healthy life
Healthy LifeOur digestive system has the continual task of breaking down and absorbing food in order to build, repair and fuel our bodies. Even the most carefully planned meal can leave your body lacking if the nutrients from your food are not being absorbed efficiently. Symptoms such as bloating, reflux, cramping, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation are all signs your digestive system might need a helping hand.
How Digestion Works
Your digestive system is a long, hollow and complicated tube. It’s surface area is extremely large (due to folds and finger-like protrusions) to allow for better absorption of nutrients. Digestive organs produce different secretions and enzymes that aid digestion along the way. When you see or smell food your body starts preparing for digestion. Chewing is important, as saliva contains enzymes to start carbohydrate breakdown. Specific cells produce hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which mix with the food. Your pancreas produces enzymes and insulin (that control glucose absorption) which are secreted into the small intestine. Bile is also released into the small intestine, after being made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile emulsifies fats and acts as a mild laxative. Your liver has other crucial functions, like filtering and metabolising substances from the bloodstream. After food has moved through the small and large intestine, the remaining wastes are eliminated from the body through the bowels.
What Could Go Wrong?
Poor digestion can result from dietary, lifestyle or inherited factors. High refined carbohydrate intake (like sugar) and low fibre intake can cause constipation and encourage bacterial overgrowth. Dehydration prevents fibre from moving freely through the digestive tract. Recurrent antibiotic use can upset good bacteria levels and cause diarrhoea in some individuals. Excessive alcohol consumption can also irritate the lining of your digestive tract, and place unnecessary strain on your liver. Stress can reduce digestive secretions and limit blood flow to digestive organs, or even contribute to stomach ulcers. Others find stress stimulates digestive nerves, causing diarrhoea. Secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach naturally declines with age, while some individuals have lower levels to start with.
Natural Support For Your Digestive System
Aloe Vera Juice - Made from the inner gel of the aloe leaf, this juice soothes digestive inflammation or irritation. It can also provide benefit in irritable bowel syndrome or similar symptoms.
Bitters - Bitter herbs (chicory, rocket, dandelion leaves, gentian), apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be consumed before meals to stimulate hydrochloric acid secretion.
Liver Herbs - Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a well known liver herb, that protects and regenerates liver cells. It is often combined with other herbs, such as dandelion root and globe artichoke, which aid the digestive role of the liver.
Digestive Enzymes - Provide quick short term relief from the symptoms of low digestive enzymes such as bloating and indigestion.
Herbal Teas - Fennel, peppermint and chamomile reduce bloating and cramping, and may relax digestive muscles.
Good Bacteria - Different strains help different digestive symptoms.
Fibre – Flaxseed, Psyllium, Slippery Elm, Bran and Linseed Meal all provide gentle support for bowel regularity.
We Are What We Absorb
Your digestion decides the nutrients your body obtains from consumed food, and without these nutrients your body would struggle to perform even the most basic daily function. Improving your digestion can not only provide relief from digestive symptoms, but improve your overall health and vitality.