DIGESTIVE TRACT
GOAL: Stop the irritation, soothe and health the gut, improve the diet, reduce stress, and then slowly restore proper function and digestive juice production.
Upper & Lower GI Tract
Esophagus, Stomach, Small & Large Intestine/Colon
The digestive system plays an essential role in breaking down your food for nutrient absorption into your blood stream. A lack of sensory response triggered by smell and sight creates dulled digestive function. The GI tract (stomach, intestines, colon) shuts down when you are stressed (fight-or-fight mode) therefore is a major cause to dulling the digestive process.
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The Stomach uses chyme (enzymes and stomach acid) to begin to breakdown the ingested food. The stomach (a.k.a. second brain) also acts as a front line of defense against disease. The gut has approximately 100 trillion beneficial bacteria (probiotics). These probiotics improve overall digestion and nutrient availability and also play a role in improving immune health and mood, decreasing inflammation and reducing the risk of chronic disease.
DIGESTIVE <--> SKIN: The main mode of exposure to your environment is through your food intake. The barrier separating your bloodstream from the world is “thinner than a sheet of paper” for the primary function of your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from foods & fluids. If the lining of the digestive tract was any thicker, nutrients will have difficulty passing through. Our skin cells and tissue are only as resilient as the nutrients they receive.
FOODS AND HERBS TO IMPLEMENT
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Fibers (whole grains, starch vegetables, legumes, seeds)
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Lemon zest/ juice
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Green veggies
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Bitters Activates the digestion process, using peristalsis (movement of the stomach that moves everything ingested along) aid with bowel movements. Has the ability to modulate weak or excessive appetite and weight as well as stimulating weak appetites, curbing cravings (especially sweets). Artichoke, Turmeric, Ginger, Tamarind, Orange Peel, Bitter salad greens, Chamomile, Holy Basil, Lemon Balm