Our gut has a stronghold on our health, and right now, with the holiday season approaching, it's not uncommon to start feeling discomfort after eating festive food. Editor Trudi Brewer asks Naturopath Jane Cronin, from Clinicians how to deal with annoying digestive issues.
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“Gut issues are often linked to how well our liver functions, or how good our stomach acid is.”
I doubt you spend much time thinking about what is going on inside of your gut when you are out partying until you suddenly find yourself feeling puffy and uncomfortable after eating. Science has made some real progress in understanding just how important gut health is to our overall health, so has naturopath Jane Cronin, from Clinicians. She believes some of the main culprits for gut issues are gluten and dairy. “Many people seem to be sensitive to them these days. However, some people can be affected by fatty or spicy foods or onions, and garlic too." All part of a daily diet for anyone who enjoys eating out, exotic cooking, and festive entertaining. Cronin believes gut issues are often linked to how well our liver functions, or how good our stomach acid is. “For instance, good stomach acid is essential for breaking down fatty foods,” Cronin adds both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have a unique take on healthy eating. "If you have what's known as a cold-damp digestive system (often you might see a white-coated tongue), you might struggle to digest cold or raw foods. People who have too much heat in their body or overheat may have a red tongue, and might struggle with hot and spicy foods."
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Packed with a broad spectrum of enzymes to support the normal breakdown of different food groups including fats, proteins, carbohydrates, plant fiber, gluten, and dairy. Suitable for lactose-intolerant people.
Take one capsule before eating meals.
Clinicians DigestEase with Tolerase G, $40.
How can a plant-based diet help improve digestion?
The word diet is one that we avoid here at BeautyEQ, and Cronin says when it comes to plant-based only eating, there can be good and bad versions of that diet. "It is important to eat a variety of colours in your fruit and vegetables and to have careful food combining to make sure you get enough protein and essential fatty acids in the diet." Most of us understand how fruit and vegetables improve not only our health but our skin. Packed full of vitamins, minerals, and essential antioxidants, which Cronin says are vital for our well-being. "They are also full of fiber, which has multiple benefits for our digestive health. Fiber helps exfoliate or spring clean our insides; it's also food for our good bacteria, which helps make energy and keep the digestive system walls in good order. Fiber helps to balance blood sugar, helps healthy bowel motility, and supports toxins' removal." Cronin says bitter food, such as leafy green vegetables, triggers enzyme production, and for the liver to produce bile, those greens help break down fatty foods and remove toxins.
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Clinicians GastroEzy Chewable Tablets, $25.
Ideal for anyone looking for immediate support for acid balance in the stomach. These natural peppermint flavoured tablets can support those who struggle with fatty or spicy foods or who have overindulged in the holiday season
Chew one tablet with main meals up to three times a day, as a natural option for stomach comfort.
What's the best way to keep your digestive system functioning well during the festive season?
It's the simple things you do every day that help. According to Cronin, "If your stomach acid is in balance, you can digest various foods with ease and without suffering any discomfort. If you are struggling with digestion, there is a simple naturopathic test that you can try. Take the apple cider test: Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water before your main meal. If you find that your digestion feels fine or improves as a result, then you might need a little additional acidity and can continue this practice daily.
Cronin says sluggish digestion or bloating might need support from digestive enzymes.. “If you have cold digestion, warm things up by drinking ginger tea (just put a slice of ginger root into a cup and add boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes). Those who are overheated can eat bitter foods like dark green leafy vegetables to support the liver and add herbs like dandelion and globe artichoke to your diet." Finally, healthy digestion is like a good skincare routine, it’s a good routine that gets results. “Make sure you have at least five a day fruit and vegetables, a mix of raw and cooked, and plenty of different colours (avoid a white-only diet). I start the day using a Nutrabullet to make my fiber and antioxidant fix. Blend raw beetroot (your liver loves beetroot), kale, apple, golden kiwifruit, spirulina powder, raw ginger, and seasonal fruits, including berries. “Find more advice on digestive here.
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If you have been binging on junk food or you’re busy, or your digestive system has been out of whack for ages, or your diet is not the best, the blend of zinc carnosine and the well-known antioxidant turmeric, lactoferrin, and quercetin support normal gut restoration and health.
Take one capsule twice daily with food for two-three months; thereafter, one capsule daily or as directed.
Clinicians Digest Repair, $50.