Decreasing Gut Inflammation

What kind of ingredients can you take to help with gut inflammation?  Here we go! 

1- Vitamin C- This is an essential nutrient in our bodies.  It's found naturally in foods such as citrus foods and tomatoes and has been added to many foods to supplement the American diet that is lacking in this vitamin.  According to the National Institutes of Health Website on Dietary Supplements, Vitamin C is important in many functions in the body.

This includes:

• biosynthesis of collagen and other neurotransmitters (think brain function)
• Protein metabolism
• Works as an antioxidant and is currently being studied on how it may help prevent or delay certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and other problems.  (studies have shown a relationship between increased Vitamin C and decrease of certain cancers including Lung, Breast, Colon, and other digestive system cancers)
• Immune function
• Iron absorption

Insufficient Vitamin C can lead to scurvy- symptoms of which include tiredness, connective tissue weakness and bleeding problems. 

It's difficult to take in too much Vitamin C- as if you get too much at one time you will just excrete it in urine instead of absorbing it.  Common side effects of too much Vitamin C is stomach issues- diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.  Vitamin C may interact with Chemotherapy or Radiation or Statin (cholesterol) medications.   The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C is around 75-90 mg daily for adults, but those that smoke need even more. 

For supplements, if the Vitamin C is in the form of ascorbic acid it is equivalent to eating foods that have Vitamin C- other forms of Vitamin C supplements may not absorb as well.  

2- Magnesium-This mineral in the body is naturally present in a lot of foods and also available as a supplement.  Some of the best sources of natural magnesium is green leafy veggies, nuts and seeds.  This a factor in many processes and reactions in the body.  It's required for energy production, blood pressure control, blood sugar control, and muscle and nerve functions.  Magnesium levels in the body are controlled by the kidneys.  

The daily recommended amount of magnesium changes over the lifespan, but ranges from 310 mg-420 mg daily depending on age and whether female/male.  

The type of magnesium I like is Magnesium Hydroxide- which is similar to magnesium found in stomach products uses as laxatives or heartburn relief.  

3- Sodium- Almost everyone is familiar with sodium, but don't know what it does in our body.  Most people think sodium is bad and bad for your heart, but sodium is a nutrient required in the body to live.  The problem many Americans have is that much of our foods are too high in sodium due to processing and preservatives.   I like Sodium Bicarbonate for the stomach- which is what's in baking soda.  There are other uses for this type of sodium including possible help with gout, kidney stones, and problems caused by kidney disease.  Some side effects may include nausea, bloating or gas.   Since this may change the acid in your stomach it may interact with some medications- check with your medical provider. 

4- Bioflavonoid Complex- In the form of orange peel, lemon peel, and quince, bioflavonoids are a supplement frequently used to help boost Vitamin C action, support circulation, treat allergies, treat viruses and arthritis.  

References for today:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11325/sodium-bicarbonate-oral/details#uses

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/bioflavonoids.html