2016 Is All About The Gut
After attending an inspiring Nutritional seminar last weekend by the FOOD MATTERS team, I walked away armed with a fresh insight into clean eating. Believe me, my pantry is like most of yours…full of amazing nutritional ingredients but it still has a few items that certainly didn’t walk straight out of the paddock and may have gone through a few too many processes to make them look/taste the way they do!!! My relationship with those items has changed…I actually do feel like I am potentially poisoning myself now when I eat them!
One of the main topics that resonated with me at the FOOD MATTERS seminar was the subject of GUT HEALTH. Here is some info from the Food Matters team that I’d like to pass on:
Amanda – from Team Crunch
Fermented foods and beverages and a focus on gut health will continue to trend upwards as more and more people continue to discover the importance of a healthy gut as part of their overall wellbeing. It’s such a hot topic in the health and wellness world and researchers are continually coming out with new studies highlighting just how foundational our gut and microbiome are to our immediate health and the prevention of chronic diseases and other conditions such as food intolerances and our mental health.
Your digestive system is really where it’s at! Without the ability to properly digest and assimilate nutrients from the foods we eat, true health may be a faraway never-never land! These days gut issues abound with the most common being IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
But do not despair, there are many things that we can do to turn our gut around. If you believe you have serious issues, we recommend that you talk to a professional dietician/nutritionist and consider having an allergy test. However, if you are like the majority and feel as if you could definitely do more to take care of your all-important gut, here are some tips for gut health:
TIPS FOR HEALING GUT RELATED ISSUES ……NATURALLY:
GO PROBIOTIC – When it comes to gut health, it is vital that the natural flora in the stomach is allowed to thrive. As we already know, our immune systems are connected to our gut and when our gut is not happy, our whole body is not happy! However, certain life stressors such as anxiety, prescription drugs, chlorinated water, farmed meat, processed foods, etc. can throw off the natural bacteria in our bodies, inflaming the gut as a result. So, how do we get a happy tummy? PROBIOTICS. Probiotics are the ‘healthy’ bacteria that keep our digestive systems healthy. Natural probiotics include sauerkraut, kefir, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is also great for ‘good ’bacteria. If you cannot get your hands on any of these foods, a good quality probiotic supplement can work equally as well.
OIL UP – Essential oils are one of nature’s most potent medicines. Frankincense can reduce inflammation in the body – boosting the immune system and supporting the human emotonal and nervous core? Peppermint oil can calm muscle spasms in the gut, while tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise can together soothe stomach aches and reduce bloating. Essential oils are capable of so much and their amazing healing properties in relation the gut are no exception.
FIBRE – Taking additional fibre to keep your bowel functioning can be very effective at reducing gut issues. Organic psyllium is the best in this regard according to the FOOD MATTERS team. Alternatively, a few tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds taken daily can more wonders.
TREAT YOUR MIND – When it comes to the physical manifestation of our inner minds, our guts tend to be a primary outlet. Many people with unresolved emotional conflict and tension present with IBS and therefore treating the mind can be just as important as treating the body. Yoga, meditation and exercise are three such ways to help cleanse the mind and work through inner turmoil and can make an immense difference to gut health.
MEND YOUR EATING REGIME
Eating small portions slowly and regularly can help reduce the impact and strain on the gut. Sounds easy? It is!
If you would like to know more about the FOOD MATTERS team, you can go to their website on www.foodmatters.com.au
Better still, you can join their FREE live Total Wellness Summit from March 21st – 31st and watch a free online event. Every day you will have access to leading health experts’ interviews and documentaries, as well as yoga and meditation tutorials and recipe tutorials.