The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that 60 to 70 million Americans live with diagnosed digestive diseases. That’s roughly one in five people dealing with conditions like IBS, GERD, Crohn’s disease, or chronic constipation. A 2022 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) survey revealed that 40% of Americans — about 130 million people have had bowel symptoms disrupt their routines.
“We must normalize the conversation around uncomfortable GI symptoms. “Patients need to know their normal and ask questions early.”
Dr. Rajeev Jain — Board-certified gastroenterologist
Globally, the picture is even grimmer. A 2020 study by the Rome Foundation found that 40.3% of adults across 33 countries — roughly 3.14 billion people, meet criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Professor Dr. Jan Tack, head of gastroenterology at UZ Leuven, emphasizes, “These disorders demand more awareness. They’re critical for clinicians and policymakers.” The Global Burden of Diseases Study in 2019 reported 2.28 billion cases of digestive diseases worldwide, from infections to chronic conditions like colorectal cancer.
The Human Toll
For many, gut issues aren’t just physical. Take Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher from Ohio, who shared her story with the AGA. “I’d get bloating so bad I couldn’t teach my classes. I felt embarrassed, isolated, and honestly, scared something was seriously wrong.” Sarah’s experience mirrors millions who face stigma and delayed care. A 2023 MDVIP survey found that two-thirds of U.S. adults report recurrent symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain, yet many avoid seeking help due to shame or dismissal.
Mental health takes a hit, too. Dr. Douglas Drossman, a gastroenterologist and founder of the Rome Foundation, explains, “Gut-brain interactions are real. Chronic gut issues can trigger anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle.” Studies show that up to 30% of IBS patients experience mental health challenges, compounding their suffering.
Veterans: A unique gut health burden
U.S. veterans face a particularly tough battle. A 2021 PMC study reported that gastrointestinal issues account for over 500,000 annual visits to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. Veterans may have higher rates of gut-related conditions, possibly due to poor nutrition during deployments, deployment-related environmental toxins like chemicals and depleted uranium, stress, or exposure to pathogens. “I served two tours in Iraq,” says John, a 42-year-old veteran from Texas, in a VA blog post. “My stomach issues started there, and they never went away. It’s like my body’s still fighting a war.”
With about 18 million veterans in the U.S., rough estimates suggest 3.2 to 3.8 million may have gut issues, based on general population prevalence. But the PMC study cautions, “Further research is needed to verify prevalence in veterans compared to civilians.” Unique factors like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or environmental exposures may elevate our risk. If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you know that I’m an eleven-year U.S. Army Veteran. Listen to the podcast trailer episode to learn my story and challenges with a hidden disability after surviving a TBI, broken back, and chronic health concerns.
However, exact numbers of U.S. veterans exposed to depleted uranium (DU) weapons are uncertain due to limited comprehensive data and challenges in tracking exposure. However, estimates and studies provide some insight based on military operations where DU was used, primarily during the 1991 Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). You can learn more about veteran's exposure to depleted uranium and the health impact by listening to the 'Fixing the Gut Health Crisis in America Naturally,' episode of New Normal Big Life, wherever you get your podcasts.
Health Implications and Veteran Testimonies
While the VA and DoD state that no significant health effects have been conclusively linked to DU exposure in monitored cohorts, some studies and veterans raise concerns. For example:
- Dr. Doug Rokke, a former U.S. Army health physicist who worked on DU cleanup, told Al Jazeera, “When we went to clean up the DU after the Gulf War, we were told it was safe, but we saw respiratory issues and rashes right away. The long-term risks are real.”
- Veteran Testimony: Garett Reppenhagen, a veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, described to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, “I tried to stay away from the burn pits and contaminated areas, but you can’t always avoid it. We weren’t warned enough about DU’s risks.”
Without precise records, a conservative estimate suggests 10,000 to 50,000 U.S. veterans across these conflicts may have had some level of DU exposure, with higher-risk groups like friendly-fire survivors and cleanup crews numbering in the low thousands.
Depleted uranium exposure’s connection to Gut Health
Some veterans report gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, pain, and diarrhea at debilitating levels potentially linked to DU exposure. A Hill & Ponton article lists gastrointestinal problems among possible DU-related symptoms, though no definitive causal link is established.
Recommendations for veterans concerned with depleted uranium exposure
- Veterans concerned about DU exposure can contact the VA’s Environmental Health Coordinators for screening or join the Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program at publichealth.va.gov
- For further research, the VA and NIDDK offer resources on environmental exposures and gut health.
