World Digestive Health Day

By Ella O.; Nutrition Advisor

Love your gut because when your gut functions well, then so do you. It’s World Digestive Health Day -a good excuse to appreciate all the amazing things your gut is doing for you! As well as digesting and absorbing life-sustaining nutrients, your gut is responsible for synthesising certain vitamins (namely vitamin B and vitamin K) and for protecting and defending your body against pathogens. In fact, it is estimated that the digestive system is home to up to 80 percent of your body’s immune system cells.

Not having optimal gut function and a healthy microbiome can have knock on effects on overall health and wellbeing. Emerging science is also showing a link between gut and brain health. Unfortunately, digestive symptoms are very common- it is thought that 1 in 5 people the UK alone suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Mild digestive upsets; bloating and discomfort may result from a combination of factors such as stress, lack of movement, food sensitivities or an impaired gut microbiome.

Read on for nutrition tips to support optimum digestion*.

Simple hacks to help relieve IBS type symptoms:

*  Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids to avoid constipation (7-8 glasses a day depending on needs).
*  Cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients where possible.
*  Keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS.
*  Find ways to relax.
*  Take up regular exercise (any movement you enjoy).
*  Try probiotics - for at least month to see if they help.

Organic Acacia Berry & Probiotics for digestive comfort:

If you have irritable bowel syndrome you may have been recommended a low FODMAP diet – this is a diet low in a group of fermentable carbs that have been shown to aggravate gut symptoms. Food high in FODMAP include Inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), these fibres are commonly used in probiotic supplements and may cause side effects such as bloating in sensitive people. Garden of Life Microbiome Formulas however contain organic Acacia, a clinically studied prebiotic fibre suitable for those following a low FODMAP diet. Garden of Life Microbiome Formulas also contain carefully selected blends of probiotic strains designed to support healthy gut microbiome. Microbiome Once Daily Women’s and Microbiome Once Daily Men’s formulas guarantee 50 billion beneficial bacteria per capsule!

Gluten-Free Cereals & Probiotics to start the day!

Organic Traditions Probiotic Sorghum Cereals are plant powered, gluten free cereals, formulated to support optimal digestion. They are enhanced with organic acacia and the gut-friendly, premium probiotic strain Bacillus Coagulans. This beneficial bacterium does not require refrigeration and can be added to both hot and cold drinks and recipes. Organic Traditions Probiotic Sorghum Cereals are packed with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids from organic milled flax, chai and hemp seeds. The cereals come in four varieties: Triple Berry Blend, Tropical Lucuma Baobab, Golden Turmeric, and Chocolate Coconut Crunch.

For a high fibre, probiotic boost - enjoy as a delicious breakfast or snack with your favourite milk, or topped over yoghurt, oats, fruit or smoothies.

Traditional Herbs for digestion:

Some herbs and spices are traditionally recognised as carminative – suggesting that they may offer support for the digestion of foods and act as a calming agent and provide relief from a build-up of intestinal gas. These include Ginger, Chamomile and Oregano.

Often taken in the form of tea, Chamomile has traditionally been known for its gentle nature and is thought to be an especially calming botanical for the digestive system, and nervous system too. Nature’s Answer Chamomile Flowers is an alcohol-free liquid extract supplying a potent concentration of pure Chamomile Extract per serving.

Bitter herbs are traditionally used to support digestion by stimulating the production of gastric juices and bile. These bitters stimulate the taste buds to produce a reflex action – initiating secretions of digestive juices. Nature’s Answer’s popular Ginger & Bitters Combination is a unique blend of herbs including Astragalus Root, Centaury Aerial Parts, Gentian Root, Ginger Root, Rosemary Leaf, Fennel Seed and Cardamon Seed.

Oregano oil has been traditionally used to support a healthy gut microbiome and immune system. Research shows that the active constituents, Carvacrol and Thymol, found in oregano oil exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Nature’s Answer Oil of Oregano soft-gels is from wild Mediterranean sustainably sourced oregano leaf, standardised to provide a guaranteed amount of 7mg of Carvacrol. All Nature's Answer extracts are produced through a cold extraction process; this enables the plant to retain its natural active components.

Click here to find out more about the gut-brain connection and mood supporting nutrients.

* For informational purposes only. Any claims mentioned in this blog are based on research and are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.