Digestion/Absorption

My digestion has been bad ever since a stressful/depressing time in my life in 2003. At that time, it was so bad that the doctor ordered a barium enema just to make sure I didn't have colon cancer (at age 29). While my digestion is much, much better now than it was then, I still have trouble digesting food. In fact, I can't take a majority of the supplements on the IH list because they constipate me. Furthermore, I don't think I'm getting the benefits from the ones I do take because I am probably not breaking them down to an optimal absorption level. Despite being a vegetarian, I think I have to go the way of "bile salts" to help improve my bile quality and production to combat this. I was wondering what you guys thought of the following (or if you had any other suggestions):
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=172&at=0
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=857&at=0

Note that the Jarrow has more bile salts, while the NOW has less, but adds enzyme support. I have traditionally not done well with packaged enzymes, fiber, or probiotics, but I think food-based enzymes like papaya and pineapple might do me OK. Anyway, advice and/or experiences are welcome. Thanks.

NewReg - These are both good products. I hope they work for you.

Have you tried some simple remedies.

I'm a big fan of organic green tea, with a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon. It's relaxing and I'm sure it has great benefits in terms of cleansing/digestion etc.

CS - OK, thanks.

Socceroo - Upon waking, I have a glass of filtered water with 1oz. of lemon juice. This supposedly makes people run to the bathroom, but not me. After my breakfast, I have green tea with honey. Been doing this for quite a while, but I need something else. Thanks for your suggestions though.

I have had constipation problems as well, and found relief by taking enteric coated oregano oil and peppermint oil capsules and drink lots of kefir.

You could give the aloe juice that I take a shot. It has helped me with my digestion problems. Here is the link... I use the strawberry kiwi flavor.
http://www.marketamerica.com/flowerboy/topproducts-1282/ultimate-aloe-juice.htm

Just another thought away from the natural remedies for a moment. You mention it was a stressful moment in your life.

Have you been doing much in the way of physical fitness? Joining a sports team and getting outdoors can have a massive effect on your well-being.

I know just 20mins out in the sun makes me feel a whole lot better.

Exercise improves digestion, I've heard. Also, magnesium is good for constipation.

Socceroo wrote:Just another thought away from the natural remedies for a moment. You mention it was a stressful moment in your life.

Have you been doing much in the way of physical fitness? Joining a sports team and getting outdoors can have a massive effect on your well-being.

I know just 20mins out in the sun makes me feel a whole lot better.

I'm very active. I do yoga as well as martial arts (when my ac joint isn't separated like it is now). I think mine is mainly due to stress/anxiety. Almost all of my maladies throughout my life have been due to this. On the outside you wouldn't know it...most people comment that I am quite "zen", but inside it's a madhouse. I have a hard time taming my mind, which is where I am going to conentrate on next. I ned to start meditating again and doing some other more soothing practices.

I'm about to buy ABC (Aerobic Bulk Cleanse) again. This helped me enormously the last time I used it. I started having very regular healthy bowel movements and my constipation was far less frequent.

http://www.aerobiclife.com/products/frm_colon_abc_maxbulk.html