Abstract

It is important to note that a healthy digestive system is the result of a healthy lifestyle. Everyone should be interested in the optimization of their digestive health because it will provide them with the health benefits required to live a happy and healthy life. The science behind the functions of the digestive system organs suggests that the body should have all the nutrients necessary to carry out all the hard work that it does daily.

These nutrients are resources that the cells must have to survive and carry out their job effectively. When these cells are in tip-top shape, the entire body will also be in great shape, limiting digestive system competencies. In addition to nutrients, there are also several other practices to implement to optimize digestive help. These practices include overall diet, hydration, exercise, sleep, and mental health regulation. Each one of these practices has its own unique approach to aiding in the support of optimizing the digestion system.

Table of Content

Introduction

Understanding the Digestive System

Understanding Metabolism

Optimizing the Digestive System: Simple Steps

The Health Benefits of Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Optimizing Metabolism: Simple Steps

The Top 7 Approaches to Build an Optimal Digestive System

I. Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

Sample Recipes for Healthy Digestive System

II. Intermittent Fasting

III. Mindful Eating and Comfort

Movement/Exercise

Mental Health/Relaxation

VI. Immune Health

VII. Bad Habits to Avoid

Conclusion

Patient Testimonials

Introduction

The human body is a complex system that requires a balance of nutrients and physical activity to function optimally. Two key components of this system are the digestive system and metabolism. The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that the body can use, while metabolism is the process by which the body converts these nutrients into energy. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2017) and Wang et al, 2023) Both systems can be optimized through a few simple steps, leading to improved health and well-being.

Firstly, a balanced diet is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Consuming a variety of foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help the body digest food more efficiently. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, which aids in its passage through the digestive tract.

Secondly, staying hydrated is equally important. Water is a key component of digestion as it helps dissolve fats and soluble fiber, allowing these substances to pass through more easily.

Thirdly, regular exercise can help keep food moving through the digestive system and reduce constipation. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, which is good for overall digestive health.

Fourthly, getting enough sleep each night can also aid digestion. The body does a lot of its repairing while we sleep, including in the digestive system.

Lastly, mental health plays a significant role in digestion. Stress and anxiety can disrupt the digestive process leading to problems like heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine.

Therefore, optimizing your digestive health involves more than just eating the right foods. It requires a holistic approach that includes hydration, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. By taking care of your digestive system, you’re not only improving your physical health but also enhancing your overall well-being.

Understanding the Digestive System

The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder) (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2017. It plays a crucial role in breaking down food into small parts that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2017. However, poor digestion can lead to several issues such as heartburn, indigestion, bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. (Leonard, 2023)

Understanding Metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes in our body that control our balance of energy2. It involves various metabolic pathways that are responsible for converting nutrients from food into fuel2. However, an unhealthy metabolism can lead to an imbalance in the metabolic flux of the body, inhibiting its physiological activity and ultimately affecting production performance.(Wang et al, 2023)

Optimizing the Digestive System: Simple Steps

1. Eat Whole Foods: Whole foods are minimally processed and rich in nutrients. They have been linked to a wide range of health benefits and are essential for optimal digestion. (Gunnars, 2022)
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking approximately 2-3 liters of water every day can give your digestive system the boost it needs. (Sharma, 2021)
3. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps stimulate the natural contraction of intestinal muscles, aiding in digestion. (Liguori, 2021)
4. Mindful Eating: Paying attention to every aspect of your food, such as texture, temperature, and taste, may help prevent common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. (Gunnars, 2022)
5. Keep pH label as needed, for example, using lemon juice and baking soda.

The Health Benefits of Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are two common household items that have been gaining popularity for their medicinal properties. This article will explore the benefits of these two substances and how they can be used together for optimal health. (Wilson & Eske, 2019)

Lemon Juice

Lemon is an acidic fruit that contains citric acid, potassium, and a host of powerful antioxidants and natural anti-carcinogenic substances. Drinking lemon juice can help balance the body’s pH, kill carcinogens, calm the body, cleanse microbial overgrowth, and replenish potassium levels. This can normalize blood pressure and improve digestion due to the fiber content in lemons. You can drink lemon juice anytime, whether in the morning or evening, or even during meals. (Wilson & Eske, 2019)

Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic substance. It has deacidifying properties and is known for its relaxing and soothing effects. Studies have shown that baking soda can improve athletic performance. For instance, a 2008 study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that swimmers who consumed baking soda before a 200-meter freestyle competition significantly improved their performance and energy levels compared to those who consumed a placebo. Similarly, a 2010 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine showed that tennis players who consumed baking soda improved their shot consistency, power, and duration of play. Baking soda has also been found to balance pH levels, lower anxiety, improve metabolism, and boost energy. (Wilson & Eske, 2019)

Buffering Support: Combining lemon juice and baking soda creates a buffer, a powerful substance that maintains pH levels. Consuming this mixture in the morning can help your body maintain its pH levels throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic diseases, metabolic issues, or high-stress levels, as their bodies may struggle to maintain buffer levels.

How to Consume

Baking soda should be consumed two hours away from meals, either before or after. Consuming it with meals can deplete the acid levels necessary for digesting food. To consume, take one teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water.

Combining Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Combining lemon juice and baking soda creates a buffer, a powerful substance that maintains pH levels. Consuming this mixture in the morning can help your body maintain its pH levels throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic diseases, metabolic issues, or high-stress levels, as their bodies may struggle to maintain buffer levels.

To create this buffer, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup or glass of water and add one teaspoon of baking soda. If you have an ulcer or experience too much stomach discomfort, you can use half a teaspoon of baking soda instead. Mix these together and fill the rest of the glass with water. Drinking this mixture can neutralize acid, improve energy, and cleanse the body of food debris.

Both lemon juice and baking soda offer numerous health benefits. When consumed together, they can help maintain the body’s pH levels, boost energy, and promote overall health.

When it comes to weight management, drinking baking soda and lemon juice may have minor indirect effects on weight loss. Baking soda may have an indirect weight-loss-promoting effect, mainly due to the liquid you choose to mix it with. One popular option is to mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar, a liquid that older research shows may help you feel less hungry. However, recent studies supporting apple cider vinegar’s weight loss effects are limited. Baking soda is often diluted in water, either alone, or together with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. When consumed daily, such beverages may result in larger daily fluid intake. This may improve your overall hydration levels, an effect that studies suggest may reduce hunger, increase metabolism, and promote body fat loss. It’s important to note that these possible weight-loss-promoting effects have little to do with baking powder and more to do with other liquids2. Adding baking soda to the mix appears to offer few additional benefits. (Wilson & Eske, 2019)

However, it’s important to note that while these substances can support overall health, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise when it comes to weight management.

Buffering support can indeed be beneficial for weight loss and overall health. According to the Mayo Clinic, having friends or family members who are supportive of your healthy eating and exercise goals is important for long-term weight-loss success. Support can be emotional, practical, or inspiring. For example, you might ask your partner to walk with you or your best friend to be there when you need to vent. (Social Support: A Necessity for Weight Loss, n.d.)

In addition to weight loss, a supportive environment can also help with managing diabetes, recovering from cancer, improving digestion, boosting the immune system, enhancing skin health, and supporting the healing of the liver and kidneys. It’s important to communicate your goals with your loved ones and let them know how they can help you. You might also consider forming or participating in a weight-loss group or seeking professional guidance, such as a dietitian or certified health coach.

Remember, making lifestyle changes can be challenging, so having a support team to cheer you on can make a significant difference. Stay in touch with your support network, express your appreciation for their support, and be ready to return the favor and help others achieve their wellness goals.

Please note that while support can be a powerful tool in your health journey, it’s also crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your specific health condition and needs.

Optimizing Metabolism: Simple Steps

1. Eat Plenty of Protein: Dietary protein requires 20-30% of its usable energy to be expended for metabolism, compared to 5-10% for carbs and 0-3% percent for fats. (Leech, 2018)
2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT involves quick and very intense bursts of activity. It can help indirectly speed up your metabolism. (Leech, 2018)
3. Lift Heavy Things: Muscle is more metabolically active than fat. Building muscle can help increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories each day, even at rest. (Leech, 2018)
4. Stand Up More: Sitting too much can have negative effects on your health. Long periods of sitting burn fewer calories and can lead to weight gain (Leech, 2018)

The Top 7 Approaches to Build an Optimal Digestive System

Building an optimal digestive system is a multifaceted process that involves various aspects of diet and lifestyle. Here are the top seven approaches:

