Your digestive health is central to your overall health. When your gut doesn’t digest your food properly, you won’t just be experiencing gastric discomfort. You’re also not getting the full benefit of the nutrients in your food and your overall wellbeing is compromised. What’s the best way to support your gut health? THE CONVENIENCE FACTOR In our busy lives, it’s tempting to take the approach that’s easiest and most convenient and that usually means opting for conventional medication. It’s very understandable – after all it usually offers immediate relief of symptoms. However, what’s often overlooked is the long-term effect of treating just the symptoms in the short term: you don’t address the underlying condition that’s causing the problems and there are some serious side-effects to consider which are all too quickly overlooked. THE QUICK, EASY OPTION Antacids or acid blocking medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 Blockers are usually the treatment of choice for digestive ailments. Most antacid disclaimers advise that the product should be stopped after 14 days, whilst PPIs and H2 Blockers’disclaimers state that the product should be discontinued after 8 weeks. The truth is, conventional medication only offers short-term relief of symptoms, it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem, the underlying issues. The way that PPI’s and H2 Blockers work is to suppress the body’s natural secretion of gastric juices. Antacids are alkaline-based and are used to neutralize stomach acid. Doing this on a regular basis has been found to increase the occurrence of food allergies. According to Professor Erika Jensen-Jarolim and colleagues at the University of Vienna “Medications that reduce acid secretion or neutralize the acidity within the stomach may set up a situation where harmless food proteins become potential allergens, which can then trigger an immune system response resulting in an allergic reaction.” The body is unable to absorb the vital nutrients essential for optimal functioning without sufficient levels of stomach acid. Without the proper digestion of these nutrients, the brain, bone, immunity and nerve functions are all compromised. Apart from anything else, there are also a significant number of side effects of antacids: Anxiety, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Headaches, Fatigue, Kidney Stones, Hypercalcemia, Mood Swings, Muscle Pain, Nausea, Osteoporosis, Renal Failure, Rickets, Urination Frequency and Discomfort. THE OTHER OPTION Research shows that Pinolenic acid –found in high concentrations in Siberian Pine Nut Oil –is known to help with digestion, balancing out the stomach environment and preventing food from fermenting in the digestive tract. This leads to the effective relief of bloating, pain, acid reflux and other stomach problems. It is a natural solution which optimizes your digestive processes. The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil is a supplement with NO NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS and can be taken on a LONG TERM BASIS. Visit our page on the various digestive disorders that DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ treats as well as dosage advice and directions. There are a number of other positive side effects to using a natural remedy such as Siberian Pine Nut Oil including: improved complexion lower cholesterol increased energy, immunity and metabolism. We recommend taking the cold-pressed natural oil – just a teaspoon three times a day is the recommended dose – as opposed to capsules. We believe that the less processing there is, the better. The additional processing involved in producing the oil in capsule form can expose the oil to metal as well as heat which can result in a loss of quality and nutritional value. There’s significant evidence that Siberian Pine Nut Oil has a positive impact on a wide range of digestive health issues. It cannot be overstated how one’s digestive health impacts dramatically on one’s overall well-being. A happy tummy really does mean a happy you! More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach.
