Digestive Health

How can I improve my digestive health?

With the rise of leaky gut syndrome, food allergies, and other gastrointestinal disorders, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your gut health. Much of your over-all health is related to or dependent on the health of your gut. A proper digestive system function is crucial for nutrient absorption and assimilation, immune function, bowel regularity, and even mental health 

There are many factors that can interfere with your digestion such as environmental toxins, food additives, stress, medications, the use of antacids. However even consuming foods one is intolerant too, or poor dietary habits with inadequate fiber and water can a common cause. Luckily there are many things you can do to support your digestion system.

Lifestyle Tips for Improved Digestion Health

What are some lifestyle changes I can make to improve my digestion?

1. Become more active: Although this may seem strange, but becoming more physically fit will help your body process you food more effectively and use up some of the access. Movement may also help with normal bowel movements

2.Try to give 12hrs before eating you last meal and breakfast: This may give your body time to process your last meal, and provide time for you digestive system to clear a bowel movement. Ideally you should be having at least a bowel movement per day.

3. Consuming plenty of water is essential: Try to get approximately 2L of water daily, however this can change depending on physical activity level, age, season, etc. 

4. Including enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will ensure you are getting enough fibre which will help regulate bowel movements and reduce symptoms of bloating. 

5. Stress-reducing techniques: If you are under constant stress, your digestive system will not function properly, and you may feeling indigestion. If this is the case learn how to meditate, or practice modalities that are stress lowering

6. Avoiding Alcohol: 

7. Avoid heavily processed foods: Processed foods tend to have higher sugar content which may disrupt gut flora, or lead to candida overgrowth. Normally provide minimal vitamin/mineral/enzyme content leading to depletion on the bodies resources required for digestion

8. Chew Your Food Long Enough: Another habit that can lead to digestive disturbances is not chewing your food long enough and eating too quickly. Basically you are not helping yourself in this case, as some of the carbohydrate digestion occurs in the mouth, and if you don't chew up those proteins, they can take much longer for your body to deal with, using more of you resources

9. Food Allergens: In many cases specific food allergens may be leading to issues with a persons digestion. The most common food allergens are eggs, dairy, gluten, nuts, and soy. Try pulling these out.

Digestive Health Supplements

What digestive supplements can I take to improve my digestion?

1.Digestive enzymes- There can be several reasons for this, however many people suffer from insufficient digestive enzyme production, which can lead to improper digestion of foods, leading to food sensitivities, bloating, gas. This can also lead to less nutrient uptake. In these cases you could try supplemental enzymes such as Prairie Naturals Enzyme Force with their meals. These can also be taken with large meals or times when you are overeating to help avoid feeling bloated and lethargic.

2.Probiotics- Taking a good quality probiotic such as New Roots Probiotic Intensity is also a good idea as it helps promote a balanced gut microbiome which may improve digestion, immune function, and even mood.

3.Fibre Supplements- For those who struggle with getting enough fibre in their diet, there are products such as Dailycleanse which is a fibre-blend powder that can be added to foods like smoothies and shakes. By increasing fibre intake you can increase bowel movements frequency, support detoxification, and help prevent digestive conditions such as IBS, Polyps, and dysbiosis.

4.Betaine HCL- This is beneficial for those who experience acid reflux, as many times doctors tend to prescribe ant-acids, which lower and neutralize stomach acid when in many cases the opposite needs to happen. In natural medicine, it is believed that improving the acid levels in the stomach will stop the valve from opening which leads to acid pushing up into the esophagus causing the sensation of heartburn. HCL (hydrochloric acid) is necessary in the breakdown of proteins as well as killing bad bacteria in the stomach. Therefore, inhibiting stomach acid can do more harm than good. We carry Natural Factors Betaine Hydrochloride with Fenugreek 180Cap