Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed.
Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
....Mohandas K. Gandhi
The digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, hollow, twisting tube extending from the mouth to the anus. The organs that help the body break down and absorb food, such as the liver, the gallbladder & the pancreas are also part of the digestive system.
The foods that you eat are not in a form that the body can use as nourishment. Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into their basic nutritional aspects, so as to build and nourish the Body, Mind, Heart, Spirit.
If the digestive system is not working well, the body doesn't recieve what it needs to work at it's optimal levels of health & wellness. There is a direct connection between the digestive system & emotions. If the digestive system is under stress, emotional well-being & mental health can be negatively effected.
Foods to add in order to support Digestive Health
( I am assuming all of the below are ORGANIC )
High quality natural foods
Eating according to your unique metabolic needs
Healthy Fats: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Raw Butter
A good mix of raw & lightly cooked vegetables
Soak or ferment all foods that contain anti-nutrients (nuts, seeds, grains, legumes)
Fermented Foods: Yogurt, Kefir, Natural Saurkraut, Miso, Fermented Tamari, Aged Raw Cheeses, Kimchi, Sourdough Bread
Sea Vegetables, Garlic, Bananas, Lemon
Spices: Basil, Sage, Corriander, Cumin, Mustard,
Active Manuka Honey
Food to avoid, that do not support Digestive Health
Unhealthy Fats: Margarine, Canola Oil, Generic "ALL" Polyunsatured Vegetable Oils (Corn Oil, Soy Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Grapeseed Oil)
Indusrial Farmed Meat, Dairy, Eggs
Processed Sugars, White Flours, GMO's, Processed Foods in general, Soft Drinks, Artifical Sweeteners
Unsoaked/unfermented foods that contain anti-nutrients (nuts, seeds, grains, legumes)
Supplements that support Digestive Health
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Digestive Enzymes
Soluble & Insoluble Fibers
Tumeric, Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Holy Basil
Fermented Young Green Coconut
Peppermint Oil, Fennel, Clove, Rosehips, Aloe Vera
Bitters
Unprocessed Apple Cider Vinegar
Lifestyle Choices that support Digestive Health
Chew your food throroughly
Sit down & eat in a peaceful, relaxed& mindful manner
Learn to listen to your body & give it what it needs
Eat local & according to the season
Work with a Natural Health Care Practitioner to heal food sensitivities & food allergies
Regular Exercise, that you enjoy
Ample relaxation, fun & play
Learn to reduce stress
Soothing an Inflamed Digestive System
Teas: Peppermint, Fennel, Anise, Chamomile
Soluble Fiber
Active Manuka Honey
Fermented Young Green Coconut
Fermented Foods: Yogurt, Kefir, Natural Saurkraut, Miso, Fermented Tamari
Healthy Fats: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Written by Pamela S. Robinson
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