Do you have pain around the abdomen, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas or reflux? These are signs that the gut is not in its optimal condition and your bacteria blueprint or microbiome is out of balance. If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms, then best be aware that your gut might be crying for some help. The gut, or the gastrointestinal tract, is a long tube where food that was eaten is broken down into nutrients, to be better absorbed by the body. Good digestion, regular bowel motions and healthy looking stools are a a good sign that the processes are working well.

The foods that we eat can quickly change the gut’s condition and consequently, alter our overall health. Consumption of unhealthy foods can cause irritation and inflammation along the gut lining and cause digestive problems. Furthermore, since the digestive tract is where 70% of the body’s immune system is located, inflammation means that the food that was just consumed is harming more than just nutrition.

When irritation becomes a routine, it is likely to lead to many different health conditions, including asthma, allergies and sensitivities, IBS, and autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s, colitis or rheumatoid arthritis. It may also affect the part of the nervous system linking the gastrointestinal tracts to the brain, causing anxiety and low moods.

Healing The Digestive Tract – Healing the Whole Body

There are nutrients and herbs that help reverse the symptoms and improve the gut’s functions. Some of the main ones are:

• Zinc — supports healthy digestion and healing of the mucous membranes
• Vitamins A and D — helps heal irritation along the lining of the GIT
• L-Glutamine — an amino acid that heals the lining of the tracts
• Larch arabinogalactans — these are food for the good bacteria that live within the guts to improve its health and functions. It is an excellent source of fibre.
• Curcumin standardised extract— a constituent from tumeric root that helps reduce pain and discomfort within the intestines through its anti-inflammatory properties.

How else can you keep the digestive tract healthy?

The best thing to do would be to include fibre-rich foods in the diet. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grain foods are good sources of fibre, which, as mentioned above, are what the beneficial microorganisms living within the guts love to feed on. This then leads to healthy movement within the gut, including bowel function. An easy way is the blend up a combination of vegetables into a smoothie drink and drink it daily.

Another thing to consider would be probiotics. There are specific strains that promotes gut health through balanced microbiota growth. The following strains are known to be effective in keeping the guts healthy, and the immune system optimal, and reduces discomfort such as bloating and gas:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus plantarum

Got the guts to stay healthy? Consult with our practitioners to get a treatment plan that is tailored for you.