After several decades of working with thousands of patients, writing and researching articles, and deepening my understanding of Ayurveda, it has become clear to me that the pith of optimal health and longevity lies in restoring the digestive strength and healthy microbiology.
I believe everyone should have a working knowledge of how to troubleshoot different aspects of the digestive process. Often, when I am working with a patient, it takes me asking some very targeted questions to begin to shed light on their digestive issues. Most of the time, we are either unaware of our digestive discomfort because we accept it as normal, we feel like we can live with it, or we have nobody to talk to about it so we ignore the issue and let it perpetuate.
We can’t afford to do this. The truth is, 80% of the body’s immunity lies in the digestive tract – as well as 95% of the mood support chemicals, including serotonin. This research suggests that our mood is far more influenced by our digestion than by the chemistry in the brain.
It has also been proven that 90% of the cells that make up the human body at any given time are microbes (bugs) – and only 10% of us are human cells. These bugs play an absolute role in every aspect of our health. Where do the majority of these bugs reside? That’s right, in the digestive tract.
Now that we have shed light on the importance of maintaining digestive strength, we have to consider sound digestion as a pre-requisite for overall health.
Every single digestive concern that you may have is your body speaking to you. Please take my Digestive Health Quiz below to find out what your body is trying to tell you, and let’s make it a goal to make your digestion better than ever!
Digestive Health Quiz
How to take this Quiz: See if you answer yes to any of the scenarios below. A common root cause for that scenario is listed directly below the question, as well as herbal and further reading suggestions.
1. Do you have occasional trouble digesting wheat?
This could be due to a lack of the digestive stomach acid needed to break down the gluten protein contained in wheat.
2. Do you have occasional trouble digesting dairy?
This could be due to low digestive acid needed to break down the casein protein.
a. Skim milk: If this causes problems, it may be the casein or lactose in milk causing stomach-related digestive issues, as casein and lactose break down in the stomach.
b. Organic heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is 100% fat, and casein and lactose free. If this causes problems, it may be a liver/gallbladder/bile flow issue because the fat is broken down in the small intestine by bile, which is produced and stored in the liver and gallbladder.
3. Do you have occasional heartburn or acid indigestion?
a. If 1/4 tsp. of baking soda with 6 oz of water after a meal helps, it may be due to excess stomach acid.
b. If 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar in 6 oz of water helps, it may be due to decreased stomach acid.
c. If it comes 1/2 hour to 1 hour after the meal, it may be a bile flow issue (see Bile Flow Support below).
If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, consider stomach support:
- Warm Digest – for low stomach acid
- Cool Digest – for occasional heartburn or acid indigestion
- Read: Cool Your Digestion – Solutions for Occasional Heartburn
1. Do you ever feel queasy, sick or bloated after a high-fat meal?
This may be due to lack of bile flow postponing the release of the fatty meal from the stomach into the small intestine.
2. Do you have discomfort under the right rib cage or between the shoulder blades after a fatty meal?
This may be due to a congested liver or gallbladder. See your MD.
3. Do you have occasional heartburn 30 minutes to an 1 hour after a meal?
Starting at about a half hour after a meal, acid from the stomach may irritate the small intestine if there is a lack of healthy bile flow to buffer the acid.
4. Do you have occasional slow, dry or hard bowel movements?
This could be due to a lack of bile flow. Bile regulates the consistency and frequency of the stool.
5. Do you have trouble digesting heavy, fatty or fried food?
This may very well be due to poor bile flow needed to break down the fatty meal.
If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, consider liver, gallbladder and bile flow support:
- Kutki – protects, decongests and detoxifies the liver and bile ducts
- Beet Cleanse – decongests the bile ducts
- Bile Flow HP – supports bile flow and healthy liver function
- Turmeric – thins the bile
- Liver Repair – supports the liver’s production of bile
1. Do you feel better when taking digestive enzymes?
This may mean the pancreatic enzyme flow is blocked by congested bile.
