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I came across this fantastic article on digestion in Prevention Magazine. I love it
because it explains our digestive system and its link with the rest of our
body, including our brain, in a really simple and easy to understand manner. It
also provides some great tips on maximising our digestion.
Heres the link to the article
The thing I find most interesting and most concerning is
that despite its vital function, so many of us have digestive problems. The
list of symptoms usually looks something like this
- Bloating
- Excessive gas
- Indigestion
- Reflux
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
*and yes the list is all over the place because no matter how many times I try to edit it into a line it does its own thing anyway!*
It’s that uncomfortable feeling after you eat. You eat
something and you notice you have a lot more gas. Within an hour the waist of
your pants seems to have shrunk. The burning feeling in the back of your
throat. Maybe you haven’t gone to the toilet for a few days. I’m not talking
about tummy bugs here, Bali belli or that meat that was probably a few hours
too old. No, these are daily symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are worse,
sometimes they’re better. Often it’s only after you eat certain foods.
The good news is that we don’t have to put up with that
uncomfortable feeling forever. There are many ways in which you can help to
reduce the symptoms, if not solve the problem altogether. How do I know?
Because a lot of the problem with our digestion begins with the foods we’re
eating. A few simple changes and you’d be surprised how much better you’ll
feel.
All that being said, be aware I’m not talking about more deep
rooted problems like Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohne’s, Diverticulitis or
similar. These are issues that require a more specific treatment plan and I
would highly recommend that you see a your GP and your naturopath or
nutritionist in a clinic setting. For the rest of us however, I wish you good
digestion.
I found this great youtube video of how digestion works. Its very cute. It does go for 5 minutes but if you're interested in whats happening on the inside, I think you'll like it. Its called Learn Human Body: Digestive System.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EtTWXQ5BiA
Foods for a happier tummy
Bitter foods – radicchio, rocket, endive
Kefir
Some say yoghurt, I say kefir. Why? Kefir is supercharged
yoghurt. It is a fermented milk product, and yes that sounds wrong, but it’s
actually very nice. Millions and billions of acidophilus and bifidus cultures
(good bacteria) and beneficial yeasts (not bad yeasts) are raring and waiting
to make themselves at home in your intestines. These little guys help to make
some of your vitamins, but more importantly they work on the food sitting in
your intestines and make sure its broken down and absorbed properly which can
mean less bloating and gas. They also prevent the overgrowth of other, more
sinister bacteria. Imagine hundreds of nice, friendly people crammed into carriage
on the train from Central station in peak hour. A group of mean looking bad
people try and get on the train, but there’s no room. Aren’t you relieved? Eat kefir like you would yoghurt, although
you may want to consider smaller portions, alternatively add it to smoothies.
If you’re lactose intolerant, Kefir may be ok. Those little bacteria digest
most of the lactose! You'll need a good health food store for your Kefir.
Fibre
Fibre makes the poop go down. As fibre moves down your
intestines it pushes everything along and cleans the pipes so to speak. It
bulks up your poop. If you’re constipated, you might not be getting enough
fibre. Where does this fibre come from?
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and
legumes. I would suggest more vegies.
Water
If you’re constipated, its possible that its because you’re
not drinking enough water. Your poop needs water to keep it moist, soft and
slippery. If it’s hard and dry it’s not going anywhere. Aim for at least 2
litres a day. If you’re constipated you may need more.
These wonderful tasting teas are good for gas and bloating.
Drink them without milk after or between meals to ease your symptoms. The water
will do you good too.
For those of you who are constipated, here is an informative minute long clip that may help to explain why. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=cdijh32NiLs&feature=fvwp.
Supplements
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is great for those of you who have problems with
digestion in the stomach. It increases your stomach acidity, improving your
breakdown of food. Take a teaspoon in 100ml of water before each meal.
Slippery Elm Powder
Slippery elm mixed in water forms a beautifully soothing,
calming gel that soothes an irritated digestive system. Now it tastes pretty
bad, ill be honest, but I have a trick up my sleeve. Put a tiny bit of hot
water in a glass and add your teaspoon of slippery elm. Mix it into a thick
paste. Add enough cool water so it’s easy for you to drink. Then add a little
bit of cinnamon to help with the taste. Now, if you don’t do this, two things
are going to happen. 1 – it’ll turn into a big lump of gooey gel floating in your
glass of water and you'll gag, 2 – you wont drink it. Try it my way, I would do this at
least twice a day. You might also want to drink a little more water too. Make
sure you take slippery elm at least 2 hours away from prescribed medication.
Anything that forms a gel and sucks up water also has the potential to suck up
and absorb your meds. Keep them apart.
Probiotic
Probiotic capsules contain thousands of those little
bacteria that I discussed above. They are a good way to get your gut levels up
if you don’t want to eat dairy. You can get some great, strong, dairy free
capsules. Just make sure you keep them in the fridge.
All these products are available in your local health food
store.
Try these tips and see if you don’t feel better. Let me know
what you think.
Chris
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