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Dr Morse has been a practicing naturopath for the past 45 years, working to support whole body detoxification through diet and supportive herbal supplements. In these 45 years, he has developed specific strategies, or protocols targeting unique health imbalances.  

Read on to learn more about how Dr Morse’s lifestyle and supplement recommendations can support many common discomforts that arise in the digestive tract including constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating.  

The information that follows is the outline for our upcoming free educational blog: Dr Morse’s Protocols and Pairings for Digestive Health. Join us on Wednesday, June 28th at 1pm PST for a 30-minute discussion on this topic led by our in-house educators Jenn and Colleen.  

Introduction to the GI Tract  

The gastrointestinal tract is the “hub” of your body. Digestion, absorption and elimination are critical functions the body needs to perform repeatedly for you to live and thrive. From the moment you introduce energy and chemistry into the body via the mouth, to the colon where it is eliminated, awareness of how this energy and chemistry are used is vital to your health. 

Contributing Factors to GI Weakness and Discomfort 

Genetics 

Our lifestyle choices can either strengthen or weaken our inherent immunity and health base line. Organs and glands can be either hypoactive or hyperactive due to genetic weakness or toxicity creating imbalances in the body’s functions and structure. This cumulative impact on the cell is what strengthens or weakens it. 

Toxicity 

What you eat, drink, breathe and absorb through your skin all contribute to the state of your body’s cells. Accumulated toxicity is stored in the body, creating obstructions. This weakens cells, and disrupts their ability to eat, respirate, and eliminate, leading to disfunction throughout the body which manifests as varying degrees of discomfort and irritation.  

Acidosis 

Consider the pH levels of the various stages of digestion: 

6.7 – this is the average pH of saliva. This mild acidity continues on into the pharynx and esophagus. 

2 – this is the optimal pH of the stomach. This is the most acidic phase of digestion because it is the primary location for the chemical breakdown of food. You can understand why food combining and easily digested foods are so important! 

7 – this is the pH that chyme is converted to in the duodenum. This more alkaline pH prepares processed food for entry into the small intestine for absorption and then propels the contents further into the large intestine.  

Cells begin to fail in their function as toxicity and acidosis set in and create an environment that inhibits the natural function of the body’s systems.  

Food Choices and Food Combining 

Your food choices affect your body’s ability to absorb, utilize and eliminate, especially in the colon. Keep your diet choices clean and simple. The power of these straightforward food choices and their optimal combinations will reveal their amazing cleansing properties in numerous ways during your detoxification experience.  

Acidic foods and drinks have the potential to inflame and weaken the structure and function of the digestive tract, sometimes acting like glue in the intestinal walls, stimulating mucus production to protect the tissues. 

Observe proper food combinations as the natural way our bodies were designed to digest foods to avoid fermentation and putrefaction.  

Also consider the amount of food you consume for the digestive process. When transitioning to a raw food diet, especially one that is high in fruits, “grazing” or eating smaller meals more frequently through the day can produce a more positive digestive experience. 

You may notice that you are hungry more often at the beginning of your transition when consuming mostly raw fruits and vegetables. This is okay! Over time you will experience the wondrous effects of these foods and their combinations as they optimize your digestion to improve absorption and the utilization of nutrients that your cells need.  

GI Renew Renaming 

Before we get into specific need-state formula pairings, we would like to give you an update on our GI Renew series. As of August 2023 all GI Renew formulas will be renamed to reflect their strength. This change is being made to better guide you in determining which formula is right for you.  

Bowel Movement Irregularities 

Many people have unnatural bowel movements, meaning that their bowel movements are too frequent or not frequent enough. Optimal bowel movements should occur two to three times per day or approximately 30 minutes after eating. But weaknesses in the colon and other areas of the GI tract, glandular weaknesses and lymphatic stagnation can compromise colon function. 

Dr Morse’s herbal bowel formulas, paired with a clean diet, can be very helpful in supporting healthy and stable bowel function. 

