Improve Your Digestion

 

We know that some foods help to make us healthy while others do the opposite. Whilst we are also more aware than ever of what these foods are, the number of people suffering from digestive problems is increasing. Bloating, cramps, indigestion, rushing to the loo - it can all get very frustrating not knowing what to do other than pop a pill, which of course isn’t the answer. Focusing on a good diet will certainly help, but people’s impressions of what constitutes a good diet varies.

There are some foods which are essential to include: The “five a day” scheme was a good start but nowhere near enough; you should be aiming for at least ten a day, including about 30% raw food (uncooked vegetables, salads, fruits, nuts and seeds all constitute raw foods). Interest in raw food in America is growing considerably, perhaps due to the claims of anti-ageing properties due to their high levels of antioxidants. Raw foods are great in that they are packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Our body needs enzymes to help break down foods and we don’t get nearly enough from our diet unless of course we eat a lot of healthy raw foods. Enzymes are easily de-natured when food is cooked so I recommend having a side salad with every meal. Even better, eat some raw carrot or celery sticks before your meal to get the digestive system ready for digestion.

We don’t take heed of this much in the West - prepping the digestive system. Ayurvedic Medicine, the Indian Traditional Medicine recommends getting the digestive fire going before eating, a bit like preparing the oven before baking, and one thing that you can do to help is drink ginger tea as well as munching on your raw foods before meals. Eat slowly, chew well and relax whilst eating is a mantra I tell all my patients to recite until they do it without thinking. It really makes a difference - just think that you’ll not wolf your food down so quickly and you may even eat less. Cumulatively that could help you lose weight too!

Eating raw food will also help you to eliminate well. If the bowel is sluggish it is easy for food to ferment and create wind or allow toxins to be absorbed into the bloodstream causing problems like headaches, congestion, allergies and a whole host of other problems. Many raw foods are rich in fibre and can help the bowel move. Linseeds are particularly good at this - a teaspoonful can easily be added to breakfast.

When thinking good health, think good digestion and consider three key things (1) The food which goes in, i.e. your diet; (2) How well is it being processed; (3) How well are you eliminating. By focussing on these three areas you’ll certainly be a long way down the road to good health.

Read more about raw foods by subscribing to our e-newsletter at www.rumanahealth.com

If you would like to know more about Complementary Therapies being used within the NHS, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough are holding a conference on Friday 28th September 07. Visit www.conferencessouthtees.co.uk for more info.

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

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