Battling Women’s Digestive Problems


Millions of women struggle with digestive issues, and at a higher rate than men.[1] Many have been told to “Suck it up”, “It’s all in your head”, “You’re overreacting” or “Just live with it.” Few doctor visits involve discussing digestive issues, let alone solving them. Women suffer in silence, but that doesn’t make the problem go away.

Inspired by the digestive struggles of our founder, Renew Life® has always insisted on a better approach to digestive wellness.

PROBIOTICS

With the female in mind, Renew Life® formulated two women’s probiotic formulas with high amounts of Lactobacilli. Lactobacilli bacteria play an important role in a healthy vagina. They have the ability to colonize the mucosal layer of the vagina and compete for nutrients and space with pathogenic microbes.[2] They secrete lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, and biosurfactants which all have good antimicrobial properties. Lactic acid also helps in maintaining the pH of the vagina within the range of 3.8–4.5, thereby not allowing a favourable environment for the growth of the pathogenic microbes.[3]

Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® VS for Women is a 50 Billion culture, 9 strain refrigerated probiotic formula containing predominantly Lactobacilli strains commonly found in a healthy vagina as well as Bifidobacterium to assist in supporting intestinal and gastrointestinal health.

If you’re looking for the convenience of a shelf stable formula, Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® Women’s Daily Care is a 25 Billion culture, shelf-stable, 10 strain formula that contains no gluten, dairy or soy.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 fatty acids are classified as “essential” because the human body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own so they need to be obtained from diet or supplementation. In addition to supporting heart and brain health, numerous studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help with may healthy mood balance.[4]

Super Critical Omega is a source of omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health. This highly concentrated fish oil supplement contains 790mg of EPA, 140mg of DHA and 1000 IU of vitamin D in each fish gelatin capsule. Added lipase helps the breakdown of fats, and enteric coating helps to reduce fishy burps and IFOS and Friend of the Sea® certification guarantees, purity, potency and sustainability.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down the food you eat and turn it into usable nutrients. Picture a jackhammer breaking up a chunk of concrete – digestive enzymes convert food into smaller building blocks that your body can absorb for overall health and wellbeing. When looking for a digestive enzyme supplement, a formula that contains multiple types of enzymes ensures that it will help break down the wide variety of foods included in your daily diet.

DigestMORE® Ultra Strength is a digestive enzyme formula made with a high concentration of multiple plant-based enzymes to help support nutrient absorption. It is helpful for those who experience uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms after eating regardless of food type.

FIBRE

Dietary fibre is an essential component to overall good health. A high fibre diet supports bowel health but can provide other health benefits as well.[5] There are two types of fibre; soluble and insoluble. Imagine a household sponge; think of the yellow part of the sponge as soluble fibre, it absorbs. It breaks down in water and forms a gel to help trap waste for removal from the body. The rough green part of the sponge is insoluble fibre it does not dissolve in water or break down in the digestive system. It provides bulk to strengthen and tone the muscles of the bowel and helps to sweep the walls of the bowel clean. Fibre is only found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains.[6] It contains no vitamins or minerals but is very important to help keep our digestive tract working optimally.[7]

FibreSMART® is a flax-based fibre supplement formulated to help support daily bowel health. Available in both powder and capsule form, it contains both soluble and insoluble fibre and has additional ingredients for the intestinal tract such as Marshmallow Root and Slippery Elm Bark. It is easy to incorporate into your daily routine by adding it to liquid or soft food. It contains no nuts, gluten, dairy or soy.

By Caroline Farquhar, RHN, EMP, BA, National Training Manager at Renew Life®
References:
[1] Houghton, L. et al, Age, Gender, and Women’s Health and the Patient, Gastroenterology, Volume 150, Issue 6,2016, Pages 1332-1343.e4, ISSN 0016-5085, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.017.
[2] Lepargneur JP, et al. Protective role of the Doderleïn flora. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) 2002;31:485–94.
[3] Aroutcheva A, Gariti D, Simon M, Shott S, Faro J, Simoes JA, et al. Defense factors of vaginal lactobacilli. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;185:375–9
[4] Mischoulon, D.. (2018). Omega-3 fatty acids for mood disorders. Available: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-mood-disorders-2018080314414. Last accessed 19 Feb 21.
[5] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-andhealthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983. Last accessed 16 Feb 21.
[6] Government of Canada authors. (2019). Fibre. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/nutrients/fibre.html. Last accessed 19 Feb 21.
[7] Canadian Digestive Health Foundation staff. (). Fibre & Its Benefits. Available: https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/fibre-its-benefits/. Last accessed 19 Feb 21.

Renew Life Digestive Support


About the Author: Caroline Farquhar R.H.N., E.M.P., B.A.

Caroline Farquhar

Specializing in digestive care and cleansing, Caroline has been educating audiences through seminars, TV and radio appearances across the country on the topic of how to achieve better health naturally. Caroline has written and published articles for magazines and websites, has created educational programs and taught at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Learn more about Caroline at renewlife.ca.