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When a patient walks into my office with digestive complaints, one of the first things I do is start with the basics. While complex GI issues can stem from deeper root causes like IACIRS (Infection-Associated Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), foundational digestive support often provides noticeable relief right away. These interventions are safe, simple, and—more often than not—surprisingly effective. Here are the key tools I rely on:
Digestive Enzymes: A First-Line Ally
Digestive enzymes are often one of the first things I recommend. They help your body break down food more efficiently, which can significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, cramping, and fatigue after meals. But not all enzyme blends are created equal. Here's a closer look:
- Lactase helps break down lactose (the sugar in dairy). Deficiency often leads to gas, bloating, and diarrhea after eating cheese, milk, or ice cream.
- Alpha-galactosidase breaks down complex carbohydrates in foods like beans, cabbage, garlic, onions, peppers, and lentils. My Grandma swore by Beano, and as it turns out, multiple people in my family clearly have issues with this enzyme.
- DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) helps break down casein and gluten to reduce reactions that can occur when these foods are consumed. It can be especially helpful for people who feel inflamed or fatigued after eating wheat or dairy, even if they don’t have celiac disease.
My personal favorite enzyme formula is Ther-Biotic Vital-Zymes Chewables, though the capsules work just as well. These provide broad-spectrum enzyme support that can help with a wide range of digestive complaints.
Zinc Carnosine: Support for GERD and Gastritis
If a patient is experiencing upper GI symptoms like reflux, burning, or gastritis, Zinc Carnosine is one of my go-to supplements. This compound has been shown to:
- Promote healing of the gastric mucosa
- Improve symptoms of GERD and indigestion
- Reduce inflammation in the upper digestive tract
A number of studies have confirmed Zinc Carnosine’s ability to support mucosal integrity and reduce symptoms in conditions like H. pylori infection and NSAID-induced gastritis.
Probiotics: Helpful for Diarrhea, Less So for Constipation
Probiotics can be extremely helpful in patients with loose stools or post-infectious IBS. One of the most studied strains is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which has been shown to:
- Reduce the duration of acute diarrhea
- Support recovery from antibiotic use
- Help modulate immune function in the gut
That said, I often remind patients that probiotics aren’t magic. Many products on the market don’t live up to their claims. And for those with dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth, certain probiotics (especially those with prebiotics) can actually worsen symptoms. Cultured foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi often offer a far richer and more diverse population of beneficial organisms than supplements alone.
Constipation Relief: Simple but Powerful Options
For constipation, I’ve found that ColonX by Xymogen is often extremely effective. It combines magnesium, triphala, and other gentle motility aids that get things moving without harsh laxatives.
Other natural options include:
- Aloe vera juice
- Pear juice
- Prune juice
Even a small amount daily can make a meaningful difference. If a patient is dealing with stubborn constipation, I may use a combination of these along with lifestyle adjustments (hydration, movement, stress reduction).
Start Here—Even If the Roots Go Deeper
While GI dysfunction is frequently a downstream issue in patients with chronic illness—especially in the context of IACIRS and underlying infections like Candida and Bartonella—these first-line supports provide a helpful starting point. They’re often all that’s needed to bring symptom relief while we investigate and address the deeper root causes.
I’ve covered how mold toxicity, immune imbalance, and vector-borne infections impact gut function throughout the website, but it’s worth repeating: relief often starts with simple, targeted interventions. Whether it’s your Grandma’s Beano or a high-quality enzyme blend, these tools can help calm the storm while deeper healing gets underway.