Personal Digestive Assessment

How old were you when you started experiencing digestive symptoms?

Because you started experiencing symptoms when you were so young, you’re what we consider a more sensitive case. We have wonderful results with people in your same shoes, but you either need to stick to the program like glue, or be very good about using the other supplements and suggestions throughout this report based on your specific symptoms.

Developing digestive issues before the age of 50 is not unusual in today’s western countries, however it does mean that your body is more sensitive than most. If it seems like others can eat what they want without issues and you can’t don’t panic, we’ve got your back and we can help. But you wont get away with much cheating.

How many rounds of antibiotics have you taken in the last 5 years? (For any reason, not just digestive issues.)

Due to your recent Antibiotic use, your intestinal flora are going to need a boost. Antibiotics wipe out a massive amount of your gut bacteria with each use. Your intestinal flora doesn’t just help you digest food, but it also accounts for nearly 80% of your immune system. With it weakened you’ll be more likely to get sick more often and also have issues with digestion.

A good probiotic:

If you start feeling off, sick or anything you think you may catch is going around, try taking Grapefruit Seed Extract. Don’t get this confused with grape seed extract (worthless in this case) Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibiotic. Helps boost your immune system when you take it without the negative side effects of a broad spectrum antibiotic.

How many times per week do you eat fast food?

So I know we all know that fast food isn’t the best for us… but… if you’re going to keep eating the fast food stuff, let me make a few suggestions. Try to avoid the whole “meal” orders… I want you to try to focus on separating carbs and protein. So if you’re gunna grab food at a fast food place… get just fries and a drink (preferably not carbonated) or get a burger/chicken sandwich and ditch the bun so you’re doing just protein. Even some chicken strips or something are primarily protein if you don’t do a sweet drink and fries.

Where do you usually eat?

Do you ever have bloating or uncomfortable swelling in your stomach?

I’d like to tell you why you are feeling bloated. When your body produces excess stomach acid for too long, it can damage the valves that open and close to release gas at the stomach as well as down the line. They can even build up scar tissue and become stiff trapping gas in your stomach and causing pressure to build.

The peppermint oil will cool and soothe the valves in the throat, stomach, and on down the line. They relax and start working. Usually you’ll know this worked in just a few minutes. You’ll start releasing the trapped air.

Do you regularly have diarrhea for more than 3 days?

As for your ongoing diarrhea… The program is very helpful, slippery elm taken before meals (a supplement that can be found anywhere easily and affordably) is very helpful, and a good electrolyte supplement like our Effer-c is great too. It’s important to note that ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration and can even be fatal. It’s something you should address with your doctor if the problem persists. The eating program is the best long term solution, but in the short term… if it’s bad, stay hydrated and consider consulting your doctor just in case.

Do you experience constipation?

Consitpation is USUALLY caused by dehydration. Most of the time, you’re just not drinking enough water. Up your water intake for sure. Slippery elm is also bowel normalizing and cheap and easily accessible everywhere, including rachelstea.com. Long term relief is also easy to come by when you follow the grouping rules of the program, even if it’s not 100% of the time.

Are you currently taking anything for regularity? (a fiber supplement for example)

Here’s our stance on fiber… It has its uses, but you don’t want to be using it regularly and here’s why. It has a cleansing scraping effect as it goes through your digestive system. Over time it can actually strip some of the protective mucus lining your digestive tract away. Consider slippery elm as an alternative. It has a bowel normalizing gentle effect that’s not unpleasant at all, and additionally it mimics the protective mucus of your digestive system and helps protect it from the acid produced during meal times. It’s one of the cheapest most awesome things you could do and we suggest swapping your fiber out for it.

Do you experience digestive flare ups?

I know that when a flare up is happening it’s a scary time. It can be disabling and prevent you from being able to work, spend time with your family and heaven knows all the negative side effects it brings. The best thing to do for a flare up is to start a 48-72 hour clear liquid diet.

Translucent liquids ONLY (apple juice, digestive tea, water, Gatorade) meaning things you can see through easily, provides your digestive system with the rest it needs. This is the fastest way to end a flare up and start easing back into foods and normal life!

Do you ever experience excessive gas or does your gas seem to have an unusually unpleasant odor?

As for your gas, in most cases you can tell your intestinal flora isn’t doing well when you have excessive or excessively smelly gas. The bacteria meant to digest your food has been killed by acid or antibiotics and the food can actually putrefy in your gut as it is passing through. This causes excess gas to build up.

Is acid reflux an issue for you?

ACID reflux is exactly what they sound like… acid is literally burning your throat. Rachel’s digestive relief tea neutralizes acid and soothes your throat and stomach. Consider it as an alternative for antacid tablets/pink chalky drinks. While the diet is the best long term eliminator of acid, the tea is a wonderful soothing force for the here and now.

Do you ever experience heartburn?

HeartBURN is exactly what they sound like… acid is literally burning your throat. Rachel’s digestive relief tea neutralizes acid and soothes your throat and stomach. Consider it as an alternative for antacid tablets/pink chalky drinks. While the diet is the best long term eliminator of acid, the tea is a wonderful soothing force for the here and now.

Do you have excessive yeast issues, or intense sugar cravings?

Yeast and sugar cravings are common with digestive issues because of the PH in your gut allowing yeast to thrive. Consider a candida support supplement like the one found on rachelstea.com or something similar. It will help balance your PH and reduce sugar cravings.

At home or work do you ever experience situations that can cause anxiety or depression?

Flare ups can often come at times when excessive stress, anxiety or depression occur. This makes things that were already bad, much more difficult with the addition of acid produced by your body unrelated to diet.

One last thing before you go… We have learned there are 4 ways people like to approach their digestion based on personality and budget. We will ask you to select the box that best fits you, so you can keep the “big picture” in mind as you decide which route you’re going to take.

Are you currently following the Pain Free Foods food grouping or using any products from Rachelstea.com?