Digestive issues can appear in a variety of forms from ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, allergies and an entire host of other ailments. Nutrition is a key, if not the most important component to having a healthy digestive track.
To begin the digestive process food enters in the mouth and is chewed by the teeth. The saliva aids in the first step in the digestive process where the food then passes through the esophagus on its way to the stomach where enzymes breakdown the food into chime – a semi liquid formation. From the stomach the food then moves to the small intestines where it is broken down further and enters into the bloodstream. The large intestines takes the remainder of the undigested food and moves it to the rectum and finally it is dispelled through the anus.
A nutritious diet is fairly simple to construct and maintain as well as being low cost. In general the composition of your diet should include the following:
1 Primary foods are high in dietary fiber and slow the absorption of the food. Primary foods should be consumed with the following guidelines in mind:
• 20% to 30% Whole Grains
• 20% to 30% Protein, tofu, tempeh and/or beans
2 Secondary foods stimulate elimination as they are high in Yen and are comprised of fresh or lightly cooked vegetables. Overcooking vegetables will eliminate most of the nutritional value. Eating too many fresh fruits may lead to weakness and fatigue due to overstimulation and over elimination. Secondary foods should be consumed at about 30% to 40% of an individual’s diet
3 Tertiary foods such as dairy, eggs and/or fruit should be 5% to 10% of an individual’s diet. Overeating fruit can overstimulation the pancreas and lead to fatigue and low energy. Oils and fats are also an essential part to the digestive system in that they help to burn stored body fat.
Indigestion and flatulence are signs that the body is not receiving the right mixture of substance. Should indigestion or flatulence occur, check for the following:
• Poor food intake
• Drinking too much water or liquids when eating
• Eating too many raw foods
• Eating too much food
Should these symptoms continue for an extended period of time the body can become out of balance and thus weaken the immune system. The entire digestive system from the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys to the pancreas may begin to experience failure and collapse. Once the body begins experience this type of breakdown, it is essential to reverse the signs by implementing a balanced and nutritious diet.
Being in balance requires a healthy and nutritious diet which as stated previously includes the 3 food types; Primary, Secondary & Tertiary foods. However, even when following such a strict regimen, there can be vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to poorly combined foods or over eliminative foods being consumed. For example if an individual eats too much meat protein they fail to absorb the nutrients from other foods being consumed. The absorption functions become separated in a high meat protein diet and adding vitamins and mineral is not likely to fix the problem.
Herbs are an essential component to a balanced diet as they assist in the digestion of nutrients and provide the vitamins and mineral required for the body to properly function. (Tierra, Michael) Kitchen spices play an integral part in proper digestion and assimilation of food products. For example kelp is noted to be integral for providing nutrients to the body, while parsley, dandelion and alfalfa offer some of the necessary vitamins the body needs to function. A few of the herbs that support a good digestion include:
• Fennel
• Cumin
• Ginger
• Mustard Seed
All three can be taken in pill formula or more than likely can be found in a spice rack. Fennel, mustard seed and ginger can also be found in a tea form.
Diet and nutrition are integral to staying healthy and living in balance. However, one must also look at not only what is being consumed, but the combination in which it is consumed as well as when the food is being consumed. Keeping these items in mind will assist the body to maintain harmony and to help itself heal.
References
Tierra, Michael, O.M.D., The Way of Herbs, New York, Pocket 1998
