Are You Suffering from Gas and Bloating and Why?

Have you heard the phrase “Menopause bloat”?  Bloating is one of the most frequently experienced problems when women enter perimenopause and menopause. It is so prevalent and referred to as menopausal bloat. One of the main causes is hormonal changes, such as a drop in estrogen levels, which leads to a shift in the gut microbiome. Menopause, low estrogen levels, and decreased diversity in gut bacteria are connected. Decreased gut bacteria diversity can negatively impact your digestive health, causing bloating, gas, or constipation. Estrogen is an important hormone for proper cholesterol and glucose metabolism. The drop in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to increased insulin resistance, which is very prevalent these days, pesticide glyphosate also plays a role, which affects glucose metabolism and causes gut permeability. Aging plays a role too, as we grow older, there is a decrease in stomach elasticity, less acid production, and decreased intestinal motility. These natural changes can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome and cause digestive issues including gas and bloating.

Many people think eating a healthy diet will ensure proper digestion. Unfortunately, many healthy foods, such as beans, broccoli, and high fructose content food, can cause gas and bloating. Dairy and gluten are also common contributors to a leaky gut, which causes intestinal permeability. The first step is to identify those food triggers and eliminate them as much as possible from your diet. We can become more sensitive to foods as we age, so don’t assume something you ate in great quantity at a younger age will be well tolerated now.

The second step is to strengthen your stomach acid and bile production with digestive bitters, lemons, and apple cider vinegar, please check my previous videos on this. The third step is to improve your intestinal motility to reduce gas and bloating, this is often overlooked. There is a migrating motor complex in your small intestine that regulates your small intestine motility, this migrating motor complex can be affected by many factors, such as SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), the dysfunction of the elicical valve, low stomach acid, which affects the production of bile and digestive enzymes. All these can contribute to digestive issues. Stress is another contributor. So many of us are eating a meal in a hurry and forget to chew the food well, which is the most important step when it comes to digestive health. Eating is an art if you believe so, you should chew your food well and engage all your senses to fully enjoy each bite of your meals.

In my new video video, I introduce a few natural remedies to enhance your digestion and reduce bloating and gas.

By the way, I will be at the Wellness Fair on July 27th at Beban Park Nanaimo, there will be more than 10 speakers who cover a variety of topics all day long at the event, and you will meet lots of gifted healers, artists, and mediums. I will be offering a talk on "How to Improve Your Sleep Quality without Remedies" and also palm reading, face reading, tongue reading, Vedic Astrology chart analysis, tarot card reading, and holistic health consultation. I am looking forward to seeing you there. Please check my poster below for more details.

To book a healing session, please click here.
To book a reading session, please click here.
To book a TCM treatment, please click here.

To book a group session for a variety of topics, please click here. 

Suffer from Constipation or Diarrhea?

Have you heard about Turkey Rhubarb? Also known as Da Huang in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Himalayan rhubarb, or Chinese rhubarb, is a large perennial plant in the Polygonaceae family native to China that can grow up to ten feet tall. Its stem is purple, round, and hollow, and extends past the leaves. The roots are used medicinally. It contains certain potent biochemical compounds that help treat many health conditions. The plant's fresh leaves are highly toxic and cannot be eaten, but can be boiled and used as an insecticide.

Turkey rhubarb contains calcium oxalate, anthraquinones, tannins, and various fatty acids. The tannins and anthraquinones have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turkey rhubarb is a strong digestive purgative that relieves constipation. It has an astringent and antiseptic effect, which is a great intestinal cleanser and protects the colon. It also functions as a diuretic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used externally as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compress to promote the healing of burns and ulcers. It is used internally to cleanse the liver and treat jaundice. It also inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

According to studies, Turkey rhubarb has blood-clotting properties that help promote clotting and prevent excess bleeding during menstruation. Its anti-inflammatory properties with the presence of tannins and anthraquinones, plus controlling bleeding, help ease the cramps and control excessive bleeding during menstruation for women.

Turkey rhubarb contains anthraquinones, a powerful purgative to eliminate harmful gut bacteria. It also has an astringent effect, which helps relieve diarrhea. Anthraquinones in Turkey rhubarb have a laxative effect that can help relieve constipation. 

Turkey rhubarb has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and diuretic properties, which protect against kidney damage. It can be used to treat diabetic nephropathy and kidney disease. The primary components emodin and rhein have a protective effect on the kidneys.

Anthraquinones in Turkey rhubarb also help kill cancer cells. Emodin is a type of anthraquinone that induces death in cancer cells and prevents cancer cell proliferation. Another anthraquinone rhein helps prevent the absorption of glucose by the cancer cells and modifies their membranes to kill them. Aloe-emodin in Turkey rhubarb is a bioactive compound with anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative properties.
Turkey rhubarb also has astringent and antibacterial properties, which help treat various skin conditions such as sores and burns.

Here are some highlights of Turkey Rhubarb:

• Cleanses the colon and relieves constipation.
• Protects kidneys and prevents renal failure.
• Eases the cramps and controls excessive bleeding during menstruation for women.
• Reduces cancer risks and prevents metastasis.
• Lowers high cholesterol and aids weight loss.
• Helps treat various skin conditions including burns and sores.

You can take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, infuse for about 10 minutes, drink it in the mornings and evenings as a laxative, or take it in a tincture form, 1-2 ml three times daily. For diarrhea, 1/8-1/4 teaspoon for a cup of boiling water is often recommended.

Taking rhubarb in large quantities can contribute to anemia because it can bind metals such as iron. It is not advised for individuals with kidney stones due to the high oxalate content. Studies also suggest that people who have Crohn’s disease and colitis should avoid this herb. It is also not recommended for pregnant women. 

To book a healing session, please click here.
To book a reading session, please click here.
To book a TCM treatment, please click here.

To book a group session for a variety of topics, please click here.