This potential link between depleted uranium exposure among U.S. veterans and the servicemembers of our international allies serving in the region also impacts civilians in those war-torn countries and their neighboring nations. Before we widen our focus beyond the veteran gut health crisis there are other important gut health factors to consider.
Any forward-deployed servicemember surviving on Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) can attest to its negative impact on their gut health. Another Iraq-war infantryman said, “I offered a starving stray dog an MRE in a warzone and the dog refused to eat it. He smelled the open MRE packet then looked at me like I was trying to poison him. That makes me wonder what kind of toxic food they were feeding us.”
Many people like mountaineers, camping and RV enthusiasts, and preppers use long-term storable meals. But here’s why I stress the importance of buying storable food from a company like my affiliate, Ready Hour.
What is an MRE that’s impacting your gut?
An MRE, or Meal, Ready-to-Eat, is a self-contained, individual field ration developed by the U.S. military for servicemembers in combat or other field conditions where fresh food or kitchen facilities are unavailable. MREs are designed to be lightweight, portable, and durable, providing a complete meal with sufficient calories (approximately 1,200 – 1,300 calories per meal) to sustain troops in high-stress environments.
MREs are used primarily by the U.S. military but are also popular among preppers, campers, and disaster relief organizations due to their convenience and long shelf life. According to the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, which oversees MRE development, these rations are engineered to meet nutritional needs while being easy to transport and store without refrigeration.
But as a person who ate a fair number of MREs over an eleven-year period, I had constant stomach pain and bouts of going to much or being unable to go for months after eating MREs. After leaving the Army, like most veterans, I was diagnosed with several gut problems.
MREs, while nutritionally balanced, the VA claims, are high in sodium and processed ingredients, which some veterans report exacerbate or make worse, digestive issues like pain, bloating or constipation, especially during prolonged use in the field. A VA study on veteran gastrointestinal health suggests diet-related stressors may contribute to such symptoms but I feel the major concern is the quality of the MRE’s ingredients.
Even those familiar snacks and pantry staples at the grocery store - the ones with government-approved labels - might contain chemicals so dangerous they're banned across Europe and Canada. Yet here in America, they lurk in plain sight, hidden behind cryptic names and industry loopholes. Catch the ‘Toxic Secrets: What’s Really in Your Food?’ episode of the New Normal Big Life podcast and download your list of food ingredients to avoid and all the different ways they show up on food packages, in the show description.
Breaking the Silence
The good news? Awareness is growing. Dr. Jain urges, “Early conversations with providers can make a huge difference.” Digestive health issues are on the rise, impacting millions with conditions like leaky gut, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These disorders, often tied to diet, lifestyle, or autoimmune factors, can disrupt daily life with symptoms like bloating, pain, and fatigue. Fortunately, natural approaches such as dietary shifts, probiotics, and stress reduction, offer relief for many, including veterans who benefit from tailored programs. Understanding your body and making informed choices can transform your gut health.
How Your Body’s Major Systems Work?
The body has thirteen major systems which we’ll cover in a future podcast, but today, let’s focus on the systems relating to gut and intestinal health.
Digestive System
Function: Breaks down food into nutrients the body can absorb and eliminates waste. Components include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Natural ways to boost the digestive system:
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can enhance gut bacteria, which is crucial for digestion. Research suggests that probiotics help in identifying harmful pathogens from normal cells, supporting digestive health.
Fiber Intake: A diet high in fiber from plant foods feeds the gut microbiome, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Hydration: Proper hydration aids in digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. It’s recommended that every person drink half their bodyweight in ounces of water daily. More in higher temperature and when physically active. A 150 pound person should drink a minimum of 75 ounces of water daily.
Herbal supplements supporting digestive health: Digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, dill seed and leaf, lemon balm leaf, chamomile flower, fiber, and ginger root.
Immune System:
Function: Defends the body against disease by identifying and neutralizing pathogens and other harmful agents. Comprises white blood cells, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow.
Natural ways to boost the immune system:
Nutrition: A diet rich in vitamins C, D, and zinc directly supports immune function. Dr. Karen White from the CDC highlights the importance of these nutrients in enhancing immunity.
Sleep: Adequate sleep is vital for immune system health, helping in the production and function of immune cells. Dr. Ballehr notes the need for seven to nine hours of sleep to boost immunity.