1. Eat Whole Foods: Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, which are minimally processed and nutrient-dense, can support digestive health. Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. (Palladino & Brackett, n.d.)
2. Get Plenty of Fiber: Fiber is essential for good digestion as it adds bulk to your stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. (Fries, 2023)
3. Add Healthy Fats to Your Diet: Good digestion may require eating enough fat1. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can contribute to a healthy digestive system.
4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is crucial for digestion as it helps dissolve fats and soluble fiber, allowing these substances to pass through more easily. (Palladino & Brackett, n.d.)
5. Manage Your Stress: High stress levels can interfere with your digestive system. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and other relaxation methods can help manage stress and improve digestion. (Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health, n.d.)
6. Eat Mindfully: Paying attention to what and when you eat can promote healthier eating behaviors and improved digestion. This includes eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, and not overeating.
7. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help keep food moving through your digestive system and reduce constipation.
8. Balance pH

Remember, everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

I. Whole Food Plant-Based Diet ⁴

If one aims to reclaim an optimal level of digestive health, one should consider supporting the digestive system’s organs with the appropriate nutrients yielded from healthy food, which is a whole food plant-based diet. Whole foods are described as foods that are as close to their natural form as possible, meaning that it has not been sent to a factory for preserving or changing their state. These whole foods can be determined to be fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and fresh meat (any kind).

When consuming these foods, one is adding necessary fiber that can help lower cardiovascular disease and obesity. Whole foods that are rich in fiber, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables also improve blood glucose levels compared to processed foods. Increased fiber intake also helps the lower digestive tract to have healthy bowel movements in the large intestine/colon (19). Fruits and vegetables supply the digestive system with vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory agents that help in disease prevention. Another way whole foods can improve the digestive system and help with disease prevention is by caring for gut bacteria. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale have sugars that promote the growth the healthy gut bacteria while providing the body with vitamins A, C, and D (19). Recent studies also show that the health outcomes linked to whole foods intake have been a lower incidence of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and blood pressure. Overall, whole foods should be primarily consumed in the diet to prevent chronic disease and help the digestive tract remain clean and healthy. Here are the types of whole goods that you should intake daily basis.

5

Fiber-rich foods- Fiber is a necessity for healthy bowel movements and is usually found in most fruits and vegetables. Fiber also helps in producing a full feeling after eating a meal, so it is a good idea to always eat some fiber with every meal to assist in portion regulation.

Green vegetables- Green vegetables are the most important vegetables because they are rich in an assortment of vitamins and minerals. Uniquely enough, green vegetables provide magnesium which relieves some common digestive system disruptions such as constipation and bloating.

Whole Grains- Swapping out refined grains for whole grains is one of the best dietary decisions a person can make. Whole grains are higher in fiber in comparison to refined grains, which is known to be a big plus for the digestive system.

Colorful Diet- Incorporating healthy foods in many different colors ensures that the body receives the proper vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals required to maintain a wholesome healthy diet.

Probiotics: – Yogurt, Cambucha, contains live bacteria cultures, known as probiotics. Probiotics help with digestion and improve the overall health of the digestive system. Yogurt can also help with bloating and constipation.

Acid with Food: – The stomach is a deadly pouch that holds highly acidic fluid that can rise towards the upper sphincter near the esophagus, causing heartburn. The constant feeling of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause a burning sensation of near the throat or chest. This is due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter that allows gastric acid to move up due to the stomach not producing enough acid. Studies have shown that a common home remedy that helps with GERD symptoms is the consumption of apple cider vinegar. This common ingredient used for pickling can help the stomach boost its acid content. Apple cider vinegar taken in small quantities, such as one to two table spoons can help the stomach produce more acid and prevent the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (10).

Water Intake: ¹⁰ Hydration is also very important for healthy digestive system functionality because it provides the water necessary to keep all the cells, microbiomes, and biological processes operational. Without water these cells would will not operate properly, leading to the eventual death of the cell or cells. In addition to the entire necessity of the body requiring maintained hydration levels for cellular support, it also helps in the process of digestion by softening stools. The hydration provides water to the digestive system, which improves mucus production and supports stool passage.

