Hi, gang. Here's some info for those experiencing gastrointestinal problems as they start the program. If you purchased your supplements from us, we include a sheet in our kits, but it probably bears mentioning here.
We've found the most effective way to overcome gastro problems is to reduce or eliminate the magnesium supplement. High magnesium levels can cause a loosening of stools--and in fact is used for that very purpose. Many people have been able to resolve the problem by simply removing it from the program, reducing the amount, or taking it at bedtime (that way, if they do suffer loose stools early on, it'll happen in the morning). In our new recommendations, we suggest only one 200 mg. capsule for those under 150 pounds, since All One contains 50% of the RDA for magnesium. You may also need to follow this advice if you are over 150 pounds and having problems.
All One, which unfortunately seems to be a bit maligned when these issues arise, is ironically one of the few multivitamin and mineral products that is well absorbed by those with a sensitive digestive system. They often report it is the only product they can tolerate. (It replaces 15-20 pills and has an all-natural base, to correct an earlier statement. However those who are lactose intolerant may experience problems, but this is fairly uncommon.) Most people tell us they feel a surge of energy and find themselves in a better frame of mind when taking All One, and continue to use it regularly after the initial 12-week program.
Other issues come into play, as well. Heavy drinking tends to result in an unhealthy digestive system and it takes a little "cleaning out" when coming off excessive alcohol consumption. But clearly, we don't want anyone experiencing the discomfort reported recently. It's important to note, however, a toxic load is being released when you get started so your body is adjusting. Again, magnesium is usually the culprit. B-50 may be another, or even Super Primrose oil, but the latter two are unlikely.
Kudzu is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help settle the stomach, so unless you have a specific allergy, that shouldn't be a source of the problem, nor should the Calms Forte, which is a gentle, homeopathic product.
Many people who take Topamax *without* any supplements have told us they suffer gastro problems and it is a well reported side effect. It usually passes. Campral is also known to cause digestive system discomfort (and did, in fact, for up to 29% of subjects in a controlled study.) But we have to wonder: is this a result of the meds or the elimination/reduction of alcohol? Either way, best to take the medication with lots of fluids.
Dr. Garcia recommends adding a good probiotic, and this is so important, because many of us have an unhealthy gut. (Look for a product that provides two to ten billion lactobacillus acidophilus over the course of day). It's the "good bacteria" and forms in colonies to absorb nutrients and keep us healthy. Frankly, I think everyone, whether they're in recovery or not, would be well advised to take a probiotic supplement. We don't get enough in our diet, although it's found naturally in yogurt (not most commercial brands), kefir and a few fermented foods. When levels drop, our digestive system suffers. Most everyone has a low probiotic population in their gut because it's reduced by highly processed foods, medication, alcohol, aspirin and other pain killers, birth control pills, antibiotics, smoking, and a host of other things.
SO...in summary, here are three tip that may help:
1) Eliminate or reduce magnesium from your program and/or take it at bedtime.
2) Take a good probiotic! There are many out there (and we've actually got a private label product on the way because we feel so strongly about it.) It will be available as a stand alone supplement and included in our "Sensitive Tummy" Starter Pack.
3) Look over the info sheet. If you ordered products from our store and are having issues, be sure to review to the "orange slip", as there are some good tips with more detailed information.
We've seen this issue come up before, but it seemed important to re-post. Just hate to have anyone pull back from the supps when they can be so helpful--also don't want to see you camped out in the loo!
Hope you find this helpful.
RJ
We've found the most effective way to overcome gastro problems is to reduce or eliminate the magnesium supplement. High magnesium levels can cause a loosening of stools--and in fact is used for that very purpose. Many people have been able to resolve the problem by simply removing it from the program, reducing the amount, or taking it at bedtime (that way, if they do suffer loose stools early on, it'll happen in the morning). In our new recommendations, we suggest only one 200 mg. capsule for those under 150 pounds, since All One contains 50% of the RDA for magnesium. You may also need to follow this advice if you are over 150 pounds and having problems.
All One, which unfortunately seems to be a bit maligned when these issues arise, is ironically one of the few multivitamin and mineral products that is well absorbed by those with a sensitive digestive system. They often report it is the only product they can tolerate. (It replaces 15-20 pills and has an all-natural base, to correct an earlier statement. However those who are lactose intolerant may experience problems, but this is fairly uncommon.) Most people tell us they feel a surge of energy and find themselves in a better frame of mind when taking All One, and continue to use it regularly after the initial 12-week program.
Other issues come into play, as well. Heavy drinking tends to result in an unhealthy digestive system and it takes a little "cleaning out" when coming off excessive alcohol consumption. But clearly, we don't want anyone experiencing the discomfort reported recently. It's important to note, however, a toxic load is being released when you get started so your body is adjusting. Again, magnesium is usually the culprit. B-50 may be another, or even Super Primrose oil, but the latter two are unlikely.
Kudzu is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help settle the stomach, so unless you have a specific allergy, that shouldn't be a source of the problem, nor should the Calms Forte, which is a gentle, homeopathic product.
Many people who take Topamax *without* any supplements have told us they suffer gastro problems and it is a well reported side effect. It usually passes. Campral is also known to cause digestive system discomfort (and did, in fact, for up to 29% of subjects in a controlled study.) But we have to wonder: is this a result of the meds or the elimination/reduction of alcohol? Either way, best to take the medication with lots of fluids.
Dr. Garcia recommends adding a good probiotic, and this is so important, because many of us have an unhealthy gut. (Look for a product that provides two to ten billion lactobacillus acidophilus over the course of day). It's the "good bacteria" and forms in colonies to absorb nutrients and keep us healthy. Frankly, I think everyone, whether they're in recovery or not, would be well advised to take a probiotic supplement. We don't get enough in our diet, although it's found naturally in yogurt (not most commercial brands), kefir and a few fermented foods. When levels drop, our digestive system suffers. Most everyone has a low probiotic population in their gut because it's reduced by highly processed foods, medication, alcohol, aspirin and other pain killers, birth control pills, antibiotics, smoking, and a host of other things.
SO...in summary, here are three tip that may help:
1) Eliminate or reduce magnesium from your program and/or take it at bedtime.
2) Take a good probiotic! There are many out there (and we've actually got a private label product on the way because we feel so strongly about it.) It will be available as a stand alone supplement and included in our "Sensitive Tummy" Starter Pack.
3) Look over the info sheet. If you ordered products from our store and are having issues, be sure to review to the "orange slip", as there are some good tips with more detailed information.
We've seen this issue come up before, but it seemed important to re-post. Just hate to have anyone pull back from the supps when they can be so helpful--also don't want to see you camped out in the loo!
Hope you find this helpful.
RJ
. I am following a pretty healthy diet now, though. High fiber, low fat. Taking LGlut, GABA, and Kudzu, and alternating days of Allone and a multivitamin. 
Hi everyone, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones no gastro problems. (well maybe a little toot once in a while):H I just wanted to ask RJ or if someone else knows, how much is recomended to take of the pro-biotic?
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