Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated that,
“All disease begins in the gut.”
If that’s the case then we should certainly start giving our stomachs some very overdue care and attention!
There is undoubtedly an epidemic of digestive disorders happening all around the world and particularly right here in Canada. It is estimated that up to 60% of Canadians suffer from digestive disorders every year. To add to that, many people don’t speak openly about their digestive issues, therefore this statistic is likely even higher.
Surveys, done by the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, have shown that Canada has some of the world’s highest rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal ulcers. Not to mention the alarming rates of crohn’s, colitis, diverticulitis, and celiac. This is not something to be taken lightly! If we truly realize that, “all disease begins in the gut”, than one could implicate digestive concerns as the true root cause of almost any physical ailment.
To clarify, when we talk about the digestive system we aren’t simply talking about the stomach and colon. The entire process of digestion includes the mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
All this considered, let’s take a look at some familiar digestive symptoms we may all have experienced at one point or another.
Common digestive symptoms typically overlooked:
Burping/flatulence
Constipation/Diarrhea
Indigestion
G.I. Discomfort
Nausea
Fatigue after eating
Overlooked, meaning we tend to disregard these well-known symptoms, treating them as normal and even expected. However, these may be the warning signs of a developing digestive disorder and from personal experience it’s worth taking some preventative steps.
In the West, we have developed our own customs, traditions and routines around eating, stemming more from a corporate interest than the time-tested wisdom of our ancestors. Many of us have lost touch with what, when, how and why to eat, which is why I’m sharing with you the ‘ingredients’ for improving your digestive health. It starts with; incorporating proper habits and routine, taking the correct herbs and supplements, adjusting your diet to your unique needs, and finally through utilizing safe cleansing techniques.
Developing good habits around when and how to eat has a profound effect on your digestion. So, let’s get back to the age-old routines for amazing eating habits and digestive health!
Some great examples of good eating habits to get you started:
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
Eat sitting down without distractions (television, computer, etc.)
Avoid icy drinks at mealtimes
Make lunch the biggest meal of the day
Limit snacking between meals
Eat supper before 8:00 pm
These alone can radically improve your digestion! Cold drinks and foods mixed with warm cooked foods can cause stomach cramps, bloating and general discomfort in the stomach area. Chewing your food sufficiently can eliminate a wide range of food allergies and take unnecessary stress off your pancreas. Lastly, eating your last meal before 8:00 pm can dramatically improve your sleep quality and help you wake up more naturally the next day.
Another component for amazing digestive health is selecting the appropriate herbs and supplements. Particular herbs and supplements are shown to: decrease stomach acidity, lower intestinal inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, regulate bowel movements and more! These adjuncts can be invaluable to mitigate symptoms and promote healing along the entire G.I. tract. *Note: please consult your health care provider/practitioner before starting any new herbs or supplements.
Herbs and supplements that help to heal the digestive system include:
Aloe Vera (I recommend George’s brand)
Coriander
Ginger
Licorice Root
Marshmallow Root
Mint
Slippery Elm
Digestive Enzymes
L-Glutamine
Probiotics
Digestion is, of course, a complex bodily process and requires patience, persistence, poise and proper knowledge to truly heal. So, show yourself compassion along the way and remember that healing cannot happen without the desire to change!