Sample Recipes for Healthy Digestive System ⁶

Breakfast- Breakfast is the most important meal because it is the first meal of the day. The first meal of the day provides the body with the energy necessary to start the day and maintain energy levels throughout the day into the evening.

Breakfast Recipes

I. Oatmeal with berries, and cinnamon

II. Egg, cheese, butter with vegetables scrambled

III. Avocado toast with vegetables and eggs

Lunch- Lunch is a special mealtime that should be focused more on a smaller and lighter meal to provide that last boost of energy to successfully manage through the rest of the day.

Lunch Recipes:

I. Mixed plant-based green leafy whole food salad or steamed vegetables

II. Chickpea lentil, wild-caught fish, organic chicken, or other healthy meat Dinner- Dinner for most is the last meal of the day. As with everything else in life, the goal is to finish strong. The objective is to consume vegetables, which promote that fullness feeling.

Dinner Recipes:

I. Steamed whole vegetables from all varieties

II. Limited portion of chickpea lentils, wild-caught fish, organic chicken, or other healthy meat

Snacks– Many people believe snacking is unhealthy and try to refrain from it. However, contrary to popular belief, snacking is a great way to increase and improve the balance of nutrients throughout the entire twenty-four-hour day cycle.

Snack Recipes:

I. Greek yogurt with nuts and berries

II. Fresh fruits and vegetables with lime, salt, and chili, or smoothies

II. Intermittent Fasting ⁸

Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that involves alternating planned periods of fasting with regular eating. Intermittent fasting is a great way to improve the digestive system because it restricts food intake and initiates the body to use nutrients that are stored in reserves. The benefit of using the nutrients that are stored in reserves is that the body makes room for new nutrients to take their place. After fasting, it is important to eat a wholesome meal that is packed with all the nutrients that the body requires to replenish the loss from the fast.

Another way to see the benefits of fasting is through science. When nutrients are kept in the reserves, they begin to oxidize and, over time, cause the nutrients to lose some of their valuable properties, thus requiring new nutrients to replace the old oxidized stored nutrients. The most common style of fasting is what is commonly referred to as the five-two diet, which involves not eating or eating less than six hundred calories for two days a week. Additionally, there is another form of intermittent fasting that is time-restricted, which usually involves limiting the number of hours in the day that one can eat, usually in lengths of about sixteen hours out of the day, and only eating for eight continuous hours.

There are several different methods of intermittent fasting, each with its own schedule and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Fast for 12 hours a day: This method involves adhering to a 12-hour fasting window every day. For example, if you finish dinner by 7 p.m., you would wait until 7 a.m. the next day to eat breakfast. (Migala & Anderson, 2023)
2. Fasting for 16 hours (16:8 method or Leangains diet): This involves fasting for 16 hours a day and leaving an 8-hour eating window. For example, you might finish eating by 8 p.m. and then not eat again until noon the next day. (Six Ways to Do Intermittent Fasting: The Best Methods, n.d.)
3. 5:2 fasting: With this method, you eat a normal diet five days a week and fast (or eat very few calories) two days a week. (Palladino & Brackett, n.d.)
4. Alternate-day fasting: This involves eating a normal diet one day and either completely fasting or having one small meal the next day.
5. Eat, Stop, Eat: This method involves a 24-hour fast once or twice a week. (Intermittent Fasting: What Is It and Does It Work? | U.S. News, 2023)
6. The Warrior Diet: This involves eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables during the day and one huge meal at night.

Remember, everyone’s experience of intermittent fasting is individual, and different styles will suit different people.

III. Mindful Eating and Comfort

The brain plays a critical role of the digestive system as it signals the body when it is hungry and how much should one serve on the plate. Unfortunately, the brain can signal to serve too much on one’s plate due to a long day without eating. This can cause overeating, eating too quickly, and not paying attention to the nutritional impact. The practice of mindful eating helps prevent these issues and focuses on what is consumed and how it is consumed such as chewing enough that food becomes liquid.

