Why Do Beans Cause Flatulence?

"Flatulence (intestinal gas) is usually the result of many combined factors-not simply a food all by itself.

Yet, sometimes flatulence can be the result of a food that is mismatched for our metabolism. Gas resulting from the lactose in cow's milk would be a good example in this category. Some individuals cannot break down milk sugar (lactose) very effectively because their bodies do not contain sufficient quantities of the enzyme, lactase, which is needed to break down milk sugar. Instead of being enzymatically broken down into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose) and then absorbed, milk sugar may end up passing most of the way through the intestine until bacteria in the lower intestine break it down. But those bacteria do not break down milk sugar into glucose and galactose. Instead, they break it down even further into gases (like carbon dioxide) and water. The result is intestinal gas.

Beans and other high-fiber foods can work in this exact same way in some individuals. Fibers in food aren't easily broken down in the digestive tract. Under certain circumstances, high-fiber foods end up undergoing extensive breakdown by bacteria lower down in our digestive tract (mostly in the large intestine), and the result, once again, is intestinal gas. Oligosaccharides form part of the digestion-resistant substances in beans, and for this reason they can be a source of potential intestinal gas.

Soaking beans before cooking them can help to reduce the oligosaccharide levels of beans. I also recommend draining your soaked beans, discarding the soaking water, and then refilling your pot with fresh water before cooking. If you are eating canned beans, I would suggest rinsing them well before consuming or cooking them.

There is anecdotal evidence that cooking beans with kombu (a type of sea vegetable) and plenty of spices can also improve the digestibility of beans. Adding kombu to your beans will also increase their nutritional value by adding trace minerals to your dish. Cumin, fennel, and ginger are among the spices that are especially effective in preventing the formation of gas, but any of your favorite aromatic spices will help by inhibiting bacteria and stimulating digestion. Also, products like Beano ^(TM) have been found to help many people by reducing the formation of the intestinal gas that they experience." ~George Mateljan

Click here and here for more technical and detailed descriptions of flatulence.

Have you drunk your "Jus" today?
Click to read Frequently Asked Questions about the most nutritious antioxidant drink available.

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Dr. Bernard Jensen says "Colon Cleanse"

A clean and properly functioning bowel is paramount to our well being. Dr. Bernard Jensen, nutritionist, lecturer and author of over 30 books on natural health care, states:

"Every cell and tissue in the body is fed by the bloodstream, which is supplied by the bowel. When the bowel is dirty, the blood is dirty and so are the organs and tissues. It is the bowel that must be cared for first before any effective healing can take place."

"In a world where dietary choices are poor, environmental pollution is heavy, stress levels are high, and exercise is often a last priority, internal cleansing is more important than ever for optimum health." ~ Dr. Bernard Jensen

A pioneer in the field of natural medicine and nutrition for over 60 years, Dr. Bernard Jensen is one of my heroes and mentors. I was fortunate to study with him at his Hidden Valley Health Ranch in Escondido, California just after my colonic therapy training in 1980. In his healing work with over 350,000 people, Dr. Jensen repeatedly proved that nutrition is the greatest remedy in overcoming and preventing disease states. His famous book, Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management was originally published in 1976. It was the first book that I read on colon cleansing.

Have you drunk your "Jus" today?

Click HERE for info about Oasis Colonics in Portland, Oregon

What Is That Rumbly In Your Tumbly??

GOT GAS? It can be a REAL pain, literally!

Winnie the Pooh aptly describes his hunger pains with the familiar and lovable words, "I'm rumbly in my tumbly!" Perhaps we might just as aptly describe a familiar, but not so lovable, "growly in my bowely!"

When my colonic clients complain to me of gas problems, they always want to know where it comes from. One word defines this uncomfortable nuisance: Putrefaction.

