Daily Digest on Digestion
This past weekend, I did a lot of sh*t talking (keeping it PG here for ya) and that wasn’t just because of the Super Bowl!
No, I mean, I was legitimately talking about sh*t! Gross topic? Yeah. Uncomfortable discussion? For sure. TMI? Probably. Important conversation to have? You bet.
The digestive system is very essential to the body, and any problems with it can cause a lot of discomfort. So, while the topic itself can be uncomfortable and not our favorite to talk about, the digestive troubles we all eventually face are even more so. In these moments, we need to know how to remedy the situation
Improving digestive function can very well be one of the most important steps to take in regards to improving your overall health, and luckily it is one of the easiest if you follow the right protocol!
Let’s talk about some little steps for making big improvement!
If you’ve ever faced digestive issues, you’ve likely heard (multiple times) the same “tips” from a doctor:
eat more fiber, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, be active.
I most certainly heard these tips about a dozen times. This is because I’ve been, let’s call it “digestively challenged”, ever since I was an infant. Food would go in, but it would rarely go out.
This problem has continued all my life. It became the norm for me to only have anywhere from 1-3 “movements” a week. If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, you know how terrible this can make you feel internally: bloated, sluggish, HEAVY, and all around uncomfortable.
Because of this, I fell into a cycle of needing over-the-counter stool softeners and natural laxatives daily to somewhat improve the frequency, but eventually it got to the point where those weren’t doing anything either. This was a red flag for me.
Every time I would go to a doctor, I would bring this problem up, and every time, I would get the same handful of tips: water, fiber, fruits, veggies, workout.
Well, I drink a gallon or so of water a day, I watch my fiber intake daily to make sure I’m getting enough, but not too much (as too much can cause just as many problems as not enough- fiber is a tricky thing), my diet consists of plenty of fruits and veggies- for sure more than the average American, and all I do is workout! And, guess what? Still backed up.
When I’d tell doctors this, I’d get the next unhelpful tip: take a probiotic or eat yogurt. I’ve tried multiple probiotics, I eat yogurt almost every day and even gave the “Activia” yogurts a shot for a while-- no improvement.
With no luck through my dietary choices, active lifestyle, or any probiotics/stool softeners, I just accepted the fact that this is just how my body operates and that’s that. I’ve embraced it so much that all my family and close friends know my struggles and love to joke with me about being “full of sh*t”.
About 4 or 5 years ago, Santa brought me a Nutri-Bullet for Christmas (thanks, Mom!). Excited to start using it, I began researching drink recipes. It was then that I discovered a few recipes for regularity. I immediately stopped taking my daily stool softeners/laxatives-- something I’ve always wanted to do because, like I said, I saw some red flags and knew it was not good to rely on them like that-- and starting playing around with some natural remedies via daily drinks which I lovingly call my “sh*t shakes”.
It wasn’t a quick fix, and it has taken a lot of trial and error, but I'm happy to say I’ve finally found some winning ingredients that can do the trick for almost all tummy troubles (and I haven't needed to go back to stool softeners or laxatives in years!!) !
Natural Remedies to Treat Digestive Issues
1.) Ginger
Ideal for preventing and reducing nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea.
Chew on a few small, fresh pieces after a meal, grate and simmer in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then strain and drink the water, or mix powdered ginger in with hot water or smoothies to reap the benefits.
2.) Apple Cider Vinegar
Used to improve digestion and treat problems like indigestion, gas, bloating, stomach aches and heartburn.
Dilute with water and drink a shot every morning to prevent any digestion problems, mix in with warm water and honey and sip like tea, drink water/ACV mixture after meals that leave you feeling bloated, gassy, or nauseous to relieve symptoms, start using on salads for dressing, or mix into smoothie/shake to maintain a healthy digestive system.
3.) Peppermint
Peppermint oil reduces IBS symptoms and indigestion.
Mix a small drop of peppermint oil (mixed with lemon and ginger for extra digestive powers) with hot water or dilute with cold water and drink to soothe an upset stomach.
4.) Digestive Enzymes
Break down foods to increase the body’s levels of digestion. Causes less undigested food to pass through the colon and makes food nutrients more available for absorption.
Take within about 30 minutes of a meal to aid in digestion of that meal, or after to relieve symptoms of indigestion.
5.) Probiotics complex
Like I said, I’ve tried numerous probiotics. However, this combination of strands: CUL 60, 21, 20, 34, 61, 66, 63, 68, is the real-deal and the only combo that has helped me with regularity! Take daily as recommended. I typically do 1 in the morning before breakfast and 1 before bed.
6.) Fennel
Fennel seeds can be used to treat heartburn, indigestion and low stomach acidity, as well as bloating and gas.
Chew 1 tsp fennel seeds after a meal to aid in digestion or mix fennel seeds or fennel powder into a smoothie or shake daily.
7.) Turmeric
This anti-inflammatory spice can relieve gas and bloating.
Mix into smoothies or shakes or start incorporating more of this spice to your cooking.
8.) Magnesium supplement *more of a “last resort” for me*
Pulls water into the stool and relaxes the intestines to relieve constipation.
Take a magnesium supplement as directed. Taking after your last meal, before bed can ensure a movement by morning. Use cautiously as too much can cause new digestive problems such as diarrhea.
Plenty of great foods, spices, and supplements to play around with for any stomach/digestive issue! While they are great on their own, I find they work even better when you mix multiple together (like I do with my daily “sh*t shake”)!
So, whether you’re struggling just a little bit or a lot-a-bit, integrating some of these digestive remedies daily can certainly benefit you and your overall health in the long run!
I wish you all a lifetime full of regularity!
Sorry, but I had to include this somewhere in here ;)