Mindful eating can help prevent issues with indigestion, bloating, and gas because digestion starts from the mouth and the proper enzyme secretions come from mindful eating. Implementing mindful eating occurs when one can respond to what the body actually needs. For instance,

knowing the body’s motivations for eating can help one understand if one is eating for comfort or emotion. Emotional eating can cause rapid overeating which can lead to wanting to eat more to satisfy the emotional state rather than the stomach’s satiety. Distracted eating and sitting down to eat are two different things that affect the digestive system. Distracted eating can lead to overeating and cause the digestive system to become imbalanced. Mindful eating can also help one lose weight as impulsive food choices are prevented. In a localized study, adolescents who practiced mindful eating chose whole foods rather than processed foods which led to a decrease in weight gain. Eating slowly and mindfully helps the brain better appreciate the texture, temperature, and taste of the food which allows the digestive system to better breakdown meals. A quick method that applies to mindful eating is chewing slowly. Chewing food slowly helps with the breakdown of food in the oral cavity, helping the stomach do less work. Chewing thoroughly helps the stomach from overworking and prevents one from feeling uncomfortable after a meal.

Movement/Exercise ¹²

Cardio exercise – Cardio exercise is another practice worth noting for digestive system optimization because it is a way to intimate blood flow and oxygenation in the body, which are important in deriving the necessary nutrients and oxygen that all cells, tissues, and organs demand. Performing cardio exercises will directly aid digestive system health by means of preventing constipation, bloating, and general gut health.

Core exercise– Core exercise will help strengthen the core muscles which will help the stomach muscles with contractions. Additionally, these exercises will help individuals retain a balanced and upright posture. Posture is important in combating acid reflux digestive issues, where the acid from the stomach attempts to reach the mouth, causing a burning sensation commonly referred to as heartburn.

Yoga exercise– Yoga exercise can greatly improve the digestive system by improving levels of flexibility, relaxation, and hormone balance, all of which are crucial in the proper function of the digestive system.

Mental Health/Relaxation¹⁵

Mental health is another thought to consider when addressing the different optimizations to implement to ensure healthy digestive system health. Mental health includes the hormone secretion and regulation required to keep the entire body balanced. When one suffers from common mental health troubles such as anxiety, depression, and stress, they struggle to efficiently care for their basic daily needs. These responsibilities include healthy diets, hydration, exercise, and even sleep. As previously mentioned in this module, the importance of these daily functions is vital to the optimization of digestive system health. Stress hormones can affect the digestive process preventing the body from the period of “rest and digest.” Thus, the body cannot properly absorb nutrients or use the energy gained from a meal. Stress can also affect the digestive system to the point of getting stomach ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea. One can help the digestive system by relieving stress by taking the day off or finding the right activity to manage their stress.

Relaxation (14) such as sleep is often underestimated when taking digestive health into consideration. Sleep is vital for the natural regeneration and repair of cellular damage that the body encounters daily. There are several features that must be mentioned regarding sleep quality and quantity. The quality and quantity of sleep play a major role in the full effect of healthy sleeping practices. Healthy quantities of sleep are generally understood as seven to eight hours nightly, meanwhile, the quality of sleep suggests that it be in a quiet room with minimal disruptions.

VI. Immune Health

The immune system is one of the most important systems in our body because it supports the digestive system by balancing hormones and digestive enzymes. It also protects us from bacteria and other dangerous bodies that enter our human body.

The immune system, which is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, defends people against germs and microorganisms every day. In most cases, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy and preventing infections. But sometimes problems with the immune system can lead to illness and infection.¹⁶

VII. Bad Habits to Avoid ¹⁷

Processed foods- Processed foods are higher in fat and sugar, which both contribute to several health problems like obesity and diabetes. Food that has low nutritional value does not help the body in the regenerative and repair processes necessary to rebuild the body as it works throughout the day. These poor-quality foods harm the body with toxins and inflammation and lead to increased cellular oxidation rates.

Alcohol- Alcohol is a poison to the human body and provides no nutritional support or digestive system optimization benefit. It is particularly damaging to the liver and kidneys and even the mucosa lining of the stomach.

Smoking- Smoking increases the chances of developing many different types of cancer, but it is also a major contributor to many of the poor digestive health system issues commonly found today.

Overeating- Overeating is the act of excessive food consumption. When an individual eats more than the body is equipped to handle, it can cause a major system overload for the body. This in turn creates widespread inflammation and fatigue.

Eating too quickly- Eating too quickly may lead to overeating because the stomach takes as long as twenty minutes to send signals of fullness to the brain.

