Can gut health be restored? An expert talks about how diet can reduce digestive distress | Health News

Research shows that there are links between gut health and various aspects of overall health, including the immune system, mental health, cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, as well as endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders.

Naturopathy provides a balanced and comprehensive approach to maintaining wellness and treating digestive disorders by targeting the root causes and improving overall health.

New Delhi: The digestive system is a complex network that includes the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, liver and pancreas. Its main functions include breaking down food into smaller particles, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. When this system is disrupted or any part malfunctions, it can lead to various health issues such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, and serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Naturopathy offers a holistic solution to these problems by addressing the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Babina NM, Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute, spoke about how naturopathy can come to the rescue in times of distress.

“Nature is a holistic approach that emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself. He uses natural therapies and non-invasive methods to restore balance and improve overall well-being. When it comes to digestive health, naturopathy seeks to find and address the root causes of digestive issues rather than just relieving symptoms. This approach considers the physical, mental and emotional aspects of a person’s health to promote holistic healing and wellness,” said Dr. Babina.

The Importance of Gut Health

The gut plays a vital role in breaking down the foods we eat into simpler forms, allowing nutrients to be distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Maintaining a healthy gut is critical to this process. Research has shown links between gut health and various aspects of overall health, including the immune system, mental health, cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, as well as endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders.

Most of the bacteria in the human body live in the gut. This includes beneficial bacteria, immune cells, yeast, mold, and viruses, collectively known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome acts like a mini-ecosystem. When there is a balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria and other elements in this ecosystem, the body remains healthy and disease-free.

Factors such as diet, environment, medication use, stress, sleep and genetics affect a person’s gut microbiome. Since everyone is unique, so is their gut microbiome, which emphasizes the need for individualized personalized care.

How Naturopathy Restores Balance and Improves Gut Health

Naturopathy provides a holistic approach to healing the gut by addressing the root causes of digestive disorders and promoting overall wellness. Through natural treatments and lifestyle modifications, naturopathic practitioners aim to restore balance to the gastrointestinal system.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are central to naturopathic treatment for digestive disorders. Practitioners emphasize the importance of a healthy and supportive diet in maintaining optimal gut health. Key recommendations include:

1. Eliminate Trigger Foods: Processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol can make digestive symptoms worse. Reducing or eliminating these from the diet can give significant relief.
2. Probiotic Rich Foods: Incorporate foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi that contain beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut microbiome.
3. All-Based Diet: Emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats are encouraged.

A personalized and balanced diet can help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and promote overall gut health.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicines have long been used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. Naturopathic practitioners may prescribe specific herbs to address digestive issues. Commonly used herbs include:

1. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and relieve nausea.
2. Chamomile: Soothes the digestive system and helps reduce inflammation and discomfort.
3. peppermint: It helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
4. Slippery Elm: It forms a gel-like soothing substance when mixed with water, which protects the digestive tract and relieves symptoms.
5. Licorice: Provides a protective coating for the lining of the stomach, promotes healing and reduces the symptoms of gastritis and ulcers.

These remedies can be administered in different forms, such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications

Naturopathy emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to promote digestive health. Implementing the following modifications can have a positive impact on bowel function:

1. Mindful Food: Eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and paying attention to hunger and satiety cues can help digestion and prevent overeating.
2. Regular Physical Activity: Regular moderate exercise can improve digestion and promote overall well-being.
3. Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for optimal gut health. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Incorporating these lifestyle changes can support the digestive system and improve overall wellness.

Stress Management

Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health by disrupting the gut-brain axis. Naturopathic approaches include stress management techniques to alleviate the effects of stress on the digestive system. Effective techniques include:

1. Deep breathing exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can activate the relaxation response and reduce stress levels.
2. Careful Practices: Mindful meditation or mentally stimulating activities, such as yoga or tai chi, can relieve stress.
3. Activities That Reduce Stress: Spending time in nature, practicing a hobby, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can have a positive impact on gut health.

By integrating stress management techniques into daily life, individuals can lower stress levels and support their digestive system.

Yoga for Gut Health

Yoga is particularly beneficial in a naturopathic approach to gut health. It helps improve digestion, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Specific yoga poses and practices can:

1. Stimulate the digestive tract: Movements such as twists and forward bends can massage and stimulate the digestive organs, promoting better digestion and elimination.
2. Increased Blood Flow to Digestive Organs: Yoga improves circulation, which helps nourish the digestive organs and improves their function.
3. Promoting Tranquility: Yoga encourages deep breathing and relaxation, reducing stress and its negative impact on the digestive system.
4. Improve Overall Health: A regular yoga practice supports a balanced lifestyle, contributing to better gut health and overall well-being.

Incorporating yoga into daily routines can greatly benefit gut health and contributes to a holistic approach to wellness.

Conclusion

Naturopathy provides a balanced and comprehensive approach to maintaining wellness and treating digestive disorders by targeting the root causes and improving overall health. Through dietary adjustments, herbal treatments, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques, individuals can achieve better gut health, reduced inflammation, improved nutrient absorption, and a stronger immune system. By adopting naturopathic principles individuals can find relief and achieve sustainable healing for their digestive issues, leading to lasting wellness and harmony within the body.