Assessment tools:  

• When assessing the health of an individual, take into consideration other systemic weaknesses in the body. Familiarize yourself with the numerous resources on the website and in Dr. Morse’s videos to build out your personalized protocols beyond what is listed below or work with a certified detoxification specialist. 
• The suggestion of Tincture, Glycerin or Capsule can be adjusted to personal preference where an alternate form is available. 

Some common GI issues are listed below with basic herbal formula recommendations that can assist in building a more personalized protocol based on individual need(s) and body system weaknesses. 

Color of stool 

The color of your stool will change throughout your detoxification journey. Those individuals with more significant amounts of sulfur accumulation may observe orange-colored stools. Stools that are lighter in color may indicate difficulties digesting fats, which in turn directs attention to potential weaknesses within the liver and gallbladder. Monitor any changes and note these developments. This will help you build your herbal protocol and adjust your diet as you continue along your wellness path. 

Disclaimer 

Before we get into formulas and protocols, we’d like to take a moment to encourage you to talk to your doctor before beginning any digestive system protocol, especially since many GI discomforts can be the symptoms of some greater issue. 

The following protocols have been designed by Dr Morse and used to support many folks on their healing journey. However, they are only recommendations and should be taken into account alongside recommendations from a doctor. 

Herbal Protocols by Need-State  

General Maintenance 

Introduction: A successful detoxification protocol starts with a strong foundation. First, create a habit of self-awareness and assess what you are bringing into your body. Develop realistic health goals and a functional timeline that works with who you are and not against it. Then, use the following foundational formulas to incorporate into your routine as a maintenance framework to help build an herbal protocol that suits your unique needs and health goals. You will notice these formulas make up the Fab 4 kit and are also the basis for many protocols going forward. 

Refer to the Detoxification Levels Food Pyramid for direction if you are just starting out. Remember that food combining is also very important, and this will be demonstrated with other protocols as we go! 

Dietary Don'ts: Fried food, meat, dairy, bread, processed grain products and processed foods 

Dietary Dos: melons, berries, a variety of fruits and vegetables combined for optimal digestion 

Protocol: 

Constipation (moderate to severe)* 

Introduction: 

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements that are difficult to pass. As little as one day to a few days can pass without a bowel movement with persistent constipation. The movements can vary in size and are often hard.  

Constipation can be the result of a variety of factors, but the first step in addressing constipation is to ALWAYS look at your diet. A diet high in fruits with appropriate food combining practices is the most effective way to get your bowel movements on track.  

The GI formula capsule dosing can be adjusted (reduced or increased) depending on your body’s response as you make adjustments to your diet and routine. Consistent support with the foundational formulas (kidneys, skin and bowels) and lymph movement enhances the response of the eliminatory pathways., A basic protocol will always consist of the FAB 4. 

Dietary Don'ts: Fried food, meat, dairy, bread, processed grain products 

Dietary Dos: Fruits in the “sub-acid” category like apples and pears; citrus fruits; plums; sweet potato when not adhering to a strict fruit diet or fasting period; melons 

Protocol: 

Alternating Constipation and Soft/Frequent Stools* 

Introduction: 

Alternating constipation with urgent, loose stools indicates the body is out of balance. Restoring the consistency your body needs for proper elimination requires consuming the foods appropriate for your digestive system.  

Regulating the bowels with herbal formulas and diet adjustments can be tricky for some people, especially in cases with more sensitivity and weakness in the GI tract. In these instances, having two different bowel formulas on hand can be helpful.  

Always focus on your diet first to try and regulate the bowels, noting how you respond to certain fruits and vegetables. Make sure you are combining them properly, staying hydrated, and eating enough!  

Consider these factors and administer your chosen GI formula. Dose, accordingly, adjusting the frequency and number of capsules as needed. Remember to ALWAYS label your GI formulas when you are on the go (see what we did there?) so you know which one is which! 

