Gut Health and Naturopathic Support

Digestive issues are quite common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, poor dietary choices, food intolerances, and digestive disorders. Naturopathy offers a holistic approach to managing digestive issues by focusing on the root cause and promoting optimal digestive function through lifestyle and dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and targeted nutrient supplementation.

Herbs for Digestive Support

Several herbs have been traditionally used for digestive support and can help to improve digestive function, relieve bloating and gas, and soothe inflammation in the gut. Here are some of the top herbs for digestive support:

1. Ginger - Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that can help to reduce nausea, bloating, and other digestive discomforts. Ginger can be consumed fresh, in tea form or in capsule or tincture form.

2. Peppermint - Peppermint is known for its ability to relax the muscles of the digestive tract, reducing gas and bloating, and easing cramps. Peppermint can be consumed as tea, essential oil or in capsule form.

3. Chamomile - Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help to soothe the lining of the digestive tract, reduce bloating, and promote better digestion. Chamomile can be consumed as tea or in capsule form.

Dietary Recommendations for Digestive Health

In addition to herbal remedies, dietary changes can be an effective way to manage digestive issues. Here are some dietary recommendations to support digestive health:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet - Eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can promote optimal digestive function. Also, avoiding processed foods and refined sugars can significantly improve digestive health.

2. Chew Your Food - Chewing your food thoroughly can help to break it down more efficiently, reducing the workload on your digestive system and improving overall digestion.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods - Certain foods can be problematic for people with digestive issues, such as gluten, dairy, and processed foods. Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help to reduce digestive symptoms.

Nutrients for Digestive Health

There are several key nutrients that can support digestive health, including:

1. Probiotics - Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can improve digestive health.

2. Digestive Enzymes - Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help to improve digestive function and reduce bloating and gas.

3. Fiber - Fiber plays an important role in digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing inflammation in the gut. Consuming fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve digestive function.

Digestive issues can significantly impact your quality of life. Naturopathy offers a variety of holistic approaches to managing these issues. By incorporating herbal remedies, dietary changes, and targeted nutrient supplementation, you can improve your digestive health and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable life. Remember that the key is to address the root cause of your digestive issues and to work with a qualified naturopathic practitioner to develop a personalised treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

You can book a free 15min Discovery Call here with a naturopath to see if we can help you.

Pic Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

TOP TIPS TO HELP REDUCE BLOATING

TOP TIPS TO HELP REDUCE TUMMY BLOATING

- Drink water and liquids at least 30mins away from meals to help increase your natural digestive juices.

- Sip on sliced fresh ginger infused in hot water through the day to help with bloating.

- Don’t over-eat.  - Eat until you are only 85% full.

- Allow 3 - 4 hours between meals to give your gut a chance to digest before the next meal and the small intestinal brush border to clear.

- Avoid chewing gum and soft drinks as they increase gas in your abdomen.

- Try yoga poses to support muscles and release gas. - Child's pose and Happy Baby pose.

- Eat SLOWLY and Mindfully and not while you are stressed.

- Include a Gentle 15min walk after meals to help with digestion and get things moving.

- Include a variety of plant fibre in every meal. Your gut needs fibre to feed beneficial bacteria in your gut.

- Alcohol and caffeine may affect your digestive ability and contribute to abdominal pain.

- You may benefit from well cooked food like casseroles and soups for a week or two to help with digestion.

- Remember, Sleep is so important for rest, digest and detoxification. If you are struggling with this, herbs and amino acids may be beneficial.
 
If you have consulted with me you would know about the 4 breath box breathing exercise before meals to prepare you to digest adequately. – See instructions below
 
Post-Christmas

- Avoid sugars and processed foods as they feed the non-beneficial bacteria to overgrow.
-  Choose Gluten free dairy free where possible, as if the bucket gets too full symptoms may present.
 
Love and Honour yourself however this looks for you.

…this includes your body and Soul.

Chris x

If you feel you need more individualised support choosing appropriate herbal, dietary and nutritional interventions. Naturopathy and acupuncture may help. You can Book HERE

4 Breaths Exercise Instructions 

3 times a day – Before Eating is the time to do this exercise.
For Rest-Digest & Back to SLEEP
Put on some Yin Yoga or meditation music while you prepare to eat.

1 Breathe in slowly for 4 breaths into the belly through your nose.

2 Hold this breath for 4 counts.

3 Breathe Out Slowly for 8 breaths through pursed lips. (pursed lips like blowing through a thin straw)

4 Imagine a healing light coming in through the top of your head, removing all that is not needed in your body and bringing in all that is required.

5 Notice any pain or discomfort and imagine slowly turning your dials down on that pain during every breath.

Repeat this for 4 ROUNDS or more.

More about Digestive / Gut Health…

Digestive Health. What we can do to Restore it

Coeliac Disease and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity

Image by: Photo by Sean S on Unsplash

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