Staci Small MA, RD Contributing Writer to Kirkman® Consumer & Professional Newsletters

I recently had the pleasure of contributing an article to the Kirkman® monthly consumer and professional newsletters.  I appreciate the opportunity allowed to me by the great professionals at Kirkman®. For a review of the full article, click here.

Digestive Health and Surgery

Many of us will have a surgical procedure at some point in our lifetime. This procedure might be for a nagging joint or ligament injury, a cosmetic reason or a lifethreatening issue. Whatever your reason, a large majority of us end up with painful gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the days immediately following surgery.

A common pre-surgery procedure is for antibiotics to be administered either orally or intravenously. Antibiotics help to prevent surgery related infections. However, they also kill a large majority of our beneficial gut bacteria. Our digestive tracts have a micro world of their own; full of bacteria and other microorganisms that are responsible for some of the most vital processes in our bodies.

Two other common roadblocks to our post surgery gastrointestinal comfort are anesthesia and iron supplements. Both are often necessary and very beneficial to the patient but can promote stools that are hard and difficult to pass post-op. To ease post-op gastrointestinal discomfort, talk to your physician about stool softeners while in the hospital. You'll also want to replenish good bacteria (probiotics) to restore the vital microbial balance in the intestinal tract.

Prior to a surgical procedure, it can be very beneficial to consult with a licenced nutrition professional (Registered Dietitian) to determine the correct type and amount of probiotics, as well as assess possible nutrient depletion caused by the stress of surgery and medications administered during and after surgery.

Please contact Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D. at The Wellness Philosophy Inc. for more information or to schedule a digestive health consultation.

Benefits of Supplementation

Many people, young and old, find great benefits from supplementing their nutrient intake with various enzymes, supplements and probiotics. The typical American diet depletes our bodies of adequate nutrients, healthy bacteria, and often stresses our most vital organs. Nutrient intake, digestion and absorption are especially compromised in those suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, IBS and other chronic conditions.

Replenishing these important building blocks help our bodies function optimally as well as support cognitive function, digestion, absorption and elimination of toxins. These complex systems rely on the correct nutrients and are vital to our overall health and functioning.

Purchasing supplements from reputable suppliers is key. Research has shown that many supplements from various manufacturers contain heavy metals, artificial fillers, as well as allergens such as wheat, dairy and soy. The health and safety of clients is my number one priority. Therefore, The Wellness Philosophy Inc. only purchases these products from today's most trusted manufacturers. We currently carry supplements, enzymes and probiotics offered by:

• Kirkman®
• Houston Enzymes®

To schedule an assessment to determine if you could benefit from nutrient supplementation or to place an order, please contact me at staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com.