2. Do you have highs and lows in energy throughout the day and crave sweets, carbs and caffeine?
This may be due to compromised regulation of blood sugar in the pancreas.
If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, consider pancreatic support:
- Sugar Destroyer – supports healthy blood sugar levels
- Sugar Balance HP – comprehensive, high-powered nutritional support for healthy blood sugar levels
1. Do you have a complete bowel movement less than once a day?
This could be a bile flow or intestinal dryness issue.
2. Do you have occasional dry, hard or sluggish elimination?
This may be due to dry and irritated intestinal mucous membranes (intestinal skin).
3. Do you sometimes experience frequent, loose or mucousy elimination?
This may be due to excess mucus production in the gut.
4. Do you have excess intestinal gas or bloating?
This may be due to poor function of the intestinal villi.
5. Does stress effect your digestion?
We process stress through the intestinal villi and microbes who manufacture mood-supporting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, consider Intestinal Villi and Elimination Support:
I. Villi Support
- Amalaki – rebuilds healthy villi
- Slippery Elm – soothes intestinal villi
- Brahmi – supports a healthy intestinal response to stress and supports healthy inner skin
- Omega-3s – support the skin of the intestinal wall
- Minerals – needed for healthy intestinal function
- Vitamin B12 – supports healthy production of neurotransmitters in the gut
- Probiotics
II. Elimination Support
- Elim 1 – soothes the intestines and supports healthy elimination
- Elim 2 – supports loose and/or mucousy stools
- Kutki – maintains the integrity of the intestinal and respiratory inner skin, and maintain healthy lymphatic, antioxidant and immune function
- Triphala – tones the bowels and scrubs the intestinal wall
- Read: Eat the Right Fiber
1. Do you carry extra weight around the belly?
This may be due to a congestion of the gut-associated lymph tissue (GALT) that drains the intestinal tract.
2. Do you get puffy or hold water legs, feet or hands?
This may be due to digestive-related lymph congestion in the extremities.
3. Are you particularly stiff in the morning?
This may be due to digestive-related lymph congestion in the joints.
4. Does your skin easily become itchy or irritated?
This may be due to digestive-related lymph congestion in the skin.
If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, consider intestinal lymphatic support:
- Lymph Cleanse – flushes the lymphatic system
- Brahmi Brain – supports healthy skin, lymph, and circulatory functions
- Lymph-Vein HP – support healthy veins and microcirculation
- Kutki – maintains healthy lymphatic, antioxidant and immune function
- Manjistha – supports proper lymph drainage
- Neem– supports healthy intestinal skin, as well as healthy lymph and blood circulation
1. Did you answer “yes” to a lot of the previous questions?
Ninety percent of the human cells are microbes, with the majority of them residing in the digestive system. Any digestive concern could be due to a lack of diversity or proliferation of healthy intestinal microbes.
For the proliferation of healthy intestinal microbiology (good bugs), the upper and lower digestion must be coordinated in concert to support a healthy intestinal environment, and the microbes themselves must be properly nourished.
Do you regularly eat foods rich in naturally occurring good bacteria?
A diet lacking in the following would likely starve many strains of good bacteria needed for healthy digestion. (Raw cheese, kefir, buttermilk, yogurt, fermented vegetables, fermented fruits, pickled foods)
Do have a diet rich in foods that antagonize the healthy intestinal flora?
A diet rich in non organic, processed, packaged, sterile or preserved foods or cooking oils may disturb the delicate environment needed to proliferate healthy intestinal microbes.
Are you feeding the intestinal microbes properly?
The trillions of microbes in the gut feed off of what we consider indigestible, the cellulose and fiber from fruits, veggies and whole grains. Consider a diet with 1/2 the plate vegetables, 1/4 whole starches. 1/4 protein. Try to add a small amount of microbial rich foods like, raw cheese, kefir, buttermilk, yogurt, fermented vegetables, fermented fruits or pickled foods at every meal, or consider a probiotic proven to withstand digestive acids and adhere to the gut wall.
