BlueBoho

The Symptoms

Have you ever experienced persistent heartburn, indigestion, nausea, bloating, or irregularity that seemed to haunt your daily life? I certainly did. My struggle with gut issues was a relentless battle that affected not only my digestive system but also my overall well-being. Little did I know that my journey toward healing would uncover a surprising connection between gut health and seemingly unrelated symptoms like muscle aches, chronic dandruff, and athlete’s foot.

The journey began with heartburn. After indulging in carbs, sugar, or anything with gluten, my stomach would work overtime and it felt like I had a belly full of battery acid, often keeping me up late into the night. After a while even when I was eating healthy foods it would feel like I was swallowing hot lava anytime I ate or drank. I knew it was time to take action when these symptoms, along with indigestion and frequent bouts of nausea and bloating began to take over my life.

The Problem

Let me tell you all the things that I thought I had that turned out not to be the case- or rather were symptoms and not the end all diagnosis- GIRD, over production of stomach acid, and under production of stomach acid otherwise known as hypochlorhydria. After all of this extensive “research” and self diagnosis (anyone else out there have terrible health insurance?), I stumbled upon the true culprit for my digestive woes: candida overgrowth. Candida is a type of yeast that, when it over proliferates in the gut, can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems. How did I know that this was my problem and none of the others were? When people have candida overgrowth in their gut it can often manifest in other places, like the tongue, scalp, or feet, I have struggled with dandruff and athletes foot for almost as long as I have struggled with heartburn. Now dandruff in and of itself doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s dandruff from a yeasty scalp, but I have tried countless over the counter dry scalp treatments, dandruff shampoos, and other home made remedies. The only thing that has ever worked to clear it up was applying yeast infection cream like monistat to it and washing it out after a few hours. Armed with this newfound diagnosis, I set out on a mission to heal my gut and restore balance to my body.

The Solution

My first step was to cut back on sugar. Yeast thrives on sugar, so reducing my intake became paramount. I also incorporated a powerful natural remedy into my daily routine: raw garlic. Garlic is known for its antifungal properties, making it a valuable tool in combating candida overgrowth, as candida yeast is a fungus. To make it more palatable, I chopped garlic into small pill-sized pieces and swallowed them whole before each meal. For those put off by the thought of eating raw garlic, garlic pills are a convenient alternative. The effects were almost immediate, and my symptoms began to subside.

Another natural supplement that I added to my morning routine was drinking aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice is a natural antibiotic that has been proven to help heal heartburn and accelerate wound healing. One thing that can happen when you have gut issues is the excess acid in your stomach can actually damage the stomach lining. So this natural remedy was helpful in aiding to quickly repair it. I only drank about 3 ounces a day, which I split into a morning dose with my raw garlic, and an evening dose before bed.

Additionally, I made some dietary changes to support my gut health. I replaced my morning coffee with roasted dandelion root tea, which not only provided a caffeine-free alternative but also supported my liver and kidneys in their detoxification processes. In the evening, I started drinking arnica tea to help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to gut problems.

Regular physical activity also became a part of my daily routine. After every meal, I committed to a brisk 10-minute walk. This simple practice helped stimulate blood flow, aid digestion, and prevent post-meal discomfort.

I also discovered slippery elm bark. Taking this supplement every morning provided my stomach with much needed relief. Slippery elm bark tea is a herbal remedy that has been used traditionally to alleviate various gastrointestinal issues, including stomach discomfort. Here are some ways in which slippery elm bark tea may help with stomach discomfort:

1. Mucilage Content: Slippery elm bark contains a substance called mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. When you drink slippery elm bark tea, the mucilage can coat the lining of the stomach and the digestive tract, providing a soothing and protective layer. This can help to reduce irritation and inflammation in the stomach.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Slippery elm bark has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for calming inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation is often associated with stomach discomfort, and by reducing it, slippery elm may contribute to symptom relief.
3. Soothing Effect on Irritated Tissues: The mucilage in slippery elm can have a soothing effect on irritated or inflamed tissues in the digestive system. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like gastritis or heartburn.
4. Increased Mucus Production: Slippery elm may stimulate the production of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract. This increased mucus production can create a protective barrier that helps prevent stomach acid from damaging the stomach lining, providing relief from discomfort associated with acid reflux.
5. Balancing pH Levels: Slippery elm may help to balance the pH levels in the stomach. An imbalance in stomach acidity can contribute to stomach discomfort, and by promoting a more neutral pH, slippery elm may help alleviate symptoms.
6. Aid in Digestion: The soothing properties of slippery elm can extend to the entire digestive system, potentially helping with the overall digestive process and reducing discomfort associated with indigestion.

The Result

Over time, the combination of these changes worked wonders for my gut health. Not only did my digestive issues improve significantly, but the surprising side effects were even more remarkable. My chronic muscle aches gradually subsided, and my long-standing dandruff and athlete’s foot issues began to clear up.

My journey to overcome gut issues was a transformative experience. It taught me the importance of listening to my body, conducting thorough research, and exploring natural remedies to address underlying health concerns. While my approach might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, I hope my story inspires others to take charge of their health and explore holistic approaches to wellness. Sometimes, the answers to our health challenges are closer than we think, hidden in the wisdom of natural remedies and the power of our own bodies to heal.

Disclaimer

I am not a medical doctor. I am simply relaying what I, a relatively healthy woman in my 30s, have done to alleviate my symptoms and cure my issues.

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