Tips to Improve Your Digestive Health

Written By Halo Chiropractic

What is the digestive system?

The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder). Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller and smaller components, until they can be absorbed and transported into the body. Food plays an essential role in normal cellular processes; however, certain foods may also trigger inflammation and create irritation in the body.

We all know we are what we eat but have you really thought about this further?

Are you aware that not only do foods influence weight gain and energy but it also can affect gut flora, inflammation, healing, as well as how our brain functions? Food you eat also plays an important role in the balance of good and bad gut bacteria. For example, a high-sugar and high-fat diet influences the gut bacteria negatively, allowing harmful species to overgrow. Poor gut flora will require more energy to drive the system and can make you feel sluggish, irritable and may even create brain fog – not to mention gas, wind, bloating, reflux, heartburn, IBS. We all know the food coma feeling after eating a large bowl of pasta. Once you regularly feed the wrong bacteria, they are able to grow faster and colonize more easily, without as many helpful bacteria to prevent them from doing so. Then you get an overgrowth of poor bacteria in the gut.

How Do Probiotics & Prebiotics Help?

This is where probiotics and prebiotics come into play. Probiotics are living microorganisms, typically yeasts and bacteria. There are many different types of these microorganism, all of which have differing functioning in the body. Probiotics have been used for many years as alternative treatments for anxiety and depression, as well as helping with gas, bloating, gut flora and immune system. Studies have also shown maternal mothers who took probiotics during pregnancy influenced babies gut flora and decreased inflammation in placenta and neonatal gut. Prebiotics differ to probiotics in the sense that they promote the growth and/or activity of the beneficial microorganisms, usually in the gastrointestinal tract. Think of prebiotics as the fertiliser to feed the probiotic bacteria.

Prebiotics can be found in:


  • Legumes, beans & peas;

  • Dandelion greens

  • Garlic

  • Leeks

  • Onions

  • Oats

  • Bananas

  • Berries

  • Asparagus

We need to be mindful of how we are affecting our gut flora in everyday life; in the quality and type of food we eat and whether these foods have been treated with pesticides.

Why does your chiropractor care about your digestive system?

• Poor digestion & dietary choices can be a reason for chronic inflammation & may be related to ongoing joint & muscles pains;
• Your healing and results may be influenced by your diet & digestive system;
• Improving diet & digestion may help the healing process;
• Chiropractors look at the whole picture of health and have a holistic viewpoint; We understand the vital connection of physical, chemical and emotional triggers to health as well as define our recommendations based on these 3 areas.
• Chiropractic care focuses on restoring improve nervous system function & your nervous system controls all systems in your body

What can we do about our gut health?

Lifestyle changes:
> Try participating in regular physical exercise – such as a brief walk or Yoga;
> As hard as it may seem, cutting back on caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines;
> Using your palm size as a guide – eat smaller meals;
> Find ways to minimizing stress – adjustments may also help with this & meditating;
> Don’t forget to sit up STRAIGHT by keeping posture in check;
> Begin taking probiotics – Recent microbiology studies demonstrated differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota between patients with IBS and healthy individuals. In addition, physiological studies have shown that manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by antibiotics, prebiotics, or probiotics can affect intestinal functions (eg, motility and sensation) relevant in the pathogenesis of IBS.
> No more take away – avoid deep-fried or spicy foods.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH – ULTRA FLORA RESTORE

Presented by your Halo Chiropractors

With a combined 40 years experience serving the Essendon & Caroline Springs area, Chiropractors Mario & Andrea Ferraro know good health. At Halo Wellness & Chiropractic, you are not a number - we offer end to end health care solutions to help you get healthy & stay healthy.

This article is for general information purposes only & does not form full medical diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing pain, or significant digestive complaints, a proper consultation with you health care provider should be performed.

Halo Chiropractic
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