Protocol 5R

1. Remove

Remove pathogenic triggers from the GI tract environment, including allergic foods, parasites, potential harmful bacteria, or problematic yeasts. This may involve using an allergy “elimination diet” to find out which foods are causing symptoms.

⮚ ANTIMICROBIAL: Oregano oil, berberine, caprylic acid.

⮚ ANTIBACTERIAL: Licorice, zinc carnosine, mastic gum, tribulus, berberine, black walnut, caprylic acid, oregano oil.

⮚ ANTIFUNGAL: Oregano oil, caprylic acid, berberine, black walnut.

⮚ ANTIPARASTIC: Artemesia, black walnut, berberine, oregano oil Cat's claw, berberine, echinacea, vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, reishi mushrooms.

⮚ ANTIVIRAL: Oregano oil, protease.

2. Replace

Replace digestive secretions: Add back digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids that are necessary for proper digestion and that can be compromised by diet, medications, disease, aging, or other factors.

DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Betaine hydrochloride, tylactase, amylase, lipase, protease, apple cider vinegar.

3. Reinoculate

Help beneficial bacteria flourish by eating probiotic foods or supplements that contain the “good” gastrointestinal bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species, and by consuming foods rich in soluble fiber, called prebiotics. ⮚ Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms found in the gut, also called “friendly bacteria.” Antibiotic use kills both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics in supplement or food form are often needed to help restore a balanced gut flora. Fermented foods such as yogurt and miso are food sources of probiotics.

⮚ Prebiotics are food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the colon. In other words, prebiotics feed probiotics. Prebiotics are available in many foods that contain a fiber called inulin, including artichokes, garlic, leeks, onions, chicory, tofu, and other foods. Grains such as flax, flaxseed, and gluten-free oats are also good sources of prebiotics. Another good prebiotic source is a supplement called “fructooligosaccharide,” or FOS.

4. Repair

Help the lining of the GI tract repair itself by providing essential nutrients that can often be in short supply in a compromised gut.

GUT MUCOSAL IMMUNE SUPPORT: Saccharomyces boulardii, lauric acid.

GUT BARRIER REPAIR SUPPORT: L-Glutamine, aloe vera, licorice, marshmallow root, okra, quercetin, slippery elm, zinc, carnosine, Saccharomyces boulardii, omega-3s, B vitamins.

5. Rebalance

It’s important to pay attention to lifestyle choices. Sleep, diet, exercise, and stress can all affect the GI tract. Balancing these activities is important for an optimal digestive tract.