Heal digestive issues with herbs, self-care and acupuncture.
If you or someone you love experiences gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and/or diarrhea on a regular-enough basis, there are simple, daily choices that can improve your health and sense of well being. Below are suggestions of what to incorporate and what to avoid. Take it a step at a time. Notice what helps, build from there.
Food, drinks + habits that aid digestion
Cooked, warm, nourishing meals (soups, stews, casseroles, baked and grilled, etc.)
Hot herbal teas: Ginger, Peppermint, Chamomile
Hot water with fresh lemon
Steep or chew seeds: Caraway, Fennel, Anise
Fennel root
Pumpkin
Whole grains (quinoa, millet, rice, oatmeal)
Refrigerated probiotics (fermented foods, yogurt, supplements)
Chew! 15-20 times per bite
Unwind, take some deep breaths, eat with a sense of calm
Schedule consistent meal times
Keep a food journal that includes columns for mood + symptoms to track what hinders and what helps
Ask your body what it needs, listen softly for answers
Self massage: clockwise on the belly + distal forearms to wrists
Take walks after meals + anytime!
Acupuncture + other forms of self-care
Consider an elimination diet with a food journal if sensitivities/allergies/intolerances are suspected. 90% of food allergen reactions are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, cow dairy, soy, egg, corn, fish and shellfish.
For some people, avoiding cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower), cabbage, onions and garlic can help
For others, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant) should be avoided
For some, cutting out acidic foods like lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, tart fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar.
It's possible that a food or herb recommended above doesn't agree with you. Take note + take care.
In general, it's helpful to avoid or significantly reduce foods that commonly impede digestion:
Very oily + fried
Excessive dairy
Very Spicy
Raw + Cold
Processed + packaged
Refined sugars
Alcohol - sorry, folks: strains liver functioning which affects digestion
Content from Intuitive Health & Healing articles and posts is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Intuitive Health & Healing site. If you'd like the schedule an appointment with Britta Van Dun, LAc, you can book online, text or call +1(917)519-2432 or email britta@intuitivehealthhealing.com