Can your gut health be restored? Expert explains how diet can help ease indigestion | Health News

Research has found links between gut health and many aspects of overall health, including the immune system, mental health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

Naturopathy offers a balanced and comprehensive approach to maintaining health and treating digestive disorders by targeting the underlying causes and enhancing overall health.

New Delhi: The digestive system is a complex network made up of the stomach, large and small intestines, gallbladder, liver and pancreas. Its main functions are to break down food into small particles, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste products. When this system is disrupted or partially dysfunctional, it can cause a variety of health problems, including bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Naturopathy offers a holistic solution to these problems by addressing the underlying causes and not just the symptoms.

While interacting with News9Live, Dr Bhabina NM, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal NatureCure Institute, spoke about how naturopathic medicine can provide a helping hand during times of hardship.

“Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach that focuses on the body’s innate ability to heal itself, utilising natural therapies and non-invasive methods to restore balance and improve overall health. When it comes to digestive health, naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and address the root cause of digestive issues rather than simply relieving symptoms. This approach takes into account the physical, mental and emotional aspects of an individual’s health to promote holistic healing and wellness,” says Dr. Babina.

The Importance of Gut Health

Your gut plays a vital role in breaking down the food you eat into simpler forms and distributing nutrients throughout your body via your bloodstream. Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for this process. Research has found links between gut health and many aspects of overall health, including the immune system, mental health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

The majority of the body’s bacteria live in the gut. It contains beneficial bacteria, immune cells, yeast, mold, and viruses, collectively known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome acts like a little ecosystem. When there is a balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, and other elements in this ecosystem, the body stays healthy and disease-free.

An individual’s gut microbiome is influenced by factors such as diet, environment, medications, stress, sleep, genetics, etc. Every person is different, and so is every person’s gut microbiome, highlighting the need for personalized, individualized care.

How Natural Remedies Can Restore Balance and Boost Gut Health

Naturopathy offers a holistic approach to healing your gut by addressing the root causes of digestive disorders and promoting overall health. Naturopaths aim to restore balance to your gastrointestinal system through natural treatments and lifestyle changes.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are at the heart of naturopathic treatment of digestive disorders. Doctors emphasize the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet to maintain optimal gut health. Key recommendations include:

1. Eliminate trigger foods: Processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol can aggravate digestive symptoms. Reducing or eliminating these from your diet can greatly relieve symptoms.
2. Probiotic-rich foods: Include foods that contain beneficial bacteria that support healthy gut flora, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi.
3. Whole Food Based Diet: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats are encouraged.

A balanced, personalized diet can reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and promote overall gut health.

Herbs

Herbal remedies have long been used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic benefits. Naturopathic doctors may prescribe certain herbs to address digestive issues. Commonly used herbs include:

1. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and relieve nausea.
2. chamomile: It soothes the digestive system and reduces inflammation and discomfort.
3. peppermint: It relaxes the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, relieving IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
4. Ulmaceae: When mixed with water, it forms a soothing gel that protects the digestive tract and relieves symptoms.
5. licorice: It provides a protective coating to the stomach lining, promoting healing and reducing symptoms of gastritis and ulcers.

These remedies can be administered in a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules, depending on an individual’s specific needs and symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

Naturopathy emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to promote digestive health. Implementing the following changes can have a positive impact on bowel function:

1. Mindful Eating: Eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, and paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues can all help aid digestion and prevent overeating.
2. Regular physical activity: Regular moderate exercise improves digestion and promotes overall health.
3. Adequate sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for optimal gut health, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Adopting these lifestyle changes can help support your digestive system and improve your overall health.

Stress Management

Stress disrupts the brain-gut connection and can have serious effects on digestive health. Natural remedies include stress management techniques to reduce the effects of stress on the digestive system. Effective techniques include:

1. Deep breathing exercises: Breathing slowly and deeply activates the relaxation response and reduces stress levels.
2. Mindfulness Practice: Engaging in mindfulness meditation or activities that promote mindfulness, such as yoga or tai chi, can help reduce stress.
3. Stress reducing activities: Spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby, or taking part in activities that bring you joy and relaxation can have a positive impact on your gut health.

Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily life can help lower your stress levels and support your digestive system.

Yoga for Gut Health

Yoga is especially beneficial in a naturopathic approach to gut health, helping to improve digestion, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Specific yoga poses and practices can:

1. Irritating to the digestive tract: Poses such as twists and forward bends massage and stimulate the digestive system, promoting better digestion and elimination.
2. Increases blood flow to the digestive system: Yoga improves blood circulation, nourishes the digestive system and improves its functioning.
3. Promotes relaxation: Yoga encourages deep breathing and relaxation, reducing stress and reducing adverse effects on the digestive system.
4. Improved overall health: A regular yoga practice supports a balanced lifestyle and contributes to improved gut health and overall wellness.

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can have huge benefits for your gut health and contribute to a holistic approach to wellness.

Conclusion

Naturopathy offers a balanced and comprehensive approach to maintaining health and treating digestive disorders by targeting the underlying causes and enhancing overall health. Through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques, individuals can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and strengthen the immune system. By embracing naturopathic principles, individuals can achieve relief and lasting healing from digestive problems, leading to lasting health and harmony within the body.