Hydration: Proper hydration is crucial as it supports all bodily functions, including immune response, by maintaining optimal conditions for white blood cells to function.
Herbal supplements supporting the immune system: Quercetin, bromelain, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins C and D.
Urinary System:
Function: Filters blood to remove waste and excess substances, leading to urine production. Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Natural ways to boost the urinary system:
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps in flushing out toxins. Dr. Robert Green states that hydration is key to kidney function as it helps in the elimination (poop and urine) process.
Limit Salt Intake: Reducing salt can lessen the work on kidneys, improving their efficiency in waste removal.
Herbal supplements supporting the urinary system: Oregano, cranberry juice, lemon and other citrus juices, coconut oil, bearberry, D-Mannose, and goldenrod.
Lymphatic System:
Function: Returns fluid from tissues to the blood, absorbs fats from the digestive system, and aids in immune response. Includes lymph nodes, vessels, thymus, and spleen. A poorly functioning lymphatic system can cause fluid to back up in your body — lymphedema, and increase weight gain.
Natural ways to boost the lymphatic system:
Movement: Lymphatic massage — manual or with a machine and physical activity promotes lymphatic flow, enhancing the system's ability to transport fluids and immune cells. Dr. Darling suggests at least ten minutes of daily exercise. Check out our episode on Lymphedema to learn more about this health condition. Your swollen, face, neck, arms, legs, feet, or ankles could be a sign of a significant health problem.
Hydration: Helps in the flow of lymphatic fluid, supporting the system's detoxification role.
Herbal supplements supporting the lymphatic system: echinacea, plantain leaf powder, Yarrow, valerian, licorice root, dandelion root, red Clover flower, burdock, echinacea, and elderberry. We have a dandelion gummies recipe available now. Be sure to listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.
Understanding common digestive disorders
Digestive diseases are increasingly common, with causes ranging from poor diet to imbalanced gut bacteria or autoimmune conditions. Below are three prevalent issues:
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes too porous, allowing toxins, undigested food, and microbes to leak into surrounding tissues or the bloodstream. This can spark inflammation, alter gut flora, and worsen autoimmune or digestive problems. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, allergies, ulcers, or autoimmune flare-ups. Keeping a health journal to track symptoms is crucial for identifying triggers.
Let’s take a moment to understand the gut.
What is Gut Flora?
Gut flora, also known as gut microbiota or microbiome, refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and (arr-Kee-uh) archaea living in the digestive tract, especially the large intestine. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. The human gut hosts trillions of microorganisms, with over 1,000 different bacterial species, collectively containing about 100 times more genes than the human genome. Gut flora helps break down food, produce vitamins, regulate metabolism, and protect against harmful pathogens.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gut flora is essential for maintaining a balanced immune system and influences everything from digestion to mental health via the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in gut flora, known as dysbiosis, is linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and even anxiety.
Expert Insight: Dr. Justin Sonnenburg, a microbiologist at Stanford University, explains in a 2021 NIH article, “The gut microbiota is like an ecosystem that shapes our health. Diet is the biggest driver of its composition, and a diverse microbiome is key to resilience.”
Gastritis
Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, often linked to poor diet, overuse of pain medications, or bacterial overgrowth like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It commonly overlaps with leaky gut and shares symptoms like nausea, vomiting, indigestion, upper abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness after meals. Left untreated, gastritis can lead to serious complications, such as stomach ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Like leaky gut and gastritis, IBS is often tied to dietary triggers, stress, or gut flora imbalances. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two other forms of IBD, involve chronic inflammation of the intestines and require similar management strategies.
Expert Insight: Dr. Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist and author, notes in a UCLA Health article, “The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in digestive disorders. Stress and diet directly influence gut health, and imbalances in microbiota can amplify symptoms.”
I personally have spent decades enduring tests, scopes, cameras invading me from one end of my body to the other to diagnose the root cause of my stomach disorders and chronic, widespread inflammation. I received many diagnoses from gluten sensitivity, food allergies, lymphedema, a lupus-like autoimmune disease, valley fever, listeria, and IBS and IBD. My legs, core, face, and neck had swollen to three times their normal size. But I was gaslit by seven doctors. In 2020, I was at the peak of my physical health as a sponsored athlete in adventure sports. Over four weeks, I challenged myself with intense activities, including whitewater kayaking on the Arkansas River and the Cache la Poudre River in Colorado, followed by summiting Medicine Bow Peak and Baxter’s Pinnacle in Wyoming. Mere days later, I pushed my limits further by attempting to climb the Grand Tetons. However, by January 2024, my physical condition had deteriorated dramatically; I now required the support of a cane to walk.