Tag: digestive health
Answer: Myth The major part of the digestive process takes place in the small intestine. The stomach takes in the food, then churns it and breaks it into tiny particles called “chyme.” The chyme is then released in small batches into the small intestine, where most digestion occurs. Contrary to popular belief, foods do not digest in the order they are eaten. Everything lands in the stomach where it’s all churned together, and only when it’s ready is it released into the small intestines together. Source: https://www.webmd.com/women/features/stomach-problems#4 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DID YOU KNOW? June 25, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
BIZARRE PREGNANCY CRAVINGS
About 60% of pregnant women experience odd food cravings, often for foods they’ve never enjoyed before. Some believe food cravings are your body’s way of indicating missing nutrients so for instance craving ice-cream could suggest a calcium deficiency. We all know about the typical cravings for dill pickles, chilli or chocolate, but there are some truly bizarre combinations that can only be described as baffling for anyone else except the pregnant mom herself: to her, these cravings were heavenly ambrosia! Incredible non-ediblesThe strong desire to eat substances that are not foods is a disorder known as pica. Some pregnant mums craved the smell of or wanted to taste the following: “I crave the smell of Radox rosemary stress-relief bath soak. I love it so much I could eat it. I can’t pass the bathroom without going for a sniff.” Terri “I needed anything dusty! I loved Shake ‘n’ Vac. People stopped visiting because I used so much that they said they couldn’t breathe. I also craved bath salts, and ate a teaspoon every night. I could have eaten more but was worried that it wasn’t exactly good for me.” Ceris “I had a craving for sand and gravel. I live next to a beach, which was a bit of a nightmare. I couldn’t stop thinking about drinking sand.” Sara “I loved chewing sponges in all my three pregnancies, especially after the sponge had been washed with Dove soap, and then rinsed.” Bernice Be grateful your only craving is for chocolate brownies with lashings of cream! ☺ References:https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a4444/top-pregnancy-cravingshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/craving/201306/what-really-causes-pregnancy-cravings 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DID YOU KNOW? April 26, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
Babies get acid reflux too
Adults are not the only ones to experience acid reflux. Just as The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil helps adults with reflux, it also helps babies who may be struggling with the development of their digestive systems. While an allergic reaction to pine nuts is extremely rare, it is prudent to be cautious when introducing nuts or seeds to babies for the first time. Babies must be 12 weeks or older, and both the baby and the baby’s biological parents must be free of allergies, asthma and eczema. Before you give The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil to your baby, please call us for quick and simple steps to test for nut/seed allergies, as well as specific dosages especially for babies. Do NOT USE before contacting us for the dosage, directions, and simple precautionary nut allergy test steps. Tel: 0861 88 88 39 or email: info@theotheroption.com 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE HEALTH April 25, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
It’s a double-whammy. Not only is your body coping with adapting to all the natural changes of pregnancy, but on top of that your digestive system starts playing up! Once you are over the nausea so common in the 1st trimester and you enter the 2nd trimester, there are 3 main gremlins that can cause digestive discomfort. Heartburn Also known as acid reflux, you’ll know you have it if you experience a burning sensation that can reach from the centre of your chest to your lower throat. It’s very common in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters because the hormone progesterone relaxes the valve separating your esophagus from your stomach allowing gastric acids to come back up, causing that uncomfortable burning sensation. Tips to alleviate Heartburn Eat smaller meals – five or six small meals instead of three big ones Don’t drink a lot of fluid with your meals, drink between meals instead Avoid spicy, greasy or fatty foods, chocolate, and caffeine Avoid bending or lying down right after eating Constipation About 50% of pregnant women experience constipation, (abdominal discomfort, hard stools and less than 3 bowel movements a week) sometimes as a result of iron supplements or the pressure your expanding uterus puts on your intestines. Pregnancy hormones also relax the intestinal muscle, causing food to move more slowly through your digestive system. Tips to alleviate Constipation Drink more fluids – hydration can help keep bowel movements soft Add more fibre to your diet, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Include physical activity to your daily routine to help maintain regular bowel movements Flatulence Excess gas occurs because the hormones relaxin and progesterone loosen the muscles in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing food to travel down more slowly and excess gas to build up more quickly. Tips to alleviate Flatulence Avoid or reduce carbohydrate drinks Avoid fatty fried foods Eat smaller meals throughout the day Exercise to help stimulate digestion The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil is a natural cold-pressed oil made from Siberian pine nuts that has shown positive results for all the above digestive issues. Although no clinical tests have been performed, it is a natural remedy that is considered perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. References https://www.vitamedmdrx.com/resources/articles/archive/pregnancy/common-digestive-problems-during-pregnancy https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/second-trimester-constipation-gas-heartburn 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE HEALTH, DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ April 12, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
