Natural Remedies for Gut Health

​As you have seen from this week’s posts, gut health is so important to our health generally. Reflexology helps with metabolism, immunity and gut motility but I would not be a very good therapist if I did not provide information to help between sessions.
Understanding the symptoms of an unhealthy gut will help you make decisions about changes in your diet or lifestyle. Imbalances to the “good bacteria” can lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea. Other imbalances lead to indigestion and heartburn, poor sleep, weight gain or weight loss (without trying), eczema or food intolerances.
There are many natural ways to help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Reducing stress can help enormously. Stress increases the body’s inflammatory response causing greater chance of stomach ulcers, autoimmune conditions, general infections. Whilst it is easy for me to say that you need to reduce stress, I appreciate it is not always possible. So, in addition to regular reflexology sessions, decreasing your caffeine intake, yoga, mindfulness, essential oils such as lavender can help.
Getting a good night’s sleep can also help. Switching off phones/tablets/tv an hour before bed can help the brain switch off. Get a nighttime routine established. Warm bath, subdued lighting, good book, whatever helps to prepare your body for sleep. Again, lavender oil/pillow mist can help send you to the land of nod.
Taking a probiotic and pre-biotic supplement will help boost the good bacteria. Avoiding high sugar and processed foods in your diet will also help.
The biggest piece of advice I would also give is to drink plenty of water. Keeping hydrated will help avoid constipation. The body needs fluid to work effectively. The body is made up of approximately 60% water. Drinking 2 litres a day is recommended but you need to add extra during hot weather, after exercise, or if you have an infection.
We all know about eating a balanced diet but I’m not a nutritionist! However, I hope these tips will help.