W
e currently live in a time where toxin exposure is highest than it has ever been before. We are chronically exposed to toxic and unhealthy substances in the foods we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Our cells lack the essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes that they need to be able to communicate effectively between one another. In turn, our organs of detoxification and excretion are functioning on over-drive leading to an overburdened system that effects our entire body. So, what can we do about it?
How toxins affect our gut.
The main passageway from the toxic outside world to our sterile inside body is our gastrointestinal tract (gut). Our gut acts as a long tube with two openings to the outside world – one at our mouth and one at our bum. Anything that we put into our mouth has the ability to travel across our gut wall and into our body. Chronic exposure to toxins damages this protective barrier by creating holes in it. One of the main gut destroying toxins in our environment is glyphosate.
“Over 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply with pesticide residues detected in up to 95% of our foods.”
Glyphosate is an herbicide used by farmers to ward off weeds that compete with food crops. It is absorbed through the stem of a plant, targeting an enzyme that is used in the growth of the weed. This toxic chemical has been shown to alter the composition of our microbiome and destroy our gut lining. As a result of this constant irritation we end up with an inflamed gut lining and an influx of pathogens, food particles and toxins into our bodies causing a wide array of symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Migraines
- Acne
- Allergies
- Eczema
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Brain Fog
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Weight Gain
- Hormone Imbalances
- Sleep Troubles
- Infertility
The solution to a healthy gut.
Digestion starts in our mouth, continues into our stomach and ends in our small intestines. Food starts out as a complex molecule that is eventually broken down into smaller molecules which are able to enter our cells and cross our protective barrier. The vitamins and minerals extracted from our foods travel through our venous network to the liver where they are then redistributed into the blood stream for our cells to utilize.
An inflamed gastrointestinal tract dramatically affects this process. Our bodies are not able to efficiently break down foods into the proper micro-nutrients that our cells need to function. We can eat all the high nutritional value foods, however we aren’t able to properly absorb the vitamins and minerals from these foods as a result of poor digestion. So, now what?
Digestive bitters!
This is where bitter flavoured herbs come in. Bitter herbs help in the digestion of foods by triggering our body to produce more stomach acid. We need stomach acid (Hydrochloric Acid) in order to breakdown these larger food molecules into smaller molecules so that they can be properly absorbed and utilized in our body. Digestive bitters also support the liver’s natural detoxification process. Additionally, they act to help repair the gut wall lining.
Although they may not be the best tasting natural remedies out there, they do work wonders. Some of my favourite bitter herbs include Gentian, Hops, Globe artichoke and Chamomile.
Our bodies are much smarter than we think. We have the innate ability to clean up the toxins that are created from our normal functioning as well as those in our environment. However, when exposure to these toxins is greater than our bodies can handle, we need support!
The information provided here is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are pregnant or have any health conditions, please seek advice prior to making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Bitter herbs may be contraindicated if you have certain health conditions or are breastfeeding. Consulting with an expert is always your best option to find out what you need.