While I normally rabbit on about immune support around this time of year, I wondered if it would be more timely to talk about the GUT-ADRENAL CONNECTION. Both these systems actually affect our immune function anyway, so here goes...
After all this time in isolation, working from home, fears and anxieties, sport and recreation shut downs etc etc, I assumed we may have fallen into eating differently and moving less, drinking more alcohol perhaps, not sleeping as soundly...Where does that leave our poor adrenals and gut?
Adrenal Fatigue is a biggie - I see it in practice all the time and its tentacles spread far and wide. If you are not sure if this relates to you please take our Adrenal Fatigue Questionnaire.
THE GUT ADRENAL CONNECTION
Digestive and Adrenal problems walk hand in hand - both affect the function of the other, and dysfunction in either can make you feel exhausted, sluggish, moody, constipated, unable to shift weight, depressed, achey, craving caffeine and sugar, shall I go on?
Common stressors to gut health include:
IBS
Candida overgrowth
Parasites
Inflammatory foods
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Certain medications like proton pump inhibitors (eg Nexium)
Despite a healthy diet, you may have a Food Sensitivity that you are unaware of...wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy, yeast, corn, soy being the most common. Or you may have a problem absorbing nutrients due to a "leaky gut" - also known as increased intestinal permeability. A digestive condition in which bacteria, partially digested food, and toxins are able to pass through the intestinal wall - this may trigger inflammation and changes in your gut flora which can lead to problems in your digestive function (health.harvard.edu).
HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR GUT AND ADRENALS FROM 😞 TO 😊
Rule out Candida overgrowth - take our questionnaire here. This is easily treated with a specific diet plan and herbs to kill the Candida and replenish your gut with good beneficial bacteria...YAY!
Rule out Food Intolerance - read about our Food Detective Test here.
Address specific gut issues with your Naturopath, Nutritionist or Herbalist - constipation, reflux, fatty liver, bloating can often be addressed effectively and easily
Eat clean - Fresh whole foods not ' part-food-part-chemical'. Think healthy fats, good quality lean protein, 7-9 serves of veggies per day, legumes, and stay hydrated with water and herbal teas.
Good sleep hygiene - I'm a bit OCD about this topic (having been a poor sleeper on and off for a while - timing, temperature, light, hormones, alcohol, caffeine - yes even one cup of coffee in the morning - if unrefreshing sleep and daytime fatigue is your thing, then we need to fix it PRONTO!
Move more - don't get caught up in the how/when/where, just use your body in a physical way to keep your mind calm, your joints lubricated, your muscles and bones strong, and bowels happy (yes those metres of intestine are lined with muscle).
Health in our Hands is continuing to look after our cherished clients by offering something special every month. Last month, this month and JUNE, our hugely talented Bodywork Therapist, Mark, is offering 50% off - saving you anywhere from $25 to $70, depending on which massage style you choose and length of treatment. This offer is valid for one treatment per person. Visit the Eastern Healing website for more information or call Mark directly on 0409 446 920.
Stay healthy and calm,
Christine x