Wellness Tea Pairings for Digestion
August is National Wellness Month and we are starting it off right! If you haven't seen our social posts, they will be linked below for you!
This blog is about our Wellness Tea Pairings for Digestion! We are going to look into which teas and herbs are best for digestion as well as some tips and tricks that will help simplify and improve your wellness journey!
How can Herbs Help with Digestion?
Herbs have been helping with digestion for a long time. They're great for easing stomach troubles and boosting overall gut health. Many herbs work by kickstarting our body's natural digestive juices, which help break down food so we can absorb the nutrients.
Take ginger, for example. It's famous for calming an upset stomach and easing nausea. Peppermint is another good one - it can relax the muscles in your gut, which helps with bloating and gas. Fennel and caraway are also helpful for getting rid of gas and preventing it from building up in the first place.
Some herbs have a bitter taste, like dandelion and burdock root. These are actually really good for digestion because they get your digestive juices flowing even before you eat. This sets up your system to handle food better and get more nutrients from it.
Then there are herbs like chamomile and licorice root. These are great for soothing your digestive tract if it's irritated or inflamed. They can be especially helpful if you deal with things like heartburn or an upset stomach. Chamomile, in particular, is often used to calm the stomach and help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is renowned for its digestive benefits due to its active compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, facilitating the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. It helps in alleviating nausea and vomiting, making it particularly effective for motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger also has carminative properties, which reduce bloating and gas by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract's muscles.
Peppermint
Peppermint is highly effective for digestion due to its natural antispasmodic properties, which help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. The menthol in peppermint stimulates bile flow, enhancing the body's ability to digest fats more efficiently. Peppermint also has carminative properties that facilitate the expulsion of gas, reducing discomfort from indigestion and flatulence.
Licorice Root
Licorice root aids digestion primarily through its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help protect and heal the stomach lining. The compound glycyrrhizin found in licorice root reduces inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, making it effective for conditions like gastritis and acid reflux. Additionally, licorice root stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach, which forms a protective barrier against stomach acid, promoting the healing of ulcers and preventing further damage. Its mild laxative effect can also help alleviate constipation by promoting bowel movements.
Tips and Tricks for Digestion
Mindful Walking
Post-Meal Walk
Take a gentle walk after meals to aid digestion and prevent discomfort. Walking helps food move through the digestive tract, reducing bloating and indigestion. Focus on deep, rhythmic breathing to relax abdominal muscles and enhance digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and boost metabolism.
Walking Meditation
Practice mindful walking meditation by paying attention to each step and breath. This reduces stress, which can improve digestion. Slow, deliberate walking promotes calm and relaxation, aiding the digestive process and enhancing overall well-being.
Bring a nice cup of Organic Tummy Balance for a more soothing experience.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for overall health and plays a crucial role in maintaining proper digestive function. Engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming helps stimulate the digestive system, promoting efficient movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract and reducing the risk of constipation and bloating. These activities enhance blood circulation to the digestive organs, improving their function and efficiency.
Incorporating gentle stretching or yoga into your routine can further support digestion. These practices not only aid in relaxation but also help massage the internal organs, encouraging digestive juices' flow and reducing stress, which is often a contributing factor to digestive issues. Specific yoga poses, like twists and forward bends, are particularly beneficial as they stimulate the digestive organs and can alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
Regular Meal Times
Maintaining regular meal times helps establish a natural digestive rhythm, aiding efficient nutrient absorption. Eating smaller, frequent meals throughout the day prevents digestive discomfort like bloating and indigestion by avoiding overloading the digestive system. Incorporating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi supports a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing digestion and overall health. This balanced approach to eating promotes optimal digestion, steady energy levels, and long-term well-being.
Eating Mindfully
Eating slowly and mindfully, paying close attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues, is essential for good digestive health. When you take the time to chew your food thoroughly, it helps break down the food into smaller pieces, making it easier for your digestive system to process and absorb nutrients efficiently. This practice also prevents overeating, as it allows your brain enough time to register when you are full, reducing the likelihood of consuming more than your body needs.
Portion control plays a significant role in preventing overeating and digestive discomfort. By managing the amount of food on your plate, you can avoid overburdening your digestive system, which can lead to issues like bloating and indigestion. Being mindful of portion sizes helps you maintain a balanced diet and promotes better overall digestion.
Yoga for Digestion
Twisting Poses
Yoga poses like Seated Spinal Twist, Revolved Triangle Pose, and Supine Twist stimulate digestion and relieve bloating by compressing and massaging the internal organs. These twists enhance blood flow and promote efficient movement of food and waste through the digestive tract, alleviating discomfort and supporting overall digestive health.
Try our Organic Healthy Colon Tea to soothe your digestive tract!
Forward Folds
Forward folds such as Forward Bend and Child’s Pose gently massage the abdominal organs, promoting digestive health. Forward Bend compresses the abdomen, stimulating the digestive organs, while Child’s Pose provides a gentle massage and reduces bloating. These poses also encourage relaxation, benefiting overall digestion.
Balanced Diet
A fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is key for digestive health. Foods like apples, berries, leafy greens, and oats promote regularity by providing soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber softens stool and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and aids bowel movement. Avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners, as they can disrupt gut bacteria and cause digestive issues like bloating and constipation. Focusing on natural, whole foods supports a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
