The digestive system. An ancient passage that allows the universe to travel straight through us, from airways to anus this corridor homes an entire universe of activity. The deeper complexities involved are only recently beginning to be understood by science, and appreciated by society. Judge, jury and executioner. How well this ancient structure functions will often decide whether you are thriving, or just surviving.
Often referred to as the second brain, this primal multilayered mechanism is our sole trader with the world around us. Unfortunately, like every system it is liable to corruption and betrayal especially when it is neglected or abused. All relationships play by similar rules: without respect and love, things will eventually always become toxic. The question is are you showing your gut enough love?
Your lifestyle, as it is often the way, can have a negative or positive impact on your gut health. Let’s get into the gritty and see what choices impact the digestive system.
Your breath directly influences how well your digestion system works. Slow nasal abdominal breathing turns off your fight or flight mechanisms and allows the body to focus on the rest and digest process. This type of breathing also provides a gentle massage for the internal organs.
Posture during the digestion phase directly impacts how well the digestion system operates. You should listen to grandma’s advice “keep your elbows off the table“, and keep a good posture for the 3-4 hours it takes to digest fully. Slouching on the couch will only compress the organs affecting their efficiency.
Toilet posture!!! Unfortunately, taking your home entertainment system into the bathroom to do your “business” will create that slouch again. This position affects how effective the abdominal muscles push, and also creates pockets off narrow passages in the large intestines. Ideally knees higher than hips and a tall torso will aid the passage of escape. A less effective elimination procedure often results in a build up of fecal matter. This matter can stay solidified in the colon for decades, creating an obstacle course in a swampy environment.
Food glorious food. It is glorious when it is food. However processed “foods” have incomplete structures lacking enzymes that aid digestion. Often nutrient deficient impostors strain the system, and serve your bad bacteria rather than yourself. There are many foods that will assist your digestion process. From sauerkraut to kiwis, google will result in a broad spectrum of foods for thought. Be mindful that all bodies are unique, and what helps Larry might not be great for Sally. Trial & Error.
Grazing throughout the days inhibits the full digestive cycle from completing. An ideal fasting window of 3-4 hours between meals will allow for a complete cycle of digestion. If you eat again before the cycle is complete, waste removal processes will be overlooked as the body priorities the breakdown of food by releasing digestive enzymes again.
Hydration. Hydration. Hydration. The digestion process is highly fluid intensive, not only for the digestive process but also to aid and soften the elimination of waste. Water and herbal teas are your best bet for keeping things flowing downstairs.
Movement. As you get older opportunities to move might decrease and so might your bowel movements. The digestive tract needs certain relaxing and stimulating movements. Knees above hips positions, crawling and being upside down all serve to keep your primal system happy. How often do you spend time in these positions?
The gut is a perfect home for bacteria, as it is warm, moist and full of food. Literally a bacterial paradise. The science in this area has only started to begin to develop as trendy words like gut flora, gut biome, microbiome, probiotic, prebiotics make it to the modern market. This mini-ecosystem acts like a port for goods in and out. Like all good ports it is full of opportunities for all comers, heroes, villains, and those just doing a good days work. These bacteria are so important to our functioning that we inherit them during the birthing and breastfeeding process. Life would be pretty difficult without our friendly bacterial friends. Unfortunately, where there is good, there is bad.
This age old battle of good versus evil is happening inside each and everyone of us. Who is winning that battle in your gut directly impacts your immune response, energy levels, moods, weight gain, weight loss, and addictions. Some of these critters have become very creative in their quest to flourish and disturb our balance. Once the scales tip it becomes increasingly difficult to turn the tables again. Parasites, viruses, and bad bacteria will not only steal and leech goods coming in, but can hijack communication creating cravings, mood swings and energy crashes.
If any of you have read my previous blogs, you will know I am a massive fan of water-fasting. Fasting will enable your digestive system to rest, and heal correctly without the distraction of digestion. This can help re-balance issues in the gut and highlight addictions. Intermittent, juice and soup fasting can be a less aggressive but equally effective way to heal and rest your digestive tract. You should tread carefully and do your research as this method must be respected with baby step caution. You can do more harm than good by not understanding the fasting process.
I have recently been blessed with the opportunity to be part of a holistic collective who believe in natural solutions to modern issues, the PowerPlantHub . The digestive cleanse in their range of products is something I have incorporated into my annual rituals for several years. I will use the cleanse continuously over a 10 day period two or three times a year. The frequency is largely dependent on how clean I feel my lifestyle has been that year, but I will always purge with this cleanse before a long water-fast (5 days). I have experienced, and felt great benefits in taming this roller-coaster practice with the aid of digestive tract clear out. For anyone suffering from symptoms of poor digestion I would highly recommend a seasonal(spring, summer, autumn, winter) flush to address these issues and regain balance in the gut.
The product contains 6 ingredients to help soften and expel stubborn waste matter while addressing issues with worms or parasites. The cleanse has been produced with the modern lifestyle in mind and unlike many flushes of this nature it is not aggressive. Thankfully, I have not found myself in any situations where I have uncontrollable bowl movements. However I can sense a change of activity in my intestines after a few days, resulting in a change of consistency and occasionally the smell of my stools. The key to getting the most from this system flush is staying hydrated, reduce caffeine and eat real foods. The herbal teas available with PowerPlantHub are a great addition to the process.
There are a several reasons why cleansing is beneficial, but for me increasing nutrient absorption and immune system responses are the most powerful ones. With less and less nutrients available in our food, it makes total sense to have a clean and tidy goods-in-and-out area to get the best from our diet. Aiding both the nutrient needs and calming the communication between the brain and gut we can optimise our inner functions.
If anyone is interested in a digestive cleanse or wants more information please go to PowerPlantHub, and feel free to use the code humanifique101 for a 10% discount off your entire first order. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Disclaimer: this is not medical advice, but an insight into my own experiences. There is no substitute for a healthy varied diet, holistic breathing patterns, primal movements and sleep. For medical advice and assistance you should consult your GP.
BEMORE.
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