motility:
- Abdominal distension
- Recurring obstructions
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chronic constipation
- Previous abdominal surgeries
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
What causes reduced gut motility?
Gut motility is affected by motility disorders, which hinder the digestive system’s ability to move food through the digestive tract and absorb critical nutrients. The following are some of the more common motility disorders.
Adhesions
Adhesions can form in the abdomen after surgery, infection, inflammation, or trauma as the first step in the body’s natural healing process. Once formed, they remain in the body for life. The symptoms of abdominal adhesions can be similar to those of SIBO and, thus, are often confused. These symptoms include abdominal pain, infrequent bowel movements, abdominal distension, and severe bloating after eating, reduced gut motility, and painful bowel movements.
Adhesions can squeeze the bowel, wrapping tightly around it and causing a severe decrease in motility. Abdominal adhesions are also one of the primary causes of bowel obstructions.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is associated with heartburn and acid regurgitation. This condition is common and often not associated with a disease. Treatments can range from lifestyle and diet modifications to surgery, in severe cases.
Intestinal Dysmotility
Intestinal dysmotility is characterized by abnormal motility in the small intestine due to weak or unsynchronized muscle contractions. The abnormal patterns can cause the symptoms of a bowel obstruction.
Gastroparesis
This is a disorder that prevents the stomach from emptying its contents at a normal speed. The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes; gastroparesis is also a common complication of some surgeries. Patients with gastroparesis usually have chronic nausea and vomiting; some also experience bloating and early ‘fullness’ when eating.
How can reduced gut motility cause SIBO?
SIBO is the result of abnormal motility in the bowel, which can stem from any of the conditions or risk factors listed above. Caused by poor motility, there is a buildup of bacteria in the upper part of the small intestine that is unable to escape. SIBO is normally treated with a combination of medications and dietary changes. Unfortunately, the medication may be ineffective when gut motility is reduced by adhesions. Adhesions can form after trauma, infection, or surgery and significantly reduce bowel motility by wrapping around the bowels and squeezing them.
When medications are used to treat SIBO, the excess bacteria are killed — a process called “die-off.” When abdominal adhesions prevent the bacteria from exiting the small bowel, it is common for SIBO to return. The “recurring SIBO” persists until the adhesions, which are trapping the die-off, are successfully treated.
Treatment for adhesions that perpetuate SIBO
A common method for removing adhesions is a surgical procedure called lysis of adhesions, where the surgeon cuts or burns the scar tissue. Unfortunately, this approach often results in the formation of new adhesions as the body heals from the surgery. Once the adhesions are treated, medications can work better, and intestinal mobility, motility, and absorption can improve significantly.
Manual physical therapy is an effective alternative for treating SIBO and abdominal adhesions, without the formation of post-surgical adhesions.
References
May 5, 2016
Transitioning to a Regular Diet from a Low or Minimal Fiber Diet
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Certain medical conditions require a person to restrict their fiber intake, including Crohn’s Disease, Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), and acute diverticulitis. Your medical adviser may also recommend a Low-Fiber Diet if there is a narrowing of the bowel due to a tumor or an inflammatory disease; after bowel surgery, or when treatment, such as radiation, damages or irritates the gastrointestinal tract. As part of the transition process, following a Low-Fiber Diet plan is crucial to the recovery process.
Here are some guidelines to follow when transitioning to a regular diet.
Gluten-Free Whole Grains
Many of our patients find gluten-free foods to be very beneficial to their diets. Eating a breakfast of whole grains in the mornings provides fuel throughout the day, regulates blood sugar, and is a great beginning for many people. Try starting each day with one serving of these grains: amaranth, brown rice, millet, or quinoa, mixed with olive oil, Himalayan salt, and avocado. ¹/ ³ to ½ cup of the grain is one serving.
Download the entire printable version of the Digestive Health Guide for free. Inside, you will find tips on stool softeners, recipes, and more.
Leafy Green Vegetables
One of the most alkalizing foods available, it is well worth your investment in acquiring a taste for green leafy vegetables. Stir-fry greens well with a little olive oil and garlic.
Choose from the following: collard, dandelion, kale, mustard, sorrel, Swiss chard.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a gastrointestinal (GI) irritant that can cause GI upset or diarrhea. Try to limit or omit these from your diet: coffee and decaffeinated coffee, iced tea, green tea and other teas containing caffeine, chocolate drinks, any energy drinks with caffeine or stimulants, and mate.
Produce
- Frozen Vegetables. Frozen vegetables can actually be more nutrient-rich than their fresh counterparts. Vegetables are frozen as soon as they are picked rather than being trucked many miles and then left to sit on store shelves. A good variety of organic frozen vegetables is essential for anyone who wants to make healthy and tasty meals in ten minutes (including preparation, cooking, and cleanup). Good frozen vegetables include Asparagus, butternut squash, broccoli/cauliflower mix, and chopped spinach. Chopped spinach lends a creamy, cheesy-like texture to the vegetables.
- Avocado. Men may eat up to 1 whole avocado per day; women may eat ½ avocado per day.
- Beets and Bananas. It is important to have both beets and bananas on hand for bowel elimination. Beets thin the gall bladder bile while cleaning the liver and intestinal tract. Steamed and eaten in the evening, they will often ensure healthy elimination the next morning. Conversely, bananas are helpful in slow elimination.
Liquids
Please drink six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. Plastic water bottles should be avoided due to their carcinogenic properties.
- Filtered Water. It’s always best to use a filtered water source like a Brita®, reverse osmosis process, or carbon filtration method to produce clean, healthy water for your gut.
- Bottled Water. Mountain Valley Spring Water® has been bottled at the same natural spring source for 135 years in Arkansas. We believe it is the only bottled water source that does not have additives such as chlorine. Due to an FDA law, any bottled water that isn’t bottled at the source must include chlorine and other chemical additives. Since Mountain Valley® bottles at the source, they are not required to include these additives. In addition, this is the only water that can be purchased in glass bottles. Although this is more expensive – $14.40 per 5 gallons – it is worth the price to avoid the cancer-causing plastics of other bottled waters.
- Coconut Water. Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that will give you an instant boost when feeling any cleansing reactions. Drink this during or after workouts or when you experience headaches or fatigue. Due to the sugar content, limit your intake to 12 oz. per day and avoid drinking it at night.
- Organic Lite Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk. A double-press process removes some of the fat from typical coconut oil. This is a great substitute for oil in a veggie stir-fry. It is also great in herbal teas. It is free of preservatives, additives, and derivatives contained in many other coconut milks.
- Living Harvest Hemp Milk. Unsweetened Original. Use it to replace milk or cream for your coffee, but use it sparingly since it is processed.
Download the entire printable version of the Digestive Health Guide for free. Inside, you will find tips on stool softeners, recipes, and more.
January 21, 2013