Hi Deb.
There is a gut buster of a question! Well all kidding aside, this is a problem plaguing almost every American. What do I mean? We are seeing some of the most diseased digestive tracts in recent years that I am frankly worried for everyone. What does this mean? Well, antacids like prilosec, zantac and others are the most prescribed drug in the United States! We have been told that our stomachs make too much acid and that’s why there is indigestion pain. That is absurd! Acid is the most important process of digestion. Acid breaks down protein and some fats, it allows absorption of minerals, it allows the absorption of Vit B12, it initiates small intestine acids, it sanitizes the food so organisms in our food are killed and don’t make us sick, and is necessary to allow the stomach cell to grow properly. The stomach is only a staging tank that has one real purpose…to mix acid with food to start the primary process of digestion. This makes sense since digestion is the only means for your body to get the needed nutrients to repair, grow and defend not to mention energy. So if digestion is impaired, you body sees it as an emergency. So taking an antacid at that point just shuts digestion down to the point where your stomach can’t yell at you for treating it badly. I perform comprehensive exams and lab work to properly identify digestive issues. In fact, it is one of the first things that I evaluate because without proper digestion, you can’t properly absorb anything!
I have several prescribed supplement protocols that address the common digestive problems to even some of the most involved digestive issues. That is why our patients are happy. They can eat without problems.
So for general digestive recommendations I tell all of my patients to drink plenty of water but not during the mean (dilutes stomach acid), eat frequent small meals not large meals, a probiotic that has enzymes is very good to take. However, if you need to take a lot of pro biotic then I would look at supporting the gut first so the bio elements you take can thrive. Lastly, I always recommend soluble fiber. Not insoluble fiber but a product that has more soluble fiber in it. Soluble fiber helps feed the bio elements whereas insoluble does not. Of course stay away form processed foods altogether!

Remember to think or your stomach as the organ to get the nutrients processed and in your body so it can do its job of growing, healing, repairing and defending.

Thanks,
 
Dr Bob
Expert Health and Rehabilitation
Goaskdrbob.com