3 minute read
Improve Digestion, Increase Energy
Good health to you! Tina Foster, RHN Essential Remedies
When the digestion system is bogged down, it can leave us feeling just like that. By improving your digestion, your tummy will not only feel better, but you will be improving your whole body and the way you feel! Take off extra burdens on the digestive process with these simple measures, and free up your energy for the rest of your life!
1) Apple Cider Vinegar- Raw and unfiltered, simple apple vinegar from your cupboard. Take a tablespoon in the morning in water to start your day for liver and digestive health, increase energy, boost metabolism, body alkalization, and as a pain remedy. Taking it about 20 minutes before a meal will stimulate gastric juices and digestion, thus aiding in breaking down your foodstuffs and absorption of the nutrients. Also aids bloat and discomfort.
2) Bitter herbs/supportive
aids- some include dandelion root and Chinese gentian. These act as a digestive tonic and bitter to help that stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Gentian is often included in bitter tonics that you can take pre-meal to stimulate your gastric fluids and bile flow. Also helps relieve digestive disturbances/dyspepsia, prevent nausea, and especially good for breaking fats down. Turmeric is a wonderful herb/root whose wide range benefits include liver and digestive health. Ginger, peppermint, dandelion, licorice, and chamomile teas are wonderful especially post-meal to assist digestion and ease discomforts.
3) Digestive enzymes- Include proteases, amylase, and lipase to assist in breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats in to their smaller components for enhanced absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Can also prevent gas and bloating caused by improper digestion.
4) Probiotics- are important for intestinal bacteria balance for improved digestive health and assimilation of nutrients, amongst the myriad of benefits. Also include fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, plain organic yoghurt (dairy or vegan), tempeh, kombucha, etc.
5) Diet improvements can include avoiding food and poor
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food-combining sensitivities, processed fats and sugars and junk non-foods, excess alcohol, and overeating (especially late-night and before bedtime). Drinking a lot of water during your meal will dampen your stomach acid and decrease digestive efficiency (especially cold water). Drink water around meals, throughout the day, and take small sips only if you must drink with your food. Eat a whole foods, natural diet rich in fiber and vegetables! Also, eliminating known food sensitivities tat are individual to you is important, as a major irritant will wreak havoc on your digestive system and tissues, causing inflammation, and subsequent damage. Keep track of negative (and positive) food reactions in a notebook if you are needing to pinpoint a recurrent symptom(s).
6) Lifestyle improvements
include stress management, as stress especially while we eat will cause upset. Eat your meals in a relaxed and safe environment. Thorough chewing is vital for digestion. Mindful eating and appreciation will enhance your food experience and increase satisfaction. Enjoy a relaxed and safe atmosphere, take deep breaths. Doing happymaking enjoyable activities every day will help lower stress level. Exercise every day for increased circulation including to the stomach and intestines. It will also increase your energy and mood!
Try looking into intermittent fasting (16/8) - benefits including cellular cleansing, gut microbiota, decreased inflammation, improved cardiometabolic factors, blood sugar management, neuroprotection, eliminating cravings, longevity, and more!
Some top picks:
*Braggs raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Farmhouse Culture Gut Shot, Kombucha *St. Francis Canadian Bitters, Maria’s Swedish Bitters *Naka NutriProbiotic w/ glutamine, Purica Intensive GI, New Roots Probiotics Line *Natural Factors Betaine Hydrochloride w/ Fenugreek *Nature’s Way Peptogest peppermint caps *Traditionals Medicinals teas: SmoothMove Peppermint, Everyday Detox Lemon, And Fennel
Essential Remedies in downtown Duncan carries a range of herbal tinctures and capsules, enzymes and probiotics, and other aids and remedies to assist you in your digestive health or whatever is ailing you.
Happy tummy, vital energy, and robust health to you!