Consider Intestinal Flora Restoration Support:
Consider a Comprehensive Digestive Reset and Detox:
- Colorado Cleanse – a 2-week guided group detox and comprehensive digestive reset
- Anytime Colorado Cleanse – a 2-week self-guided detox and comprehensive digestive reset
- Short Home Cleanse (free eBook guide) – a 4-day self-guided detox with digestive support
A groundbreaking course from Dr. John Douillard DC that shows you how to achieve emotional freedom by perfecting digestion. Produced and delivered by our good friends over at Floracopeia, we are thrilled to be able to offer this course jointly with them. Perfecting Digestion: the Gateway to Emotional Freedom is a powerful course that will train you to reset the balance of the body and bring emotional freedom of the mind. Dr. Douillard will be your guide in this inspiring, profound, and practical seven module course that includes two question-and-answer sessions.
Take the FREE 4-part video training now or if you’re ready to start, you purchase it here.
ellie says
Thank YOU, Dr D for sharing your health wisdom on this most important topic.
I recently watched a documentary on this topic that I recommend with 5 thumbs up!
SECRET INGREDIENTS
https://secretingredientsmovie.com/
BNCBREDDY says
If the food intestinal accommodation interval is increases,then food purification,toxic gases generation leads to all digestive tract problems. Of course the food accommodation interval varies based on food quality, age and present health status of the person consuming, age favor, lifestyle etc. This article was beneficial to understand the various stages of digestion, what goes wrong in the digestive system at various stages of digestion and REMEDY. . The article arrested my interest while reading. What a complicated factory our digestive system is. Only one way for solid and liquid input, exit two ways ,one for liquid (urine) the other for solid. This article is very beneficial to the reader. Sincere thanks to the author .
Melissa says
Why am I so gassy everyday and i take anti gas pills and tryed omeprazole and still doesn’t work?please helpp
Lynn says
I have Celiac Disease, Candida overgrowth, and possible SIBO . I watched your video and found it to be very informative and helpful. My functional doctor from the Cleveland Clinic ordered a GI Effects Stool test. I did it twice and it showed leaky gut, imbalances and insufficiencies with my microbiome. My doctor has not make any recommendations yet. I want to heal my gut so I can begin absorbing nutrients. I am on a restricted diet and have given up grains, dairy, sugar, soy, corn, starchy vegetables, yeast, sugar and most carbs. I basically eat: green vegetables, berries, eggs, sardines, grass fed beef, free range antibiotic free chickens, bone broth, avocados, nuts and seeds. I am hungry and I have cravings all the time. I keep losing weight (i weigh 105 lbs!), and I am still not digesting properly. I am always constipated and bloated. I have trouble sleeping and get a lot of hot flashes. Which products do you recommend that could help me? I have several already saved in my cart to order, and i have a ton of supplements at home already. I only want to use what will truly benefit me. I am beyond confused since nothing, including a strict diet, is helping me. My skin is extremely dry, wrinkled and thin. My health has gone downhill over the past two years and I am scared. I am 64 years old and never had so many issue until after having a stressful year in 2015. Then is. 2016 I started to see many symptoms of ill health, and made trips to the doctor and the ER. In 2017 I was prescribed several rounds of antibiotics. I know that ruined my already damaged intestinal tract. I read and research all the time and have had to become my own health advocate since my doctors don’t help me. Sometimes I think I am dying with no help in sight. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your comment. We definitely recommend considering a consultation with Dr. Douillard or Tauna Houghton: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Many of their consultations are done remotely with clients all around the world.
Be Well.
