The good oil on gut health

By Michaela Pointon

Living a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle and considering the effects of foods you consume, means overall you may feel happier and your gut will function positively with ease.

The Holistic Naturopath is a small business based in Auckland, owned by Christabel Ritson. Christabel has a Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine, as well as a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. She has also completed courses and further study in Reiki, yoga, health, and wellbeing.

Christabel says, “Our gut lining and microbiome, although robust, are impacted by what we consume over time. Our gut lining, which is the site for nutrient absorption into the bloodstream, can be weakened by gluten, sugar, alcohol, stress, inflammation, chemicals, and pesticides.”

She says our gut microbiome needs to be kept alive with ‘pre-biotics’, such as the fibre within vegetables, wholegrains and fruits. “Focusing on a strong gut lining and healthy bacteria will help us absorb vitamins and minerals, which in turn support our physical, mental and emotional health.”

She says there is now research which suggests poor gut health has a direct impact on our health, and wellbeing.

Eating a wide variety of foods, such as purchasing something different every time you food shop and eating a range of colourful vegetables, means more nutrients for your brain, body and gut bacteria.

“Eat spray free or organic foods as much as possible,” Christabel says.

She suggests growing your own food, trading with neighbours or purchasing food at a local farmers market as ways to implement this into your routine.

“Try to reduce or remove processed foods, gluten and alcohol. We’re not striving for complete abstinence here,” she jokes. “We want to be realistic and [also] want these foods to be a small percentage of the time, with the rest being highly nutritious.”

Eating and drinking probiotics is easy to get ‘into your system’ with foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, miso, kefir, and kombucha.

“These [foods] are full of healthy bacteria for your microbiome. You can find them at health stores, your local supermarket or make your own at home for a cheaper version!”

Considering if your gut is giving you ‘grief’ is one way to establish if you need more goodness in your diet.

“Try drinking some herbal tea to relax the digestive tract such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, or lemon balm,” Christabel says.

Of course, if you are taking any medications or have a diagnosed condition, check with a professional herbalist or doctor before taking high doses of the herbs mentioned above.