…the same stuff that masons use to clean bricks. Luckily, our stomachs are lined by a thick layer of mucus to protect us from the acid and the enzyme pepsin that it produces. The mixing motion of the stomach, along with the acid and the breakdown of protein by the pepsin, turns the bolus (the food you just swallowed) into a liquid substance called chyme, which in turn is then slowly released into the small intestine. For a full meal, this process takes approximately two to three hours. Very few substances are absorbed into the bloodstream directly from the stomach, and notably, these are the very substances that can cause stomach irritation: alcohol, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Otherwise all other nutrients are absorbed in your blood stream via the small and large intestines. Source: https://www.verywell.com/digestive-system-facts-1944708 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE HEALTH February 20, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
This month we’re talking about H.pylori the bacterial stomach infection that can result in serious stomach ulcers, perforated ulcers and debilitating pain. Apart from using the Digestive Remedy™ , here are 4 natural dietary recommendations you should also be considering when managing the symptoms of H.pylori. Take probiotics. Probiotics are sources of “good” bacteria and yeasts normally found in the body’s microbiome. This includes species of lactobacillus, acidophilus, bifidobacteria, and the yeast saccharomyces boulardii. You can take these as a supplement (following the manufacturer’s instructions) or in foods. Preliminary evidence suggests this may help fight H. pylori. Eat pre-biotics. Include pre-biotics which help support the healthy gut bacteria by providing food for the bacteria 2-3 times a week. Pre-biotic foods include whole grains, onions, bananas, garlic, honey, artichokes, and leeks. Consume fermented foods. Research has demonstrated that fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi benefit overall health and fight against H. pylori because they contain beneficial yeasts and bacteria known as probiotics. Studies have also shown that cabbage provides effective antibacterial activity against stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori, and broccoli sprouts specifically fight against and control it. H. pylori strains are also inhibited by using fresh garlic, onions and ginger simply as food seasonings, and healthy digestive bacteria remains unharmed. Good food sources of probiotics are fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha (a fermented tea), tempeh, kimchi and other foods such as yogurt, miso soup, poi, asparagus, leeks, and onions. Include these foods at least 2-3 times a week in your diet. Use anti-bacterial herbs and spices. Spices such as thyme, cumin, tarragon, cinnamon, allspice and oregano provide strong protection against H. pylori, while spices with moderate antibacterial properties include the capsicum in hot peppers and chillies as well as white pepper, black pepper, anise and celery seed. Additionally, vinegars, such as balsamic, apple cider and wine vinegar, as well as lemon and lime juice help to increase the acidity in the stomach, which helps prevent H. pylori from propagating. References: https://www.reference.com/health/foods-h-pylori-ad16508ef4585136 https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-H.-Pylori-Naturally 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE HEALTH, DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ February 6, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
What is H.pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that can inhabit various parts of the stomach, particularly the bottom of the stomach (antrum) and pyloric sphincter which separates the stomach and the duodenum. H. pylori is often linked to duodenal and gastric ulcers, and the development of stomach cancer as it causes chronic, low-level inflammation of the stomach lining. According to research, more than 50% of the world’s population has H. pylori in their upper gastrointestinal tract. Infected individuals usually carry the infection indefinitely unless treated.One out of every six patients with H. pylori will develop ulcers of the duodenum or stomach. If you are infected with H. pylori and suffer from uncomfortable symptoms please see CAUSES OF STOMACH PROBLEMS and the effects of poor digestion. H. pylori signs and symptoms: Typically, people with an infection of H. pylori bacteria do not experience symptoms until complications, such as gastritis and peptic ulcer develop. When symptoms do occur, they can vary in nature and severity between individuals. Symptoms of an infection of H. pylori bacteria, gastritis and peptic ulcer can include epigastric pain, and burning in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and pain between the shoulder blades in the back. The pain of a peptic ulcer often begins about two hours after eating and also occurs at night. Eating more food or taking an antacid often decreases or relieves the pain. The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil offers natural support for H.pylori symptoms. 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ February 1, 2018 Previous PostNext Post
Ending the burn: Acid reflux
Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a relatively common condition in which stomach acid returns into the esophagus and even up to the throat irritating the tissue. You’ll know you have GERD if you suffer from persistent heartburn (a burning sensation behind your breast bone that can extend from upper abdomen to the throat), regurgitation of bitter acid into your throat or a bitter taste in your mouth, dry cough, hoarseness, feeling of tightness in the throat and wheezing. Additional symptoms can be a sore throat, trouble swallowing, nausea and post-meal pain in your abdomen. Lying down often worsens the symptoms of heartburn. When the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened or doesn’t close tightly enough, it allows gastric juices to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. TREATING GERD Most doctors will prescribe over-the-counter medications including antacids, H2-blockers and prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors, coating agents and in severe cases, surgery. But taking these medications over prolonged time will have unwanted side-effects. Nor do they address the root cause. When food is not digested properly in the stomach, it ferments in the digestive tract which leads to a build-up of gases and alcohols. This creates pressure in the stomach leading to bloating and discomfort and can even force digestive juices back into the sensitive esophagus. HOW SIBERIAN PINE NUT OIL CAN HELP Pinolenic acid, found in high concentrations only in Siberian Pine Nut Oil – has been shown to aid in digestion, balancing out the stomach environment and preventing food from fermenting in the digestive tract. This leads to the effective relief of bloating, pain, reflux and other stomach problems, naturally and without side-effects. The Other Option’s DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ Siberian Pine Nut Oil improves digestion, stimulates the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, and assists in protecting the stomach’s mucosal lining from inflammation and ulceration. EASY AS 1-2-3 TEASPOONS A DAY! 5ml three times per day for 6-8 weeks followed by a 5ml daily maintenance dose will help to resolve GERD. Best taken on an empty stomach, it’s advisable to wait 30-60 minutes before food. An additional 5ml can also be taken at ANY TIME when symptoms of heartburn or reflux arise (shown to offer symptomatic relief from heartburn within 20-30 minutes) 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ November 30, 2017 Previous PostNext Post
Ask anyone where their brain is and they’ll look at you strangely and point to their heads. But science now acknowledges a wider truth; we actually have 3 brains – our head, heart and gut (also known as the enteric brain). Each brain interacts with the other two and functions interdependently in a mutually supportive way. What defines a brain? Your spleen is not a brain. Nor is your lung. Yet science is defining the heart and gut as 2nd and 3rd brains. Why? The science behind this thinking is that each centre has its own intrinsic nervous system. They have neurons and the ability to perform a range of complex adaptive processes such as absorbing information, processing, storing, changing and adapting that information. A very basic definition of brain is that if it can learn, then it can be considered to be a brain. OUR 3 BRAINS & WHAT THEY DO The head brain is the most obvious one, in charge of thinking perception and cognition. It creates meaning, narrative and language. It uses words such as ‘I think’ and ‘I understand’. The second brain is the heart, the seat of emotion. Our values lie here along with the process of emoting Heart-based language uses phrases such as ‘I feel’. It also is the place of consciousness of self. It’s why we intuitively point to our hearts when we say ‘I’ or ‘me’. The third brain is the enteric brain, the gut. This is where our core identity resides. What is me, what is not me? This becomes clearer when we consider that the function of our gut is to process our food taking in nutrients our body needs and discarding all other substances via the digestive process. Our gut plays the critical role of managing our immune system, determining what is friend and what is foe – which is why we feel fear and anxiety in our gut. But we also ‘have the guts’ to do something courageous, it’s our gut that propels us into action. THE DEEPER CONNECTION BETWEEN BRAIN & GUT A deeper investigation into the enteric brain, this mass of neural tissue filled with important neurotransmitters reveals that the gut does so much more than manage digestion. It has a direct connection to the large brain in our skulls and partly determines our mental state. A large part of our emotions are quite likely to be influenced by the nerves in our gut. A simple example is ‘butterflies in our stomach’ signalling our physiological stress response. Of course gastrointestinal (GI) problems can contribute to a bad mood, but more than that, our every day emotional well-being may rely on the messages sent from the enteric brain below to the brain above. Given the connection between these two brains, it’s no surprise to learn that depression treatments which are aimed at the mind, can unintentionally – and negatively – impact the gut. 95% of the body’s serotonin is found in the bowels. Because antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRSs) increase serotonin levels, it’s little wonder that meds meant to change chemical balances in the mind more often than not cause GI issues as a side effect. MENTAL ILLNESS – IT’S ALL IN YOUR GUT? Well, no, it would of course be simplistic to say that gut issues cause mental illness. However, as we have seen, the gut communicates with our big brain – with profound results. The gut may trigger big emotional responses in those suffering from IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, pain and stomach upset. Historically, researchers believed that it was anxiety and depression that contributed to these problems. “But studies show that it may also be the other way around with researchers finding evidence that irritation in the GI system may send signals to the central nervous system which trigger mood changes,” explains Jay Pasricha, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, whose research on the enteric nervous system has gained international attention. ‘This could well explain why a higher-than- normal percentage of people with IBS and other gut issues develop depression and anxiety.” It’s why here at The Other Option, we’re passionate about advocating natural ways of dealing with gastrointestinal issues such as supplementing with Siberian Pine Nut oil. We believe the benefits can be so much more far-reaching than simply alleviating symptoms of GI distress. 30 Aug 2018 A HAPPY TUMMY MEANS A HAPPY YOU 27 Jul 2018 HELP! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY! 13 Jul 2018 CAN OMEGA-3 HELP WITH ADHD? 28 Jun 2018 A natural solution for digestive relief 25 Jun 2018 Myth or Fact: Digestion takes place primarily in the stomach. DIGESTIVE REMEDY™ September 29, 2017 Previous PostNext Post