Expert: Jayne Boyle - 6/6/2010

Question
Jayne
Do you know of any herbs I could try for this condition? I have suffered from an uncomfortable  distended (not fat) abdomen for the last few years.Two doctors said it was 'visceral fat and I needed to eat less and exercise more'. I already eat like a bird and jog every day!
The third doctor said my blood sugar was on the high side and this could be gastroparesis which is a side effect of diabetes. Diabetes and big hard bellies run in my family but I never thought to connect the two.
He said to cut out the carbs and sugar which I am going to do -my only real vice was  chocolate-not much-but every day, and a few daily handfulls of raisins or M&M's from the dispenser at work.
I have tried digestive enzymes with no success, and I take ginger every night to avoid the morning nausea.
Thanks.

Answer
It really depends on your diet. Do you eat healthy fruits veggies whole grains. Drink with your meals is not recommended because it waters down enzymes.  And I would continue with the enzymes and make sure your bowels are moving everyday.  We can carry excess waste in our bowels from white flour porducts or foods that don't move through the system easily. It may be bowel related.  Chew your food well and eat in a relaxed environment. Consider a colon cleanse or perhaps several this year. Health food stores carry good ones.  Jayne