Digesty influences any other function in the body. You have heard the saying: “You are what you eat”, but in terms of health, you are what you eat, digest and absorb! With aging there is often digestive complaints. As we get older, our bodies reduce the production of important digestive juices (hydrochloric acid or HCL), limiting our ability to break down food well.
If we do not properly digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the absorption of vitamins and minerals is affected. The very sour environment of the stomach is necessary for the absorption of alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc. Reduced absorption of these and other nutrients can have a negative influence on the health of the bone, cardiovascular health and the health of the brain, to name just a few!
In addition, gastrointestinal muscles slow down, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and constipation. In short, all body systems rely on healthy digestion to function properly. We can’t stop aging, so what can we do to support a healthy digestion to our golden years?
Well, to start with, I can’t emphasize the importance of probiotics enough! These friendly bacteria found in our gastrointestinal tract, can be found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and pickles. Additional probiotics are a great idea for everyone with a compromised digestion. For those who suspect low levels of HCL, apple cider vinegar has a very low pH and can help balance the pH of the stomach.
That brings me to herbs! Most cultures around the world have a history of starting meals with the taste of something bitters: a arugula salad or a campari shot, for example. The taste of bitter on the tongue stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, in particular bile. Gal is necessary for the emulsion of fats (think of pre-digestible fats to be further demolished by digestive enzymes). The problem is that we as a society are driven away from consuming bitter foods.
Herbal infections of bitters offer a simple alternative. Herbs such as Gentian, Oregon Grape Root and Orange Peel are known for their bitter taste. By supporting Gal’s secretion, bitterters support the health of the liver and gallbladder. They can also support a healthy weight. Oregon grape root also supports a healthy microbial balance in the intestine. By supporting the digestion of fats, fat -soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, E and K are better absorbed.
So start your meals with bitters to start your digestive system! But what if you get digging monitor after after a meal? In optimum health it can take about twenty minutes to digest a capsule or tablet, but with compromised conditions it can take longer. Liquid extracts offer relief in-the-moment! The blood vessels under the tongue are close to the surface and quickly pull the ingredients of the herbs into the bloodstream. Liquids can be absorbed faster than capsules or tablets, which can be extra work for the body to break down. Conventional products for digestion often aggravate the situation in the long term or interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Just as we can experience inflammation in different parts of the body, the gastrointestinal tract can also be red, hot and inflamed. In Chinese medicine, the standard approach is to apply the opposite: something cools. Peppermint is a digestive herb that offers a cool and soothing effect for the intestine. Windliness can be embarrassing. The parapet of fennel illuminates gas and a bloated feeling. Fennel is not only a wonderful vegetable, but a beautiful digestive herb that has been used for centuries as a post-meal digestion.
Ginger is perhaps the most famous digestive food and herb. It stimulates enzyme production and can help with the correct degradation of foods, in particular fats. Catnip has long been used for digestion. Although we usually consider it a catnip that makes cats crazy, catnip is very calming for people, especially for digestion. Digestion starts with the food we eat. Liquid herbal extracts are foods with powerful tonic effects for the digestive system. They quickly offer relief while the digestive process is strengthened and optimal health in our late years.
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Writer Danielle Cicak is the sales representative of Noord -Colorado and Wyoming and regional educator for Wishgarden Herbs in Louisville, Colorado. In 2003, Danielle started working her career in the supplement gangs with Natural Grocers. Inspired to help others with their health and well -being, she followed a training in holistic diet of the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado. As a Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT), Danielle served as a food health coach (NHC) before he improved to become the NHC development specialist where it led and developed the NHC training program for natural grocers. As a resident of Colorado, Danielle is delighted to work with another local, family business that promotes health and activism through education: Wishgarden Herbs! In her spare time she likes to spend time with family and friends, creating healthy dishes in her kitchen and enjoying the beauty that Colorado has to offer!
Only for educational purposes. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or to sell a product.
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