Despite following a strict whole-food diet, maintaining regular exercise, and continuing my adventures several times a week, I inexplicably gained 40 pounds. The swelling and weight gain were confusing, as they seemed to defy my otherwise healthy lifestyle and dedication to fitness. This unexpected health decline left me searching for answers.
Worse, two general practitioners and three specialists — a nephrologist, rheumatologist, and cardiologist didn’t believe my story about unexplained weight gain. They gaslit me.
They all said I’m just putting on a little weight and talked about body positivity. We’ll talk about the body positive movement’s negative consequences, in a future podcast. For this conversation, I know that one specialist asked me if I thought I might be living in the wrong gender. I don’t know how the conversation with my cardiologist went from discussing concerns about unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, swelling, and worries for my heart as a result of these conditions, to his suggestion that I have gender dysphoria, but there we were. In total, five doctors tried to refer me to mental health rather than take my symptoms seriously. When I finally found a country doctor who did believe me and ran some tests, it turned out I had dangerously high inflammation markers. A new rheumatologist suspected both valley fever and an unspecified auto-immune disease. After three months of using the Lifewave red light therapy patches, instead of the recommended prednisone, I lowered my C-reactive protein (CRP) by 20 points. After ten days on ivermectin prescribed by a general practitioner to treat the listeria and ninety-days of hydroxychloroquine for the valley fever and lupus-like symptoms, all symptoms are now in remission.
I also found a gastroenterologist who had a theory they were testing on patients like me. In medicine, when a patient presents with multiple symptoms that do not clearly fit into a single diagnosis, the condition is often referred to as medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), syndrome of multiple symptoms, or sometimes idiopathic multisymptom illness. These terms describe a situation where a patient experiences a constellation of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, digestive issues, or neurological complaints that lack a clear, unifying medical explanation after thorough evaluation.
This doctor’s unorthodox recommendation and killing off parasites that I already mentioned changed my life. The doctor recommended that I undergo a gluten-challenge. He encouraged me to eat all the wheat products I wanted for 14 days. I was instructed to keep a journal recording the product name, source, GMO/Non-GMO wheat, date, and any symptoms. After fourteen days, I realized that I wasn’t allergic to wheat or gluten sensitive. I was sensitive to genetically modified wheat. In an upcoming podcast, I’ll share an interesting theory on why some people’s bodies cannot process GMO foods. But from my experience, you can see how you might have a multisymptom illness that requires unconventional treatments. Especially if you’ve tried all the conventional medicine solutions with minimal impact and unwanted side effects.
Avoid inflammatory triggers, including processed foods, seed oils, synthetic dyes, pesticides, irradiated foods, artificial sugars, excessive caffeine, excessive alcohol, antibiotic-laden meats, and, for some, GMO foods, and gluten-containing grains. A 2023 study in Nutrients found that diets high in processed foods disrupt gut microbiota, worsening conditions like IBS.
“I struggled with low blood sugar and gut issues,” says Anna, a blogger who shared her journey on MindBodyGreen. “Switching to a Mediterranean diet with fermented foods like sauerkraut and cutting out processed snacks made a huge difference. I felt energized and less bloated within weeks.”
Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, while prebiotics nourish them. An imbalance in gut flora, such as overgrowth of H. pylori or Candida albicans, can trigger or worsen leaky gut, gastritis, or IBS. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Microbiology showed that probiotics from fermented foods can reduce inflammation and improve gut barrier function. Foods like mushrooms and non-GMO oats can boost good bacteria in as little as four weeks.
Explore Lifestyle Changes
Stress management techniques, such as prayer, meditation or yoga, can ease gut-brain axis disruptions. Intermittent fasting, when tolerated, may enhance microbial diversity and reduce intestinal inflammation, per a 2020 Nature Reviews Gastroenterology study. However, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. Personally, I can’t fast because of my low blood sugar.
