Eat More Fiber
Before you head out to celebrate, fill yourself up with a healthy, fiber-rich snack to prevent overindulging. Having more fiber in your diet enables you to detox, as well as lowers your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. After you have a rich meal or treat, have some fresh produce to give your gut some fiber to balance your biome. The more fiber that is in your gut, the slower sugar absorbs into your bloodstream. The slower the sugar is absorbed, the less inflamed your intestines can become. You can incorporate fruits and vegetables that contain fiber into your festive meals, such as green beans, apples, and pomegranates. Consuming fiber-rich food along with your rich treats will keep both you and your gut healthy this holiday season.
Drink More Water
One of the most essential ingredients for existence and digestion is water. Most of the population is chronically dehydrated, but water is amazing for digestion as well as many health-related issues. If you don't like just plain water, try drinking beverages like herbal tea, coconut water, or chicken/vegetable broth. Staying hydrated can help stave off aggressive food cravings, especially sugary ones.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise can help control your blood sugar levels, lower stress, and burn calories. The movement of exercise means that the muscles use more glucose and reduce the level of sugar in the blood. It is also a way to release some built-up holiday stress. Exercise doesn't have to be extremely taxing or hard, just enough to get in touch with your body and take some deep breaths.
Try Gut Health Supplements and Digestion Relief Ingredients
If gut inflammation and digestion are things you struggle with on a normal diet, then take some proactive measures when eating rich, holiday meals this season. This can include probiotics, herbs, or natural food digestives. Give your body some support by taking some digestive supplements that will relieve indigestion and bloating. Certain probiotics and supplements will increase your body's ability to digest heavy, rich foods as well as reduce post-meal sleepiness.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help nourish and support a healthy gut. Probiotic supplements supply the gut with healthy bacteria to help defend against the impacts of sugar and other inflammatory foods, while optimizing digestive function, immunity, and a healthy gut environment.
If supplements aren't up your alley, herbs and natural digestive ingredients make great alternatives. These ingredients include but aren't limited to: galangal root, sacred lotus seed, ginger root, licorice root, tangerine fruit, cinnamon bark, and cardamom. These ingredients can help relieve occasional nausea, gas, bloating and discomfort, and support a healthy gut environment.
These ingredients contain proteins called enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that break down the foods you eat and are essential for healthy digestive function. Natural digestive enzymes include amylase, alpha-galactosidase, protease, phytase, invertase, and lipase. They function as key enzymes that break down food, increase nutrient availability, and promote overall gut health. Natural foods like pomegranate seeds and pepper fruit contain nutrients that strengthen digestive activity, support enzyme production, and balance intestinal movement. They also improve circulation to the digestive system and aid in the absorption of nutrients, while supporting healthy weight.
If you prepare with the right foods, herbs, and supplements, you can avoid common gut inflammation and digestive issues that come with the overeating mentality that the holidays have. Avoiding inflammation issues can also aid winter weight gain and increase your energy for celebrating the season.
References:
Mayo Clinic: Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet
Healthfully: Five Healthy Alternatives to Water
Mayo Clinic: Diabetes and exercise: When to monitor your blood sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These therapies include herbs, mind-body treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies can also be integrated with elements of mainstream medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. It may be because it's less expensive.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine considers all aspects of a person's health. This includes the spiritual, psychological, and environmental factors that are often overlooked in conventional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor treats patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. After treatment, the patient should feel better.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
The term “holistic” refers to considering all aspects of one's life.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine only treats symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It could save you money and time in the long run.
What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?
Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.
These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.
They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.
They could also cure heart disease, cancer, diabetes as well arthritis and asthma.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of traditional medicines around the world, each offering unique benefits.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world's population still relies on traditional treatment methods for their injuries and illnesses.
It was reported that about half a billion people rely on traditional herbal remedies for primary healthcare.
The global market in complementary therapies is expected to reach $22.2 Billion by 2020.
To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.
People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. These therapies may be tried before they resort to medication or surgery.
There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:
- To improve quality of our lives
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To relieve pain
- To enhance immunity
- Support for those with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To treat chronic conditions
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How to find a doctor who practices holistic medicine?
Specialists are the best doctors. We're talking about holistic medicine here. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. You should be able to explain your holistic health to them and why you would like to see a holistic physician.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Tips for Healthy Digestion This Season
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/gut-health/digestive-issues/tips-for-healthy-digestion-this-season/
Published Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:20:01 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These therapies include herbs, mind-body treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies can also be integrated with elements of mainstream medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
Why would people with cancer choose to use other methods?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies have shown that half of all cancer patients have tried alternative treatments at least once.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. It may be because it's less expensive.
Other reasons include the following:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine considers all aspects of a person's health. This includes the spiritual, psychological, and environmental factors that are often overlooked in conventional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor treats patients holistically. They may incorporate western medicine into their treatment, as well as traditional methods such acupuncture or herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. After treatment, the patient should feel better.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
The term “holistic” refers to considering all aspects of one's life.
What is the difference between traditional and holistic medicine?
Traditional medicine only treats symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. It could save you money and time in the long run.
What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?
Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.
These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.
They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.
They could also cure heart disease, cancer, diabetes as well arthritis and asthma.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of traditional medicines around the world, each offering unique benefits.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world's population still relies on traditional treatment methods for their injuries and illnesses.
It was reported that about half a billion people rely on traditional herbal remedies for primary healthcare.
The global market in complementary therapies is expected to reach $22.2 Billion by 2020.
To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.
People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. These therapies may be tried before they resort to medication or surgery.
There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:
- To improve quality of our lives
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To relieve pain
- To enhance immunity
- Support for those with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To treat chronic conditions
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How to find a doctor who practices holistic medicine?
Specialists are the best doctors. We're talking about holistic medicine here. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. You should be able to explain your holistic health to them and why you would like to see a holistic physician.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.