Mike says
I had an open partial neprectomy 10 months ago..I am losing weight drastically..I have a strong Pitta dosha..eat 5 times a day..small meals..I feel weak all over..lightheaded..bowel movements..a little loose.go everyday..I feel like I am not absorbing the nutrients from my food!! I saw your video..Is it possible I have a b12 problem? I eat very little meat..am 70 years old etc..I’m actually a pitta-Vata! Do I need a probiotic as well..very concerned about this weight loss..5 ft 9. 129. Pounds…weighed 150 before the surgery
Mike wilcox
Dr. Jeff says
I believe I have serious digestive blockage. Constantly, bloated, constipated, only moves with laxatives. Thought it would be a good idea to take baking soda so I would burp….wrong! It created intense nausea, nothing would come out either end, just wretched, slowly I tried to rlievr this suffering. broke out in dreching puke worthy sweat but not puke.. I had also had one of those lanaporole in my system to stop gerd.
. I think it not only turned off the acid, but turned everything off. This has left me miserable… still naeseous.. This is the most intense this has been
Was blocked off and on since late March… Help.. what has gone so wrong with my digestion. Thanks Dr. J in Reno
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi there thank you for reaching out. To understand your full history and get to the root cause for treatment it’s best to research the consultations we offer: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Be well.
Diane Boyle says
Dear dr douillard
Like to try the Colorado cleanse. I have so many allergies wheat,dairy.soy,peanuts, and asthma. Concerned taking herbs that may trigger my asthma. I know I have a great deal of inflammation all over including joints knees and hands.
Thanks for guiding me in the right direction. Thanks for all the advise.
I take apple cider vinegar to digest food and avoid beef most of the time.
Diane Boyle
Saud says
It started on Def 2015. After eating dinner, i suddenly started having sever abdominal pain, vomiting and loose stools. Went to the doctor immediately and was told food poisoning. After 2 months, i again had indigestion feeling, sever upper abdominal pain. I vomited once and felt little relief, but pain didn’t subside and had to go to th doctor again for pain killers. After this i did UBT, gallblader scan, CT scans. All reports are normal, but this hospital episode is continuing every 1 or two months. Whatever i eat, i feel it’s on my throat, som heavy indigestion feeling. Doctors are also Not giving any positive response. Pls help
John Douillard says
Hi Saud. To get to the root of what you’re presently going through as well as past history I recommend looking into the consults we offer. Myself or Tauna would happy to meet with you over skype, phone, or in person. https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ For now, you may want to look into some of the cleanses we have which can help reset digestion and get you back on track https://lifespa.com/cleansing/
Haus says
I was vomiting every couple weeks violently, back/abdominal pains so bad it made me cry. It started right after I pulled my arm out of socket, took anti- inflammatory pills for it which hurt my stomach. I was eating vinegar salt potato chips on New Years then took one drink of beer, then stomach hurt so I drank a tbsp of apple cider vinegar and Oh boy, I puked and then rolled around on the floor , crawled and bloated so bad that I created a hernia ( Per my gastro Dr ). Two years I was like this. Dr said I needed to get my gallbladder removed but I just don’t have the money to do so and was skeptical because I eat organic. Ironically, had my infectious tooth removed from an old root canal and the next day onward for months I felt no pain, no puking , felt like that cured it until I visited my dad and obliged to eat his crispy steak. I don’t eat allot of meat, only chicken and fish. Then noticed the brown oily droplets, so I googled it and found your site. I am always bloated/gas, its awful. I ate romaine lettuce all day and no more oily droplets when I go number two. How do you think I am doing? 🙂
Deborah Miller Shahid says
Dr. John
I am anxious to begin the group detox/cleanse. I’m currently going through a divorce after 40 years of marriage. Im also relocating. Needless to say its a stressful time but I am coping well. By mid April I will be settled in my new
place just in time to start the cleanse. Perfect timimg!
Colleen said to mention that I am a friend and Women Quester.
Looking forward and I thank you for all you do for our collective health. BTW I love your Yoga book!
Best Regards
Deb