Food as medicine!
As a nutritional practitioner I find there are occasions when we all need extra support to improve well-being, where specific nutrients, may be depleted. So by replenishing these nutrients we re-address the balance to help restore us back to health!
However, wherever I can I would start with food, as food can really act as medicine, it is also more readily available and more cost effective than taking supplements!
Here are some of my favourites, that I use most days:
Sometimes adding in herbs and spices creates more diversity for your gut bugs to thrive, they also improve flavour. Recent studies have shown that unprocessed herbs and spices can act as a prebiotic and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This in turn may improve the environment of the gut, by helping to create a greater diversity which will help to protect the immune system!
Ginger – freshly chopped and steeped in boiling water and keep topping up throughout the day is calming for the gut, and helps soothes the digestive tract by calming it down to encourage stool function, other benefits include, reducing symptoms of nausea as well as reducing inflammation.
Mint tea – ideally freshly dried and steeped in boiling water as a tea or I tend to take ‘Do terra’ Zen Gest (peppermint) capsules to relieve IBS or tummy pains or you can rub the pure essential oil on your tummy!
Cinnamon – I sprinkle it on my porridge daily! Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant to help fight inflammation, lowers cholesterol and is thought to help reduce sugar cravings to regulate blood sugar levels!
Dark Green Leafy vegetables or (Brassica’s) – I eat at least half a plate a day (as well as other vegetables) – such as: Broccoli, cabbage, spring greens, water-cress, rocket etc – Green vegetables contain beneficial vitamins and minerals as well as compounds such as sulphur. Therefore great for helping support liver function by supporting detoxification pathways, they also promote bile production to enable us to assimilate and digest fats and unwanted hormone metabolites that need to be excreted from the body to avoid developing hormone related diseases and diabetes, as well as encourage all round good Gut Health!
If you're experiencing symptoms, or have been affected by something in this article, please book in with me for a free 20 minute consultation on how I can help you.