Baking Soda: A Simple Solution for Digestive Problems

On a beautiful morning in Brooklyn, as people enjoy their walks in the park with their kids and dogs, I am reminded of the simple joys of life and health. As a healthcare provider with a clinic in New York, I often see patients struggling with digestive problems. Today, I’d like to share an easy solution for these issues – baking soda.

The Power of Baking Soda

Baking soda is an amazing substance that can be combined with lemon juice to help alleviate various digestive problems. Many people struggle with bloating, gastric problems, acid reflux, gastritis, and burning sensations. Adding baking soda to your morning routine can help alleviate these issues.

Here’s a simple recipe: Mix one whole lemon’s juice with one teaspoon of baking soda and drink it very early in the morning. This combination helps control acidity, allowing your bowel to move properly. When you have gastritis or acid reflux, your bowel doesn’t move properly due to inflammation and stiffness in your intestinal layer.

Maintaining pH Balance

In the morning, it’s important to consume foods that provide fiber, nutrients, minerals, and a good acid-base balance. Lemon juice with a teaspoon of baking soda is an excellent start. The citric acid and sodium bicarbonate together form sodium acetate, a buffer that helps maintain your pH at a certain level.

Neutralizing Acid After Meals

Sometimes after meals, you might feel a burning sensation. Two hours after your meal, take one teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water. Baking soda is a base that can easily neutralize the acid that develops unnecessarily, preventing the burning sensation.

The Importance of Diet

Remember to always maintain a plant-based diet. If you have any other health issues, you can follow specific dietary guidelines to manage those diseases. Your doctor will be pleased to see you don’t need any medicine if you manage your diet properly.

Precautions with Baking Soda

If you’re taking baking soda throughout the day, remember to take it away from food. Food needs a highly acidic environment and low pH (about 2 to 3) for proper digestion with the support of enzymes and other digestive juices. Therefore, you should not drink baking soda with a meal; it should be taken two hours away from meals.

The Root Cause: Dysbiosis

For many health issues like gastritis, acid reflux, burning sensation, allergies, pain, weakness, anxiety, and headaches, there’s often a common root cause – dysbiosis. This condition results from different types of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori or Candida albicans or various types of parasites.

Baking soda is a simple yet effective solution for various digestive problems when used correctly. However, it’s also crucial to maintain a healthy diet and address the root causes of these issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, optimizing the human digestive system and metabolism can be achieved through a few simple steps. These include maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, proteins, and healthy fats, staying hydrated, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. It’s also important to manage stress levels as it can significantly impact digestion and metabolism. Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. By following these steps, you can enhance your digestive health and metabolism, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Patient Testimonials

Eva Gonzalez had been struggling with severe digestion and allergy problems before she consulted with Dr. Haque. Her condition was so bad that everything she ate caused her stomach pain. However, after starting her treatment with Dr. Haque, she began to notice significant improvements in her health.

Dr. Haque suggested that Eva eliminate dairy from her diet, suspecting it to be the root cause of her health issues. Following his advice, Eva stopped consuming dairy products. This change had a profound impact on her health. She was able to digest food better and eat without feeling bloated.

In addition to improving her digestion, Eva’s allergies also improved significantly. She no longer suffered from post-nasal drip, a common symptom of allergies. Moreover, she noticed an increase in her energy levels and an improvement in her sleep cycle.

Today, Eva wakes up happy every day and feels good overall. She believes that everyone should get their health analyzed and appreciates Dr. Haque’s comprehensive approach to healthcare. Her experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness of personalized care and dietary changes in managing health issues like digestion problems and allergies.

She wrote:

“ Before I came to consult with Dr. Haque I was having really bad digestion problems and allergy problems. Upon coming to Dr. Haque I’ve been feeling a lot better. All of the supplements are working, everything is good now. Before, everything I ate hurt my stomach and because Dr. Haque advised me to get off dairy, that dairy was probably the root cause of everything else going haywire because ever since I’ve gotten off of dairy, I can digest everything better and I can eat without feeling bloated. My allergies are a lot better; I got rid of the post-nasal drip. I have more energy and my sleep cycle is way better. Just overall, I feel good. I wake up happy everyday and it’s a great thing! I think everyone should come and get their health analyzed, it’s worth it. Doctors will keep telling you to take something and then take something else, but Dr. Haque is a one stop shop!”

• Eva Gonzalez, Patient

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Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/your-digestive-system-5-ways-to-support-gut-health

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