Digestion

The human body obtains the energy and nutrients it needs from food. However, our cells cannot absorb these nutritional benefits until the food has been “digested” - meaning, “processed and converted into a usable form”. Thus digestion is the complex process of breaking down food molecules into energy and other useful components, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body to maintain good health. Food remnants which are not absorbed during the digestion process are expelled as waste in the form of feces.

Good digestive health is more than just breaking down your food properly; it’s essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, detoxification, and chemical and hormone production. Good digestion means good health. Almost all diseases can be traced back to poor digestion.

Good digestive system is more than just braking down your food properly. It is essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, detoxification and chemical and hormone production.

Tips for better digestion:

  1. Try to eat wholesome food like organic fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, avocados soaked or sprouted raw seeds and nuts. It is easier for your body to break them down and absorb nutrients. This food will also preserve enzymes and maximize health. Other foods that are high in enzymes are grapes, mangoes, dates and raw honey.
  2. Drink clean water. Water is going to make a clean body. Water is detoxifying and helps us with digestion. Try drinking at least two litres of water per day for the best possible digestive health.
  3. Chew your food well. Take the time to chew your food. Many people have digestive problems because they don’t chew their food properly.
  4. Your body is designed to digest food in small amounts. Think about the amount of food you are putting on the plate. Eat smaller more frequent meals during the day. They are better for your digestion.
  5. Take digestive enzymes. As we age our body decreases its enzyme production. It is very difficult for the body to properly digest food. Gas bloating, heartburn, constipation, toxicity are all likely symptoms. Taking live plant digestive enzymes in capsule form with each meal will help break down food. Life plan enzymes are concentrated food enzymes from nature. Digestive enzymes are especially good for those who eat a lot of cooked, microwaved food. That is how you compensate for the lost and destroyed naturally occurring food enzymes that were previouslyin the food.
  6. Everyone needs to cleanse. It will help the body to get rid of toxins and pollutants absorbed from the food, water and air we breath. Cleansing stimulates all seven elimination channels. Focus is mainly on the colon and liver - the body’s two largest detoxification pathways. A poorly functioning colon and liver can result in numerous digestive health problems mainly toxic overload and constipation. You should be having at least one bowel movement a day. - two to three is considered optimal. The most effective way of cleansing the body is to perform an herbal cleanse. There are herbal cleansing programs available on the market developed by naturopathic doctors. They should be performed at least once or twice a year.
  7. Fiber is also very important such as flaxseed powder or flaxseed supplements. Flax fiber absorbs toxins that have been processed by the liver and brings them to the colon for elimination. Essential fatty acids supplements that contain nutritional oils from flax seeds, borage seeds, and fish oils will help keep the colon lubricated to ensure proper bowel movements.
  8. Stress plays a huge role in your digestive health. The person who is able to deal with and relieve stress will have better digestion than someone who cannot. The key is in dealing with stress. Balance and enjoy life. Deep breathing exercises are important. They can quick relax your body and that will also improve your digestion.
  9. Exercise your body. Your body is designed to be active. It will improve your cardiovascular endurance speed up your heart rate and it will speed up your body processes including production of enzymes, which is essential for good digestion.
  10. Because of our busy lifestyle diet is first to suffer, and lack of proper nutrients causes the entire body to slowly deteriorate. Good multivitamins and green food supplements are vital if you do not otherwise eat optimally. They are not replacements for good food but they will provide you with nutrients needed to help your body maintain its digestive processes.

Herbs for good digestion:

1. Ginger.

Most of us are pleasantly warmed by the smell of ginger; many even salivate at the mere aroma of this pungent and exotic herb. That warmth and salivary stimulation is what gives ginger its medicinal effect.

As with any medicine, ginger isn’t a panacea for everyone with digestive complaints. As a hot and stimulating herb, ginger is contraindicated in those who suffer from ulcers, heartburn, and spastic colon diseases. Instead, people with a “hot” digestive system might well consider the following herb, Mentha piperita, or peppermint.

2. Peppermint.

Pepermint

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is one of the oldest medicinal plants. While its origins are theoretically rooted in Eastern Asia, the plant has been cultivated all over the world. Peppermint propagates asexually by sending out roots, useful for the perpetuation of the species, but a nightmare for those trying to rid their garden of this herb.

Peppermint’s medicinal action is very different from that of ginger. It has three principal activities: it anesthetizes the mucous membranes, reducing nausea and vomiting; it encourages the liver and gallbladder to produce and release bile; and it “disinfects” the stomach in cases of improper or imbalanced flora.

In contrast to ginger, peppermint is a cooling and relaxing herb In fact, its anaesthetic properties come from the plant’s ability to excite cold receptors in intestinal mucous membranes Peppermint is medicinally useful for reducing such disorders of the gastrointestinal tract as spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, and spastic diarrhea Peppermint taken after a rich meal will reduce gas and indigestion

3. Aloe.

Aloe Vera

Though also a bitter herb, aloe, unlike ginger and peppermint, is a powerful laxative when used internally. Aloe contains anthraquinone glycosides, known as “aloins,” and resins. Its actions are cathartic (causing a bowel movement), emmenagogic (stimulating and promoting menstrual flow), and vermifugal (expelling worms).

Because of these actions, aloe must not be used internally in pregnancy, and should be avoided by those with a serious intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, or with bleeding disorders, such as gastritis or hemorrhoids. Nursing mothers should also avoid aloe because its use may cause diarrhea in a breast-fed infant. Overdoses of aloe can cause intestinal distress, diarrhea, and even kidney problems; therefore, it is imperative to be thoughtful and cautious in the internal use of aloe.

By far, aloe’s best use is as an occasional laxative for stubborn constipation. Because the plant takes between 10-15 hours to work, aloe is best given in the early evening in order to assure early morning elimination. Aloe is very often used in combination with a carminative herb, such as ginger. Adding carminatives to an aloe preparation results in the toning down of aloe’s “griping” effect, allowing the body to eliminate stool effectively and without pain.

Sources: Aviva, Svet Je

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