Question:

I am wondering which the best diet is for me, as I suffer from flatulence and reflux. The flatulence I have had for quite a number of years, and although I tried to get rid of it, I still have this unpleasant problem. Then more recently I have also started to experience reflux. My doctor gave me Nexium tablets to take a couple of weeks ago, but so far, they haven't worked. Can you suggest a diet that might help?

Response:

The first thing I would do is make sure you have a healthy balance of gut flora (bacteria). Your gut flora plays a huge part in your digestion, and if it is out of balance you will get digestive symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Taking a probiotic supplement like Inner Health Plus daily will be beneficial. You can also add probiotic-rich foods in your diet such as yoghurt, miso, and kefir.

Next I would look at improving the production of stomach juices and enzymes, which are vital for breaking foods down properly so their nutrients can be absorbed into our blood stream to be used throughout the body. If you are not producing enough of these digestive juices and enzymes foods eaten will sit in the stomach and ferment producing gasses, which result in bloating and wind. A way to combat this is to take a digestive enzyme supplement —one tablet before each meal. Factors such as stress, certain medications, a poor diet, and too much alcohol can all slow down the production of these important digestive enzymes and juices.

Reducing gluten-based foods is also a good idea if you are getting a lot of flatulence. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, malt, cous cous and rye. You could try going gluten-free for a week to see if you notice a difference. Having a lot of legumes, and brassica vegies (cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli) in the diet can also cause wind for some people.

For more information visit Lisa's website, Art of healing.