Gut Health Part 3
“All diseases begin in the gut” Hippocrates
Gut Health…Let’s have a look at some natural digestive aids which can help relieve gastro intestinal discomfort. Over the counter medication for nausea, acid reflux, constipation and stomach pain can cause more harm than good in the long run, so here are some natural alternatives.
Natural Digestive aids:-
Ginger root in hot water – Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps to stimulate saliva, bile and gastric juice production to aid in digestion. Helps with nausea and stomach ache.
Apple cider vinegar – can improve digestion by increasing stomach acid. Drinking a glass of water mixed with a 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar 15-20 minutes before a meal can improve digestion and nutrient assimilation by increasing HCl production. Buy an organic brand from health food shop. 1 x tablespoon in warm water. Sip before and with a meal. Do not drink anything else with the meal.
Peppermint Tea – can effectively aid digestion, help relieve stomach gas and bloating and prevent flatulence.
Bromelain – found in papaya and pineapple, an enzyme that specifically digests proteins, bromelain has been found to help your body digest food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, as well as being extremely effective at healing issues in the gastrointestinal tract.
Resistant Starch – Found in under ripe bananas, cold potato and pasta – works as a prebiotic, effectively providing food for the good gut bacteria and helping to keep the balance. Helps prevent constipation and facilitates digestion.
Turmeric– acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and also known to help increase absorption in intestine and promote intestinal flora.
Happy Gut Chicken Soup
1 white onion, chopped,
1 small garlic clove, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large, boneless chicken thighs, diced
700ml water or homemade bone broth
1 tsp root ginger, chopped
Juice 1 lime
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
Handful fresh coriander and parsley, chopped 2 tsp chives, chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper IN A large pan, gently sweat the onion and garlic in the olive oil with the chicken, until everything is golden. Add the rest of the ingredients, apart from the fresh herbs, and simmer on a low heat for 60-90 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the flavours have blended. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. A few minutes before serving, add the fresh herbs.
If you have any questions, please contact me anytime: alison@balanceosteopathy.com
Written by Nutritional practitioner Alison Wright – available for consults at Balance Osteopathy.
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