Page 25 - Summer2018

need for probiotics and what type of probiotic is TREATING GERD NATURALLY My first
best suited for the particular patient. The protocol I use to treat GERD is com-
A second feature of the CDSA is the assess- mon sense, straightforward and effective. My step is to
ment of the patient’s digestive function by look- first step is to prescribe a digestive enzyme prescribe a
ing at carbohydrate, protein and fat breakdown based on the patient’s test results and specific digestive
products present in the stool. This allows us to needs. At a minimum, the enzyme must con-
glean information about specific enzymes that tain betaine hydrochloride as well as pepsin. enzyme
may be necessary to support their particular However, a more complete enzyme offering based on
situation. Most GERD patients will need a form digestive support for a full range of foods is the patient’s
of hydrochloric acid known as betaine hydro- almost always needed.
chloride to increase the acidity of the stomach Secondly, I typically prescribe Gastrex test results
(that is, to lower pH) and ensure proper protein by Standard Process. Gastrex is a whole food and specific

breakdown. In many cases, pancreatic support supplement consisting of okra, chlorophyll, needs.
is also necessary for fat and carbohydrate diges- bentonite and Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish
tion. Thus, a quality comprehensive digestive moss), along with other synergistic ingredients
enzyme is preferable in most cases of GERD. to support digestion and the body’s normal tis-
The GI Effects Stool Profile assesses in- sue repair process. The dose is two capsules,
flammation (one of the four pillars) using several fifteen minutes prior to meals, two to three times
well studied markers, including eosinophil pro- per day. I often combine Gastrex with a product
tein X (EPX), calprotectin and fecal secretory by Designs for Health called GastroMend-HP,
IgA. Along with these inflammatory markers, especially if the patient has tested positive for
we can use the serum zonulin test to assess the H. pylori or has an active gastric or peptic
integrity of the intestinal tight junctions and ulcer. GastroMend-HP contains deglycyrrhi-
screen for leaky gut. When combined, all of zinated licorice root (excellent at helping heal
these markers (and more) give us a look at the the mucous lining of the stomach); “vitamin
severity of the situation for each person, al- U” (methymethionine sulfonium chloride), a
lowing the treatment plan to be tailored to the cabbage extract useful for healing ulcers; and
individual. zinc carnosine (effective at killing off H. pylori).

FIGURE 3: Manual adjustment of the stomach for hiatal hernia patients

SUMMER 2018 Wise Traditions 23