Foods for Better Digestion

If you have been struggling with digestion problems, it might not be a medical condition, but actually from the types of foods you are eating. There are certain foods that are really good for digestion, and others that can be harder on the body.

When it comes to digestion, there are many factors that could contribute to improved digestive health.  Living a healthy lifestyle is a big factor.  A lifestyle that includes mindful eating, stress management and rest, staying hydrated and movement.  One of the biggest factors starts with the food consumed.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn or feeling the need to always rush to the bathroom, you may want to try some of the foods below.  Reflecting on your current lifestyle and looking at areas for adjustment may help as well.

Below are some healthy examples of foods that can help aid digestion and support improved health.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a really good food to add to your regular nutrition rotation. If you can have a cup of yogurt every day, you will soon notice how much better you feel. Yogurt is an excellent way to improve your digestion thanks to the healthy bacteria it contains. Many doctors will recommend yogurt if you have digestion issues since it is really good for your gut health. What you want to look for is yogurt that contains live and active cultures, since this is what truly helps with your digestion. Try to avoid the yogurt that is simply filled with sugar and not much nutrients.

Personally, I love goat yogurt because it supports my gut health.  You can also choose from greek yogurt or other options of choice.  I love topping mine with fruit and low sugar granola or fruit and chia seeds.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a superfood and also happen to be really good for your digestion. These seeds are a superfood because of how many nutrients they contain. These super seeds provide tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also have omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, both of which are great for improving your digestion and helping things move more smoothly. The nutrients in chia seeds can also help with regulating bowl function, reducing inflammation in your body, and lowering your cholesterol. All you need are a couple tablespoons of the seeds each day, which are easy to add to smoothies, yogurt, or topping on salads.  Some people choose to mix them with water and drink a chia drink.  Note: They will expand with liquid.

Lean Protein

Don’t forget about lean protein, including poultry and fish. These foods contain nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, without increasing sugar and other ingredients you don’t need in your foods. Lean protein is a lot easier to digest than red meat, so going for salmon or chicken is a much better option for your gut health than steak.  If you’re craving steak or red meat, you may want to try bison.  A meat that is leaner and packed full of health nutrients.  To learn more about bison, I welcome you to check out my article here… Health Benefits of Bison

Bananas

If you are looking for fruit that is going to help with your digestion, go for bananas. These are amazing for you, packed with nutrients, and very easy to tolerate. Bananas are super easy on the stomach and often one of the only foods recommended when you have the flu or a serious illness because of how easy they are to tolerate. Try to eat at least one banana a day, whether you eat it on its own, spread on toast, or topped on your cereal.

These are some examples of digestive friendly foods.  Others you may want to add in as well are kefir (great for gut health too), leafy green vegetables, ginger and fiber rich foods.

As I mentioned, it may be a result of food options, lifestyle or a combination of both.  When I work with clients, we often look at lifestyle and nourishment.  Not sure if you’re eating the right foods that nourish your own beautiful bio-individuality?  I welcome you to join me for my  Fresh for Fall Reset which kicked off this week.  We are still adding ladies into the group and you’re welcome to love this fun community of women.   It’s an empowering experience to discover which foods support your unique body and which ones don’t serve you as well.

I welcome you to try one of my favorite fall recipes below.

Cheers to improved digestion and wellbeing!

 

 Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Parfait

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup yogurt (goat or vanilla greek yogurt)

1 chopped banana

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

 

DIRECTIONS:

Layer about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt on the bottom of a cup. Top with chopped banana and about ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice. Next top with another layer of Greek yogurt followed by the other ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice. Top with the final layer of Greek yogurt and serve. Enjoy! ?

 

XOXO,

Kim

Naturally Cleanse the Immune System

7 Ways to Naturally Cleanse the Immune System

The immune system is designed to work against diseases in your body. It has a resistive power that fights bad bacteria and viruses that can cause illness and sickness. The immune system is designed perfectly, but our negligence towards our health often weakens the system. If it is not properly cared for, it becomes so weak that even small illnesses like the flu or a cough can become severe. The immune system also becomes dirty by fighting too much bacteria. Cleaning is required to make it strong again. There are many ways to clean the immune system and boost its power.

This time of year, the seasons are changing.  We are approaching colder weather, darker days and stress.  The shift in the air often leads to illness, lowered immunity, depression and exhaustion.  Before we know it, the holidays are here.  A time for many to join family and friends, but also a time with added stress and poor nutrition choices.  Boosting and cleansing your immune system, naturally as it’s designed, is a great way to kick off the autumn season on a healthy foot.

 

Here are some of the ways to do it naturally.

1.  Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellowish spice used in many dishes in Asia. It has proven beneficial in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Very high in anti-toxicants, turmeric helps in fighting against free radical damage. Some studies have shown that an active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, supports the action of B cells, T cells, and natural virus killers in the body. This effect provides support to fight against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Add turmeric to your meals to keep your immune system powerful and clean.

2.  Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin. It helps to keep the immune system clean. Deficiency of Vitamin D results in a weak immune system and health problems. Vitamin D can be directly accessed from the sunlight but sun exposure has its own risks, so vitamin supplements are preferred. They are easily available and can be taken daily with no side effects. Vitamin D3 is preferred over D2.

3.  Beetroot:

Beetroot is a reddish vegetable with a lot of benefits for the immune system. It helps to restore your body’s PH balance with minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. These minerals have very strong detoxifying properties. The high content of pectin and betaine found in beetroot also works as an anti-toxicant against bacteria.

4.  Colloidal silver:

Colloidal silver has a history of cleaning uses. It has been used as a water purifier and to clean wounds and medical equipment. There is concern that colloidal silver is bad for skin and health because it turns the body bluish-gray. This is due to a substance called argyria. But argyria is actually a result of silver abuse and excess consumption. Colloidal silver is best for the purification of an immune system but should be taken in very small doses. “Silver Fuzion” is most recommended.

5.  A mixture of apple and ginger:

The combination of apple and ginger helps to clean the body. The best thing is that it is very easy to prepare and store. Combine eight ounces of organic or freshly pressed apple with one teaspoon of ginger. Mix them with a small amount of husk in it or blend it.

6.  Green tea:

Green tea can cleanse your immune system and make your skin fresh. It is tasty and can be made easily. It has many anti-toxicants that help to flush toxins from your body. In addition, green tea is rich in catechins that improve liver function.

7.  Lemonade Cleanser:

Lemon has natural cleansing properties. Although consuming lemon directly is slightly unpleasant, you can easily make a natural, healthy lemonade. Combine four tablespoons of lemon juice, a half teaspoon of maple syrup, and a half teaspoon of pepper in a ten ounces glass of water. Mix well. Drink it daily and you’ll notice a change in your immune system.

 

What are some natural ways that you like to boost your immune system and health?  I welcome your comments below.

Please share this post with anyone you know who may benefit.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Kim