INSPO Fitness Journal June 2017

The joys (or not) of
DIGESTION
BY MONICA VAN DE WEERD
While many of us like to pretend
that we are immune to some of
the awkward body responses to
digestion, such as farting, wind, bloating and
acidity – and even joke about these things
between friends and family to cover any faux
pas or embarrassment, perhaps it is time to
consider why we suffer these afflictions.
Is there more to what your body is trying to
communicate – and should you be concerned?
Let’s find out more. Simply put, bloating
is the body’s way of trying to break down
food which is not breaking down as effectively
as it should.
Farting is gas from food which is not
breaking down properly in the lower bowel.
Acidity or reflux indicates a problem with
the stomach or oesophagus.
This acid can harm your mucus lining
and cause ulcers and inflammation. Enzyme
activity may be compromised and this can
lessen absorption of nutrition.
Acidity, inflammation and a weakened
digestive system can lead to less energy, as
well as immunity and recovery issues.
Depending on which symptom(s) you
have, the following can help support your
digestive processes.
Aloe Vera
This can be taken in a capsule or
liquid form. It helps calm bloating in
the stomach or bowel while helping the
body to absorb proteins. Aloe Vera supports
the immune system against allergens
and supports gastro intestinal health. Talk
to a natural health specialist to ascertain if
you need it by itself or together with other
digestive support herbs/nutrients.
Enzymes
These are recommended when you suffer
indigestion after eating or if you have food
intolerances, which can cause bloating,
flatulence or nausea. Enzymes are available
in capsules and are normally taken before
your meal to support your digestive process
and can help to release nutrients for energy,
cell growth and body repair.
Probiotics
A healthy body naturally hosts trillions of
beneficial bacteria, but today’s lifestyle of
stress and poor nutrition can severely compromise
this.
Healthy microflora digestive balance aids
a healthy and strong immune system and
supports intestinal comfort.
Pro and pre biotics are available in
capsules or powders and can be used in
combination with other wellbeing support
nutrients and herbs.
For example LIFESTREAM Bowel Biotics
have enzymes, natural fibres and probiotics /
prebiotics. This formula makes regular bowel
movements easier and more comfortable,
while providing and maintaining healthy
bacteria.
The enzymes in the formula help your
stomach break down the food you eat and
to absorb the nutrients into the body more
effectively.
By giving your digestive system a helping
hand, you should find that your dinner conversations,
health and wellbeing are much
approved.
What else can you do?
- Eat well – refrain from refined foods and
sugary drinks.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well to help
your digestive system work effectively.
- Drink adequate water: without fluids we
become dehydrated and constipated.
- Avoid soft drinks. Choose pure fruit juice,
herbal tea and clean water.
- Do regular exercise with adequate sleep and
relaxation. Plan 10 minutes a day to simply
relax.
- Have proper elimination. If elimination
does not occur daily, toxins and waste may
start to be reabsorbed back into the body.
Support elimination with high fibre foods
and high water intake. - Regular exercise
helps to keep abdominal muscles toned.
When adding supplements or herbs to
your good diet, seek professional advice to
ensure you are taking the correct products
for your specific requirements. Natural
health works if you get the right nutrient/
herb in the right dosage.
MONICA VAN DE WEERD is a well respected Waikato based beauty therapist and
aromatherapist, with an impressive knowledge of natural health and wellbeing. She
and husband Frans (a qualified physiotherapist, homoeopath, craniosacral therapist
and bowen therapist) are committed to living a naturally healthy lifestyle. www.
naturallyhealthy.co.nz
40 INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL JUNE 2017