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FEATUREGOODDIGESTION
Consultant pharmacist Sunil Kochhar dispenses valuable advice on
WHY GOOD DIGESTION
IS SO IMPORTANT
D
igestion is the process of breaking they are CHEW, CHEW and CHEW! This
down the food we eat into smaller means both slowly and thoroughly.
components that can be absorbed Chewing initiates the digestive process
into the bloodstream - and it is a process and minimises the strain on the stomach.
that’s easy to take for granted. With 26ft Drink plenty of water an hour after
of intestines from your mouth to your eating, as this will soften your food. Do
rectum, there is a lot that can go wrong! not drink too much while eating as this
There is a lot that you can do to promote may dilute your stomach enzymes and
good digestion. prevent efficient breakdown. Try diluting
We are usually born with a good some Aloe Vera juice with apple juice and
digestive system. But, unfortunately, it drink this whilst eating to aid stomach
becomes less effective as we age. As we protection as well as digestion.
pass 30, and enter our 40s and beyond, Please eat plenty of fibre - this is crucial.
digestive problems can manifest as diverse Also keep hydrated by drinking at least
conditions such as heartburn, constipation, 1.5 litres of water a day.
Candida, parasites and irritable bowel Probiotics are a natural choice to boost
syndrome. What’s worse, many of us your digestive power, whether it is
don’t recognise the digestion connection. proactively to keep your digestive system
Poor digestion can result in many issues working well, or to remedy various pre- including the B vitamins and vitamin K.
which may not be obviously related to existing digestive problems such as Some clients try to take excess
digestion. Several of my clients come in constipation, IBS, colitis or Crohn’s disease. probiotics when they suffer digestive
with sleep disorders. By simply sorting Acidophilus and the friendly flora of the problems. My advice is to add a prebiotic
their digestion, I have found their sleep digestive system help break down foods in rather than simply to increase the amount
patterns have improved drastically. Pre- the colon, digest fibre from fruits and of probiotics. Prebiotics enable the
menstrual symptoms are aggravated by vegetables, digest milk sugar, and much existing friendly bacteria to activate,
poor digestion too. One thing that is more. They help prevent stomach ulcers which in turn will enhance your
common, especially in women, is hair loss. and they activate the immune system. probiotic’s ability to combat digestive
There are simple steps that we can take These healthy bacteria also help to issues. A favourite suggestion of mine is
immediately to promote good digestion; manufacture vitamins in the body, A. Vogel’s Molkosan Vitality.
Taking Molkosan Vitality before each
meal will synergise the whole digestive
GO HEALTHY RECOMMENDS:
tract. It is ideal for boosting friendly
bacteria and activates the pancreas,
Salus - IntestCare is a fruity tasting supplement which may help to maintain having a good knock-on effect on
intestinal and digestive health. The intestines play a key role in our digestion and digestive symptoms such as bloating and
also in our body’s defence systems. IntestCare provides vital nutrients to support constipation. Another reason that I like
the intestines including; apple-plum extract, turmeric and magnesium. this product is because it stimulates
Vogel’s breakfast cereals are unique: made according to the principles of the metabolism, helping with weight loss.
famous Swiss nutritionist and naturopath, Alfred Vogel, these crunchy and tasty Many of my clients make the mistake of
breakfast cereals combine high fibre with the benefits of soya isoflavones, vitamin over using antacids. The problem here is
E, calcium and folic acid. Vogel’s UltraBran is a very high fibre wheatbran cereal that you change the natural environment
with a low Glycaemic Index, made with soya and linseed and “hi-maize” resistant and harmony in your stomach. I switch my
starch. Vogel’s VitaPro is a high-fibre gluten-free cereal made from soya, rice and clients to homoeopathics. These help
corn that is also low-GI. considerably and still maintain the body’s
Lepicol plus Digestive Enzymes - a formulation that has a four pronged natural balance. Nux Vom 6c is ideal to
approach to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Digestive enzymes help break keep handy for heartburn.
down the food we eat. Nutrients are better absorbed in the small intestine and If you have any further needs or you
waste matter passed more easily. To aid this process Lepicol has included soluble would like these supplements, you can
fibre making it easier for the bowels to expel waste. contact me through the website
www.cnpdirect.co.uk
READ THIS & PREVIOUS EDITIONS ONLINE AT WWW.GOHEALTHYMAG.CO.UK JAN/FEB2009GOHEALTHY 07
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