If you struggle with digestive issues you’re not alone. One in 150 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, with another 13 to 20 percent of Canadians being affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[1,2] Maintaining gut health and alleviating related symptoms is not always easy. There are many factors that can lead to a disturbance in gut function. The four R’s protocol (Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate, Repair) works to address the underlying causes of imbalance and aids in alleviating symptoms.
Working with your healthcare provider, you will first determine the best approach for your particular situation and symptoms, then move through these four steps. This process will take time, commitment and perseverance.
The Four R’s:
Remove
The first step is to remove the factors that negatively impact the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and may be contributing to your symptoms such as food sensitivities, candida overgrowth, stress, parasites, toxic elements and chemical pollutants exposure.
Replace
In this step, you and your healthcare provider will replace all those factors that may be missing or lacking such as insufficient stomach acid and digestive enzymes, nutrient deficiencies.
Re-inoculate
Next, your healthcare provider will help you to re-inoculate your gut with good bacteria via probiotics in order to regain a healthy balance. Prebiotics also help by feeding and promoting the growth of the right organisms. Your diet significantly impacts your digestive and overall health, these five foods can help to naturally boost healthy gut flora as well as fermented foods and supplementing with pre- and probiotics.
Repair
The fourth and final step in this process is to repair the lining of your gut. Your diet will also play a big role in this step, along with some supplementation that may be recommended by your healthcare provider. There are a number of supplements that can be used to help repair the intestinal tract lining including L-Glutamine, Vitamins A, C and Zinc.
If you’re suffering from digestive issues, talk to your healthcare provider about the four R’s and setting things in motion with the RMA FST™ Enhanced Food Sensitivity Test.
References:
1. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. (2018, November 1). The 2018 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada Report, and Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month. Retrieved November 6, 2018, from http://www.crohnsandcolitis.ca/News-Events/News-Releases/The-2018-Impact-of-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease-in-C
2. GI Society. (n.d.). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Retrieved November 6, 2018, from https://www.badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/ibs/