Veterans’ Support
Veterans with digestive issues can access the VA’s Whole Health program, which integrates nutrition, mental health support, and lifestyle changes. “My VA nutritionist helped me pinpoint my food triggers,” says John, a veteran from Texas, in a VA blog post. “I’m not fully healed, but I’m managing my life better now.” However, some veterans report mixed experiences. I knew more about natural blood sugar remedies than my VA nutritionist, in my experience.
Breaking the gut health stigma
Gut health carries a stigma, but open conversations are vital. Learning about your digestive system and natural remedies empowers you to take charge. “Talking about my gut issues was embarrassing at first,” says Anna, “but sharing my story helped me connect with others and find solutions.” Medical professionals, like Dr. Mayer, stress that education and early intervention can prevent complications.
Here’s how to take control of your gut health with vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Natural Strategies for Gut Health
Relief from digestive issues often start with lifestyle changes like reducing toxins in your environment. Some of the biggest toxic offenders are indoor mold, pet hair and what gets trapped in it. Work to eliminate toxins in food ingredients, candles, scents, cleaning products, the off gassing of manufacturing materials like plastics. And health and beauty products. Next, you might consider testing for food allergies. If you have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive, doctors recommend avoiding gluten, which is found in many products. So, read your labels carefully. Tree nuts, soy, peanuts, cow dairy, red meat, pork, eggs, and soy are some common food allergies.
Optimize Your Diet
Diet is the cornerstone of gut health. Foods can either soothe or worsen inflammation, especially for those with autoimmune conditions. An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean style, emphasizes whole foods like leafy greens, fresh fish rich in omega-3s, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and bone broth. My guy’s ancestors are Mediterranean, and he cooks 90 percent of the time, while I bake breads and sweets, so it’s easy for us to have a Mediterranean diet made from the best ingredients. In future podcasts, I’ll help you develop tasty Mediterranean recipes because cooking is a life-skill, survival skill, and a good health skill.
Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, apples, chia seeds, flaxseeds, dandelion greens, and blueberries feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotic-rich foods, such as kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso soup, full-fat yogurt (without rBST, with live cultures), kefir, pickles, traditional buttermilk, and natto, help restore gut flora balance.
Vitimins and herbs supporting autoimmune and gut health
Very concentrated liquid extracts of herbs are called tinctures. Tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take herbal medicine internally. Tinctures are especially good at treating acute symptoms. Teas can be better used for treating chronic conditions. Although most tinctures are made with alcohol as a solvent, some people prefer not using alcohol. Vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar are great substitutes. When treating an acute condition with a tincture one to two drops per day is recommended. I'll talk more about tinctures and how to make them in a future podcast. For now, you might consider using one of the recommended mushroom tinctures for treating your gut condition. Remember, the podcast website has a link to download this list.
Medicinal mushroom tinctures for immune system health and autoimmune conditions
Turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane help balance an overstimulated immune system. Keep in mind that roughly 2 – 4 million people globally have a true mushroom allergy which can lead to difficulty breathing. If you’re unsure, take a small test before starting a mushroom tincture regime. Whenever I’m trying a new supplement, I have children’s liquid Benadryl close by. Usually, three drops of liquid Benadryl under my tongue can stop anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction.
Add turmeric and black pepper tincture for lowering inflammation.
Supplements supporting the autoimmune system
It’s important to restate that gut flora is essential for maintaining a balanced immune system and influences everything from digestion to mental health via the gut-brain axis. A healthy immune system begins with a healthy gut.
Vitamins and herbs supporting the autoimmune system
CoQ1o 500 mg/day
Vitamins D and K2 work together. Consider taking 2,000 – 5,000 IU/day of Vitamin D in winter, less if you’re spending time outdoors in the summer, and vitamin K2 at 80 mcg/day.
Essential fatty acids—Omega-3, EPA, DHA.
Vitamin B-12, have your doctor test your levels before starting vitamin B-12 to determine your baseline and a recommended starting dose.
Boost your glutathione production or take acetylated glutathione – 500 – 1,00 mcg/daily. I use the Lifewave glutathione patch to naturally boost glutathione levels.
Vitamins and herbs supporting leaky gut, gastritis, and IBS
Gastritis, a condition caused by inflammation of the stomach lining is often associated with leaky gut syndrome, and both often have an autoimmune issue at the core of each disease. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), primarily affects the large intestine or colon. It's a kind of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause several types of discomfort. Digestive issues, diarrhea, gas and bloating, constipation, cramping and abdominal pain are fairly common. IBS is often linked to leaky gut syndrome. The recommendations below will help with leaky gut, gastritis and IBS.
