Holistic therapist advice for digestive problems & gut health.
A day in the life as a holistic therapist.
Body, mind, and spirit are all interconnected!
I have lots of conversations within my working day with my clients about all different ailments and symptoms that they struggle with, and I try to help them with options of natural remedies, explain how different therapies may help, nutritional ideas, lifestyle changes, wellbeing choices and anything else that may holistic life coaching, therapist brain can think of.
Digestion problems and gut health affects a lot of people.
There are many different ideas and solutions that can help, discovering what may be the root cause first identifies where to start!
Emotional, stress, physical, hormonal, mental and lifestyle?
Stress is usually a key player in digestive problems, recommending relaxation techniques can help but identifying what the stressors are and exploring different ways to cope with them can create new behaviour, choices, and changes to eliminate the stressors for long term wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing and digestive health go hand in hand.
I always recommend rescue remedy for stress relief and a feeling of calmness; it has been an amazing part of my life and has definitely rescued me through small traumas to major disasters!
My answer to most digestive problems is Aloe vera juice, it has worked for me and my family for over 20 years, it not only boosts our immune system but helps in settling stomach problems too.
Relaxation can calm the stomach and improve gut health, massage & holistic therapies, meditation, mindfulness, listening to music, spa bath experience.
Reflexology can work straight onto the digestive system, and this has been a very positive therapy for my clients who suffer with IBS, indigestion, heart burn and many other gut health problems, it is also very relaxing to experience.
Reiki is a beautiful therapy to experience, feels calming and peaceful, a subtle yet powerful therapy in that the balancing, healing, harmonising of the chakras and energies of the body become in alignment, shifting blocks and energising.
Breathing exercises can reduce anxiety that can cause digestion discomfort.
Acupuncture by targeting specific points and relieve symptoms.
Massage therapy, Ampuku abdominal massage can stimulate digestion and relieve discomfort by promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Nutritional advice.
Recommending food that can promote digestive health.
Fibre rich fruit and vegetables, wholegrains. Lean proteins and healthy fats.
Eliminate foods that may be causing sensitivity and discomfort like gluten or dairy.
Herbal remedies, ginger, chamomile, peppermint to soothe digestive issues.
Teas and tinctures to ease bloating and indigestion.
Hydration is crucial for digestion and wellbeing.
Hormonal changes, stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, these hormones can alter digestive processes, slowing down digestion or causing inflammation.
Increased acid production - increased stress levels can lead to higher acid production, resulting in heartburn, acid reflux, or upset stomach.
Educate how the digestive system works to empower your clients to make informed choices about lifestyle and diet.
The gut is the second brain, a complex network of nerves that communicate with the brain. Stress can disrupt this communication that can lead to digestive problems.
Mindful eating, eating small amounts and slowly in a calm quiet restful environment can help digestion.
Yoga is amazing at helping the digestive system as can a lifestyle incorporating movement and exercises, so preventing a sluggish digestive system.
Following your meridian clock and not eating too late before bed to allow your digestive system to work well.
Foods for stress relief.
Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, they are rich in magnesium which can help regulate cortisol levels (stress hormone)
Berries, blueberries, strawberries are rich in vitamin c, helps combat stress by reducing inflammation.
Nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium which support brain health and reduce anxiety.
Dark chocolate- lower stress hormone and improve mood.
Fatty fish- salmon, mackerel, sardines rich in omega 3 fatty acids which can help reduce anxiety and improve brain health.
Fibre rich fruit and vegetables – Apples, pears, broccoli, carrots are high in fibre leading to regular digestion.
Fermented food, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut contain probiotics can promote healthy gut microbiome. In Ayurvedic medicine they treat fermented foods with caution as can be considered heavy and difficult to digest and may lead to gas, bloating or discomfort, so introduce in small amounts and observe how your body reacts.
Other options to think about.
Homeopathy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, depending on your symptoms and personal characteristics you choose your appropriate remedy with advice.
Here are some remedies to think about.
· Nux Vomica - can help indigestion, bloating, constipation and help in overindulgence to food or alcohol, the symptoms are cravings, irritability, and a sensation of fullness.
· Belladonna - for sudden stomach cramps, colicky pain, and digestive distress. Symptoms of intense pain that causes restlessness and anxiety, often a flushed face.
· Pulsatilla- For digestive upset with changes in diet, particularly fatty or rich foods. Symptoms in changeable appetite, often helped with fresh air and gentle motion.
Supplements
Milk thistle, supports liver health but also supports digestion, bloating and gas, detoxification, gallbladder health, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
Probiotics- live bacteria.
Prebiotics – feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Ginger
Peppermint oil
Turmeric.
I love trying to help all my clients on a deeper level , looking at them as unique, individuals who need their own remedy, lifestyle change, nutritional guidance and holistic life coaching.
I hope this blog helps someone .
Written with love
Lindsay