Herbs, Plants and food, Oh my! It is all natures medicine and is right at our fingertips!
All cited information will be updated soon
Alongside lifestyle changes herbs can add so much healing to your body, mind, and spirit. Some herbs can interact with medications so always check with your doctor before adding any herb or supplement to your diet.
I always like to say that food is medicine and it really is. Many medications we have today we have food, plants, and herbs to thank for. Willow tree bark is natures aspirin it contains a compound called salicin that acts like aspirin. It can be significantly more gentle on the stomach when used properly.
The reason that I love utilizing more herbs, plants and foods as medicine for myself is having the opportunity to use nature to heal nature. I see us as one with the earth we are put on and we have been given the recourses we need all around us. I will say though, if you broke your arm go to the ER.
Some ways that I have been working on healing my gut health lately involve herbs! I begin the day with greek yogurt, granola and blueberries. Greek yogurt is full of probiotics that are beneficial bacteria that live in our guts. An imbalance in the good bacteria in our gut can lead to diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight gain, depression, anxiety and so much more. Starting the day with supportive foods lays the groundwork to begin healing. On days that I choose a breakfast like oatmeal, or protein pancakes I will take a probiotic supplement.
I then take 2 tumeric capsules, selenium, and cordyceps. Turmeric helps fight inflammation in the body and gut permeability. Turmeric can be taken as a capsule supplement or added as a seasoning to food dishes. If you are someone who does indulge in a lovely chicken tikka masala, be sure to note how much turmeric you are ingesting as too much of a good thing is not always a great thing. Selenium is a mineral that helps clear the body of oxidative stress and heal the body on a cellular level. Typically people do get enough from their diet alone but as I have hypothyroidism it is beneficial for me to take a small dose every other day. Finally cordyceps is a beneficial fungi that acts as an antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It helps aid in immune health as well as overall wellbeing.
Throughout the day I make sure to eat several different types of fiber, coming from fruits, veggies and foods like rice. Most Americans are deficient in fiber as opposed to protein which is what the typical answer is for nutrient deficiency in america. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and makes sure that everything moves smoothly together through the bowel. Proper Fiber intake can also aid in weight loss as it prevents the bowel from absorbing increased amounts of carbs. Too much fiber can cause blockages though so refrain from supplementing fiber in the diet and try to get all from food sources.
In the evening I take oregano oil, NAC, Vivex extract and . Oregano oil is so helpful to gut health as it is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and can treat small bacterial overgrowth. It is also shown to lower cholesterol and is an anti-inflammatory. NAC is N-acetyl cysteine, which is an amino acid a building block for protein. This particular amino acid is a very strong antioxidant that helps protect the kidneys and liver. It helps regulate the neurotransmitter glutamate and this in turn helps brain health and mental health. It has been shown in recent studies to help aid in addiction recovery and substance abuse like nicotine by reducing cravings. It is also shown to help with respiratory health, reproductive health and combat Alzheimer's disease. (goodson)
After adjusting my dietary habits and adding these herbs and supplements to my daily routine, I have already felt the difference after 2 weeks. I went from having bowel movements maybe every 2-3 days to once a day. I have noticeable decrease in bloating and more energy! I am so excited to continue and update after 3 months!
Goodson, A. (n.d.). Top 9 benefits of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
Comentarios