A healthy digestive tract is essential for a healthy body. Your digestive system is not only responsible for the elimination of toxins but is also responsible for absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. Sluggish or irritated intestines can wreak havoc on health and well being, causing problems like:

• gas
• bloating
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel issues.

The following tips can help both you and your digestive tract stay well and happy.

1. Diet. Diet plays a big role in creating a healthy digestive system. Your digestive system will love you if add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. These foods help keep things running smoothly by providing essential vitamins and minerals along with fibre to push things along. Choose organic foods when possible. Avoid foods that are processed, contain wheat gluten or are genetically modified. Also cut back on white sugar, white flour, and fried foods. If you find that certain foods create more discomfort than others consider asking a naturopath about food allergies.
2. Water. We don’t give enough credit to the health benefits of water. Your body, especially your digestive tract needs water to function well. Without enough water your body begins to dehydrate which makes it harder for food and waste to pass through your intestines. For proper hydration adults should drink at least 2 litres of filtered or mineral water per day.
3. Probiotics. Adding probiotics to your diet can help heal an irritated digestive tract. Probiotics are gut friendly bacteria that are needed for proper absorption and digestion of foods, vitamins and minerals. An unhealthy diet, use of certain drugs and antibiotics all destroy gut bacteria. Using probiotics helps restore the essential bacteria and improve intestinal health.
4. Fermented foods. Before you say ‘eeeewwwww’ fermented foods can be a great help for a compromised digestive tract. These types of foods are: sauerkraut, miso, pickled vegetables, kefir, and yoghurt. Fermented foods provide enzymes that help other foods you eat breakdown for easier and more effective absorption.
5. L-glutamine and Zinc. These two nutrients both help renew and repair intestinal tract tissue. Zinc helps create the digestive enzymes that break down food. L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps your colon stay hydrated and the intestinal tract walls stay strong.
6. Elimination. Taking the time each day to have a bowel movement plays an important part in detoxifying your body. What you put in should come out at least once per day but ideally after every meal. Relax; read a book your digestive tract will thank you.

Naturopaths have long believed that good health starts with a healthy digestive tract and illness begins in the gut. That’s why Naturopath Janne Ramsay is presenting an important (and fun!) workshop on Good Digestion = Great Health. Come and join us and find out the inside scoop on how to have greater vitality and health with better digestion.

Article by Naturopath Janne Ramsay