It’s easy to ignore our digestive systems unless we have a specific problem. Perhaps you’re suffering from indigestion so you may buy an over-the-counter antacid or try a sugary syrup for constipation. These just mask the problem.
Healthy digestion is essential to fully absorb nutrients. The danger is that we end up de-energised, under the weather and, at worst, are at risk of developing chronic illness as the digestive systems fails to delivery what is necessary to repair, maintain and uphold our day-to-day health.
We tend not to talk about it, but our intestine is responsible for much more than just eating and bowel movements.
- It has more nerve cells than our entire spinal cord
- It accounts for 75% of our body's immune system
- It houses 400 species of microbes and 100 trillion bacteria
Dr Thomas Rau, from the internationally renowned Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland, has found a strong collation between cancer and unhealthy digestive bacteria and it’s because of his deep knowledge that I always take my probiotics and go for colonic irrigation twice a year.
How can we help our digestive health?
Regular consumption of foods such as ginger can really support your gut health, as can good quality probiotics from your local health food store.
Research has shown that wheatgrass juice can be beneficial for digestive issues, too. Despite the name, wheatgrass contains no wheat (and therefore no gluten), making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance. A detailed study of patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease found that the nutrients in wheatgrass juice may support repair and stop internal bleeding.