Dietary Don'ts: dairy; cruciferous vegetables; legumes and beans; meat protein 

Dietary Dos: berries; grapes; cantaloupe; oranges and lemons; bananas 

Protocol: 

 

Unformed/Soft Stools and Frequent BMs* 

Introduction: 

Unformed stools do not hold a solid state and can fall apart easily. Soft stools are mushy, and (pardon the visual) have an appearance similar to soft serve ice cream. The term “frequent” is used to identify an abnormal urge to move the bowels, often more than three times per day.  

When dealing with unformed/soft stool and frequent bowel movements, irritation and poor food choices can keep you near a bathroom often. Focus on your diet and food combining and consistently take the GI Daily formula as indicated on the label. As your movements become regular and formed, begin adjusting your dose with the goal of having your diet regulate your movements.  

Dietary Don'ts: Processed and fried food, meat, dairy, bread, processed grain products; cruciferous vegetables 

Dietary Dos: Fruits in the “sub-acid” category like apples and pears; citrus fruits; plums; sweet potato when not adhering to a strict fruit diet or fasting period; melons; berries; grapes; cantaloupe; oranges and lemons; bananas 

Protocol: 

Diarrhea* 

Introduction: 

Diarrhea presents as loose, watery stools with added urgency and frequency of bowel movements.  Chances are you will already be taking at least the FAB 4, but GI Loose and Spasm Calm will be beneficial in these uncomfortable moments. Take the GI Loose consistently through the day as indicated on the label, and Spasm Calm as often as needed. These will work with the body to “evacuate” what is not wanted within and help to restore balance. Follow with the Parasite M.  

Dietary Don'ts: Meat protein, dairy, oils and fatty or fried foods, processed foods; acidic drinks like coffee and carbonated beverages 

Dietary Dos: Water; Chamomile or peppermint tea; Stomach Tea; bananas, fresh apple sauce 

Protocol: 

Undigested Foods and Absorption* 

Introduction:  

Some common GI discomfort and complaints are undigested foods in stools, foods “sitting” in the stomach, and sluggish digestion. Dr. Morse encourages “super chewing” food, but we cannot forget to eat the foods we are designed to consume and combine them properly. In cases of sluggish pancreatic function, which can manifest as undigested foods in the stool, the Pancreas Support formula is indicated. It is often paired with the Liver/Skin formula for added GI support for all stages of the digestive processes. Supporting the nervous system is also important because of its role in normalizing digestive juices. 

Dietary Don'ts: Fast food; greasy and fried foods; meat protein; dairy; alcohol; carbonated drinks and artificial ingredients 

Dietary Dos: melons; fruits in any category so long as they are properly combined for optimal digestion; fresh fruit juices or fruit smoothies  

Protocol: 

GI Irritation After Eating* 

Introduction: 

Burning and irritation in the esophagus after eating and “gurgling” in the upper GI tract before and after meals is often caused by poor food choices and/or food combining. Nevertheless, even after transitioning to a better diet and improving personal habits, some discomfort can persist to the point where cleansing and rebuilding the digestive tract is necessary.  

Dietary Don'ts: spicy foods; fatty or fried foods; dairy; meat protein; starches  

Dietary Dos: melons; fruits in any category so long as they are properly combined for optimal digestion; fresh fruit juices or fruit smoothies 

Protocol: 

Gas and bloating* 

Introduction: 

Bloating and gas, whether connected with food consumption or not, is a common complaint. Our bodies require positive intestinal flora to help break down the various by-products of digestion. Resetting the gut microbiome allows good bacteria to thrive and have positive effects on digestion.   

Many common GI discomforts are your body telling you to pay attention and give your gut a little tender loving care. Working with the parasite formulas off and on throughout your protocol will support the body’s natural cleansing of unwanted organisms and restore the normal function of the GI tract, reducing the potential for these uncomfortable experiences to repeat themselves.  

Dietary Don'ts: meat protein and starches, especially combining the two groups; cruciferous vegetables; dairy 

Dietary Dos: melons; berries; sub-acid fruits like peaches and apples; fresh fruit juices and smoothies 

Protocol: 

*FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.