GI Support Protocol From Paul S. Anderson, NMD

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Supporting the Digestive Process and GI Health

It cannot be repeated too often: Health and disease usually begin in the gut and are maintained by the gut. Digestion is one of the most important, complex and interconnected processes affecting every system in the body. It deserves careful assessment and attention in any healing or health plan. Renowned naturopathic medical doctor, educator and author, Paul S. Anderson NMD knows that supporting the GI system is critical. That’s why he has shared his GI Support Protocol with Wellevate practitioners.

Regardless of the cause of a digestive problem, it’s important to support the GI system while addressing the root cause. A distressed GI system does not function normally, and nutrients may not be absorbed properly. Food enzymes taken with meals, at least temporarily for a few weeks, support GI function by allowing for faster, more complete food digestion which then facilitates better nutrient absorption for the healing process. 

Supplements which support a healthy microbiome (probiotics and prebiotics), supplements which nourish the GI cells (cellular support), those that coat and soothe the digestive lining (demulcents), and those which support inflammation balance can be very beneficial from the start, even when actively addressing dysbiosis. These nutrients and botanicals are supportive and helpful for supporting healthy inflammatory balance and normal cellular repair, even if only taken at bedtime.

Glutamine is a well known GI supplement because the cells of the intestinal lining (enterocytes) use glutamine as a primary food and fuel. Providing the appropriate food supports cellular growth and renewal. It takes at least 12 weeks for the cells of the digestive tract to renew, and supporting the growth of healthy new cells is an important goal.

Supplements supporting healthy inflammation balance in the digestive tract are sometimes different than what is used systemically. For example, when supporting healthy inflammation systemically, you want a highly absorbable form of curcumin to enter quickly into circulation. For GI support however, you want curcumin to hang around in the GI system for a while and slowly make its way through the entire digestive tract. More traditional slower absorbing forms of turmeric extracts and curcumin remain longer in and target the lining of the GI system.

Another issue not often addressed adequately is histamine, which can be a problem in the GI tract. Histamine present in food and released in the GI tract due to food allergies or sensitivities can exacerbate inflammation. The use of supplements that support normal, healthy histamine levels, such as quercetin, nettles and occasionally liquid iodine, can be synergistic with curcumin and other herbals which support healthy inflammation balance.

While there are many different probiotics appropriate for various concerns in the GI tract, one probiotic with broad applications is S. boulardii which supports re-establishment of native microbial species as well as supporting the local IgA immune response against non-beneficial bacteria. Additional probiotics can also be used as well, but there is one patient population where it may matter what probiotics you choose. For some immune-compromised individuals, the safer alternative may be to offer low doses of human commensal probiotic strains. Various professional brands specialize in these products. 

While every patient is individual in their needs requiring nuanced approaches, the supplements in this protocol offer a tried and tested solid foundation of support to build upon. Sign in to your Wellevate® account and visit The Protocol Library to see what Dr. Anderson recommends.