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TRAINING SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONERS

Tips for Top Digestive Health

Mind those microbes – We can positively or negatively influence our microbial underworld which will respond to the diets we feed them. Feed them lots of refined sugars, carbs and unhealthy fats and they will not be happy. Feed them a wide array of real food including veg, berries, fermented foods, nuts, seeds, healthy fats and protein and they will thrive. The more colour in our diet the better and I don’t mean skittles! Essentially eat a rainbow every day for a rainbow of health benefits.

Know your food issues – Hidden food intolerance can cause misery and mine did for years. Since cutting my personal food kryptonite I took the stress off my digestion so my body could begin the process of healing. If you feel certain foods do not agree with you either get a food intolerance test or try an elimination diet avoiding the main culprits such as gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, eggs and soy for just 2 weeks and see how you feel.

Rest and digest – In this frantic world it’s no wonder so many people suffer with digestive complaints, IBS type symptoms being the most common. Eating on the run, standing up or when you feel ‘stressed’ is a sure way to affect digestive energy. The gut brain research is gaining huge momentum and understanding the role stress plays in shutting down digestion is key. Eating under stress is a recipe for disaster as it alters your microbial levels in the gut along with your guts nervous system. Just taking 10 minutes to sit and eat in a relaxed manner, making sure to chew well and then going for a gentle walk will do wonders for your digestion.

Sleep to heal – Without adequate sleep or good quality sleep we cannot product adequate melatonin and self-heal. Make your bedroom a technology free zone, get black out blinds, take and Epsom salts bath before bed, have a cup of calming herbal tea and to get those brains waves in healing mode listen to some guided meditation CD’s before bed.

karenwardKaren practices in Kinsale in Cork and can be contacted at karenwardhealth@gmail.com.

You can also follow Karen on Facebook.

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