These are some common causes of excessive gas production in the bowel:

• Constipation or slow transit resulting in the over-accumulation of waste;
• Inability to break down complex sugars and starches;
• Insufficient exercise which slows peristalsis and circulation;
• Improper food combining i.e. complex carbohydrates with heavy proteins;
• Endocrine imbalance, resulting in insufficient digestive secretions from the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, stomach and small intestines;
• Lactose intolerance or the inability to digest milk based sugars;
• Overeating

NOTE: Colon Hydrotherapist Shiela Shea's Suggestions for Alleviating Gas

• Use herbs, digestive enzymes, or charcoal. Remember charcoal or bentonite will also pull out the good metals and minerals so use with discretion. If used over time, supplement with rich minerals from ocean and lake algae, and land grasses like wheat and barley;
• Exercise with yoga, swimming, and walking;
• Practice breathing exercises;
• Meditate;
• Massage the abdomen;
• Take enemas, Ayurvedic bastis and/or colon hydrotherapy treatments;
• FAST: One of Ghandi's dietary rules is to abstain from eating when in pain;
• Take a hot bath;
• Avoid complex sugars and starches.
  

Click HERE to learn more about Oasis Colonics in Portland, Oregon

Amazing Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts

Did you know that the phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussel Sprouts cabbage, broccoli, and kale, actually signal our genes to increase production of enzymes involved in detoxification? For about 20 years, we've known that many phytonutrients work as antioxidants to disarm free radicals before they can damage DNA, cell membranes and fat-containing molecules such as cholesterol. Now, research is revealing that phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, work at a much deeper level. The phytonutrients in crucifers initiate an intricate dance inside our cells in which gene response elements direct and balance the steps among dozens of detoxification enzyme partners, each performing its own protective role in perfect balance with the other dancers. The natural synergy that results optimizes our cells' ability to disarm and clear free radicals and toxins, including potential carcinogens— one reason why cruciferous vegetables appear to lower our risk of cancer more effectively than any other vegetables or fruits. So, while Brussels sprouts may be miniature in size, they are giants when it comes to helping to protect cellular structures and DNA from the damage caused by free radicals. Click HERE for detailed info on phytonutrients in Brussel Sprouts.

The George Mateljan Foundation is a non-profit organization with no commercial influence. They provide cutting-edge information about the World's Healthiest Foods. Their online newsletter is free of charge, and full of cutting-edge health information and nutritious, easy to prepare recipes. Check out the website here.

The Intestines: Your Body's Second Brain

Dr Joseph Mercola reminds us:

"A well-functioning intestine equals an effective immune system, enabling you to live optimally and with pep.

Eighty percent of your immune system is in the intestines. Plus, it's the nutritional uptake center of your body. Keeping it healthy will keep you healthy!

Your intestinal nervous system contains just as many neurons as the nervous system in the spinal cord. Because it uses these to communicate with the cells in your body, some people call it your "body's second brain". It truly has great impact on how the rest of your body functions.

The process of digestion involves performing 28,000 different chemical reactions -- making it critically important for you to support your intestinal health and help it usher toxins out of your system."

Click to listen to Dr Mercola talk about colon hydrotherapy!

Colon Cleansing for the ADD/ADHD Child

Colonics can be valuable in helping children get better!

Some of my favorite colonic clients are children whose parents are dedicated to using natural treatments in their health care. Many of these children are plagued with attention and hyperactivity challenges. Read this article written by a Colon Hydrotherapist who discusses the value of colon cleansing in ADD and ADHD. High antioxidant intake is important in managing the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. "Jus" is an efficient way for children to consume easily absorbed antioxidants in a pleasant tasting juice. Read about "Jus" in my blog archives.

Colon Hydrotherapy sessions are available by appointment at Oasis Colonics located in a shared facility with Crescent Moon Oasis Massage and Wellness in Southeast Portland, Oregon. Many people like to schedule a relaxing massage and steam to get the toxic lymph flowing before they have their colonic.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TREATMENTS AND PRICING

Article from The Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients ~~ Colonics: Forbidden Medicine ~~ Thomas Dorman, MD

I invite all of you who have an interest in Oasis Colonics to read Colonics: Forbidden Medicine by Thomas Dorman, MD
from Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, July 2004.
Click Townsend Letter to read article.

And while you're here, if you haven't yet done so, be sure to read my archived post Colon Hydrotherapy Explained for an intro to colonics .