Herbal Teas for Better Gut Health

I help a lot of people with gut issues that include people having trouble with constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, IBS, malabsorption and bloating.  It seems that no matter what the gut issue is if I help that patient reduce inflammation that is irritating the gut the body tends to heal itself given the right nutrition.  One of the things I use in order to reduce inflammation and heal the gut is to suggest to my patients to drink teas.  The top 4 teas that help my patients reduce inflammation while healing the gut are fennel, ginger, marshmallow root and peppermint.  

Fennel tea is great to help the body digest.  It tastes a little like licorice.  It can relieve constipation and is known to prevent stomach ulcers.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties due to its high level of antioxidants which the body needs to fight harmful things you ingest like bacteria, plastics that leach from food containers, or aluminum that food absorbed from foil.  

Ginger is a great tea to drink if you have an upset stomach for any reason.  Ginger tea is also good for preventing or stopping nausea. Drinking ginger tea is useful in improving digestion and increasing absorption of food.  Drink ginger tea when feeling bloated after eating too much.  It has such strong anti-inflammatory properties that drinking tea can also help reduce inflammation in other parts of the body including joints, head and uterus so it’s good for arthritis, headaches and menstrual cramps.  

Marshmallow root tea is very soothing for the gut.   It reduces inflammation of the stomach lining and even heals stomach ulcers. It creates a protective lining in the digestive tract, thereby treating leaky gut syndrome and soothing acid reflux. Marshmallow root also helps individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Drinking peppermint tea is a good way to balance pH levels and promote a healthy blood flow throughout the body.  In this way peppermint tea reduces inflammation not only in the gut but also your joints.  Peppermint tea is also good for nausea.

It is best to drink the loose leaf, organic version of any of these teas at any time of day.  Steep one teaspoon of tea in 6 ounces of hot water for at least 3 minutes.  

All You Need to Know About Bone Broth

HEALING BONE BROTH
Written by guest blogger and Healing Arts Practitioner, Addison Laundry

For thousands of years, traditional foods like fermented vegetables and cultured dairy have been touted for their health benefits- they are dusted among the many fad diets and that come and go, but they are ever-present. One common healing food that is now being recognized for its incredible health benefits is bone broth. Why? Because the benefits of bone broth are immense.

Bone broth is nutrient dense, inexpensive, easy to make, and extremely tasty. Preindustrial societies were incredibly sustainable about their food consumption, and managed to find a use for every whole animal. Bones, ligaments, marrow and tendons that can’t be directly eaten were boiled in water and simmered for many hours, or even days, at a time. This slow simmering process causes the bones and ligaments to release many nutrients, minerals and fats that are transformative in your health.
Bone broth is high in collagen, protein, amino acids, glycerin, calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, trace minerals and silicon- to name a few. These powerful elements are easily absorbed by the body. Lets see how they actually work.

Drinking bone broth regularly will help the body maintain and promote a healthy gut, reduce inflammation and hydrate the body with the right minerals and vitamins to prosper. Here are 7 reasons why it’s a must to add it to your daily regime.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY- Amino acids in bone broth such as glutamine and arginine host the bodies immunity response.

PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS- Studies have shown that L-gulatmine reduces a bacteria called Firmicutes found the gut of people who are over-weight. L-gulatime has been proven to aid in weight loss. Also having a cup of bone broth with meals will help with digestion and keep you full for longer.

BUILDS MUSCLE- the amino acids in bone broth help stimulate protein syntheses which are vital in ongoing growth, maintenance, and repair.

AIDS IN EXERCISE- with such high electrolytes (minerals) for peak performance and hydration as the minerals allow for increased oxygen being transported to the muscles, allowing for a better workout.

STRENGTHENS BONES AND TEETH- the body needs constant intake of minerals and vitamins for bone formation to occur. Bone broth provides us with calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. These all help keep our bones and teeth strong and healthy.

IMPROVES MOOD- believe it or not, our guts and brains are connected. The gut is made up of millions of bacteria that directly affect the brain. The makeup of gut bacteria, called microbiome influences how the brain is wired from infancy to adulthood, along with moods, memory, the ability to learn, and how to deal with stress. When the gut microbiome is healthy, it sends happy signals to the brain; when it’s unhealthy, it sends signals of anxiety.

BEAUTY- The gelatin in bone broth is great for stronger nails, hair, anti aging, with sleep. Try it- you'll notice a difference!

Its so cheap and easy to make, especially if you have left overs form a roast. Make a point to ensure the bones you use are organic, as the boiling process will extract both good nutrients and also any toxins which are found in non-organic meat and bones. Here is a great recipe and some more information.

If your time is limited, but you want the health benefits of such an amazing ancient broth, you should check out BRODO. They are located in the east and west villages and specialize in organic bone broth. They are sold in frozen pints sizes of chicken, beef and hearth ( turkey, beef and chicken). They also make extra beneficial bone broth mixes you can order fresh in the store. I love their beef bone broth with garlic, grass fed butter and rosemary oil.

With so many beneficial, transformative properties, it's such an easy and healthy addition to your diet to boost your health. Bring on the bone broth, ladies and gents! Your bodies will love you for it.