Gastro intestinal health

Gastrointestinal (GI) health is central to our overall health and well-being, with a role that extends beyond just digestion and absorption. A healthy GI function also impacts immune function and even our mood and mental wellbeing.¹ At Nutricia Research we understand that optimal nutrition during the initial period of life is of major relevance for the development of a healthy, well-functioning GI tract. 

Your digestive system is at the most important part of your Gastrointestinal (GI) health as it takes in nutrients and eliminates waste products. When it suffers, so does the rest of your body. Digestive concerns can often be the first signs of further complications due to an impaired immune system, improper food intake and poor nutrient absorption.

Here are some tips for Gastrointestinal health

Follow a Clean Diet

Bananas contain approximately 15-20 percent of your daily fiber needs. Bananas also contain fructooligosaccharide, which is a natural compound that encourages growth of beneficial bacteria. This bacteria–termed “probiotics”–is responsible for a myriad of activities in your body, including facilitating the appropriate digestion and elimination of food. ^[1] This goes to show that diet, particularly a natural plant-based diet, is incredibly powerful for keeping your digestive system in check.

Green vegetables will also help keep your digestive system healthy for their excessive amounts of fiber, relatively low carbohydrate and sugar load, and good amounts of water. Foods like kale, spinach, wheatgrass, and alfalfa are all good choices to integrate into your diet. Broccoli sprouts are unsurpassed in their ability to stimulate enzymes that detoxify the digestive system. 

 Exercise

Another thing you can do to benefit your digestive tract is to do some simple, daily exercises. The colon functions much more effectively when abdominal muscles are strong and consistently in motion. Crunches are an excellent way to strengthen these muscles and to improve your appearance at the same time, but simple walking can keep your digestive system healthy by improving blood flow to the intestines and colon. One study showed that women who walk daily were 31% less likely to develop colon cancer.

Try Therapeutic Herbs

There are also herbs that can benefit your digestive tract. Two common varieties include organic cilantro and organic dandelion leaf. Cilantro oil is an enzymatic stimulant. It also helps our intestines secrete digestive acids and juices, and it adds fiber to the digestive process. Some people use cilantro to relieve stomach gas and flatulence. Organic dandelion leaf helps detoxify the digestive tract and help stimulate it when it becomes sluggish. It is one of the best herbs to take for promoting optimal digestive function.

Meditate

You can’t discount the connection between your mental health and physical health. Stress is one of the most pervasive killers in our society. And while we can’t control every circumstance that causes stress, we can change the way we respond. When we’re stressed, our body goes into the “fight or flight” mode, switching off our digestion so we can run away or deal with the problem head on.  Meditation is an excellent way to relax and reduce stress; and studies show that relaxation is a powerful method for improving digestive health.

If you’re experiencing digestive upset, taking these tips to heart may be the starting off point for getting your health back on track. It’s not what you eat, it’s what you absorb. Even if you eat the best food, its beneficial effects will be muted by poor digestion. Take inventory of your life if you are experiencing a deeper issue, like IBS or gluten intolerance. Make the lifestyle changes necessary to support your digestive health. People who do this commonly experience dramatic shifts in digestion, mood and outlook, energy levels, and thinking.