To help ease the symptoms of IBS and gastritis, consider trying 800 – 1000 mg of slippery elm, three to four times per day as a supplement, tincture, or tea.
If you have IBS, 1 – 2 tablespoons of chopped marshmallow root per cup of cold water taken three times per day is recommended. Marshmallow root forms a protective layer over the damaged gut mucosal layer.
Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and can help keep chroinic gut conditions in remission. The recommendation is 1.5 grams daily for men and 1 gram for women.
Vitamin D at 4000IU per day. But know your baseline levels first.
Digestive enzymes before or after a meal cn help the body break down carbs, proteins and complex sugars which reduces the chance of inflammation after meals. Take care not to drink a lot of liquids for one hour after taking digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are water-soluble. If you’re in the habit of drinking with meals, you might be flushing away your beneficial digestive enzymes.
Collagen powder can help boost the production of gastric juices which repair the intestinal mucosal lining. Collagen also slows and reverses fine lines and wrinkles and adds elasticity to your skin.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, especially in your food,
Medicinal mushroom tinctures for leaky gut, gastritis and IBS
Turkey tail, Rishi, and lions mane mushrooms used as a tea or tincture help calm the inflammatory response and protects the lining of the stomach. Lion’s mane is also protective against H. pylori.
Now that you’re 1111, on the right path for optimal gut health, here are your action steps.
Gut health is a journey, not a destination. By making informed choices, you can alleviate symptoms that allow you to live better.
Conclusion
Your gut is screaming for help, don’t ignore it. From the 60 to 70 million Americans battling digestive disorders to the veterans like Joe, who reached out on X, and John, still fighting the war in his stomach, this crisis is real and personal. It’s not just about bloating or pain; it’s about reclaiming your energy, your vitality, your confidence, and your life. The good news? You have the power to fight back naturally, starting now.
Imagine waking up without that churning in your stomach, teaching a class like Sarah without fear of bloating, finding relief through simple changes. The path to better gut health begins with one bold step: taking action. Don’t let stigma or dismissal stop you. Your body deserves better, and so do you.
Action Steps to Transform Your Gut Health
- Start a Gut Health Journal Today: Grab a notebook and track your meals, water intake, supplements, sleep, meditation and stress reduction, physical activities, and symptoms for 14 days. Spot triggers like GMO foods or processed snacks that could be sabotaging your gut. Knowledge is your first weapon.
- Swap One Inflammatory Food for a Gut-Friendly Alternative: Replace processed snacks with probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut or kimchi added to a nutritious meal or snack. Try a Mediterranean-style meal with leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish this week. I’ll share recipes for green smoothies and fruit and veggie smoothies in future podcasts. Small swaps lead to big wins.
- Reach Out for Support: Book an appointment with a doctor, naturopath, or VA Environmental Health Coordinator if you’re a veteran. Don’t wait, early intervention can prevent years of suffering. Visit publichealth.va.gov for depleted uranium exposure screening.
- Join the Conversation: Subscribe to the New Normal Big Life podcast at NNBL.Blog for upcoming episodes on gluten sensitivity, celiac disease myths, and more. Share your story on X to break the stigma and inspire others. Veterans, family members, active duty, and military supporters are welcome to join our Veterans United community on X.
- Hydrate and Move: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., 75 ounces for a 150-pound person) and commit to 15 minutes of movement, like walking, cycling, or jumping rope daily, add lymphatic massage, to boost your gut and lymphatic systems.
You’re not alone in this fight. Whether you’re a veteran carrying the weight of deployment or someone like Sarah battling silent symptoms, every step forward counts. Take the first one today, your gut, your mind, and your future self will thank you. Download your free step-by-step guide today.
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Citations List
NIDDK - Digestive Diseases Statistics
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases
AGA - 2022 Bowel Symptoms Survey
Rome Foundation - 2020 FGID Study
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)30487-X/fulltext
Global Burden of Diseases Study - 2019
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(19)30024-5/fulltext
MDVIP - 2023 Digestive Issues Survey
PMC - 2021 Veteran GI Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7932600
VA - Veteran Testimonial
https://www.va.gov/health-care/stories/veteran-finds-relief-from-chronic-gut-issues
VA Whole Health Program
https://www.va.gov/wholehealth
AGA - Patient Stories
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