Kelly Cullen, ND

Pleasant Wellness

Hipacrates said "All disease begins in the gut." Regardless of a client's chief complaint, I make sure and test digestive function. Since properly digested macro nutrients (carbs, protein and fat) are what carry the micro nutrients where they need to go (vitamins, minerals, amino acids...), digestive stress can be the root cause of many health issues.

1. Eat Slowly

60% of your amylase is located in your mouth. Amylase is the enzyme that helps to digest carbohydrates. Eating slowly and chewing your food well assists your body in the digestion, assimilation and absorption of food.

2. Make Sure You're Regular

Being "regular" means having between 2 and 4 bowel movements a day. Every bowel movement is expelling toxins, which is extremely important for overall health. If you're constipated, try eating around 30 grams of fiber a day, drinking half of your weight in ounces of water a day, and move your body every day. Walking is a great way to get things moving! This post about castor oil packs may be helpful.

3. Consume Probiotics

Whether you're taking a probiotic supplement, or consuming probiotic-rich foods like fermented vegetables or yogurt, balancing the "good bacteria" in the gut is essential for overall digestive health.

4. Digestive Enzymes

If I had to pick only one supplement to recommend to clients (and for myself), it would be digestive enzymes. Most of us aren't breaking our food down properly, and undigested food can wreak havoc on the body. I test each client to see where they need the most support in this area, and make recommendations accordingly.

5. Get Rid of Unwanted Organisms

Unwanted organisms not only steal your nutrients, but they leave behind their waste (gross!). I personally do a "parasite cleanse" every year.

6. Consider Giving Up Gluten

Most conventional wheat is sprayed with glyphosate, which is an herbicide. Even organic gluten (not sprayed with glyphosate) can be difficult for many to digest. You can get tested for food sensitivities here:https://refer.everlywell.com/s/Kelly11875103

7. Manage Stress

Your gut is known as your second brain. When your body is stressed, it prioritizes which body functions are needed most, and shuts down those that are not an immediate priority. Digestion is typically the first one to go. Therefore, managing stress can be a key step in improving digestion.

8. Herbal Teas For The Win!

Peppermint and Ginger are both herbal teas that are known to support digestion. I like to add a little raw honey or pure maple syrup as a treat! Make sure you're not adding a lot of sugar, as that can cause inflammation and negate the positive benefits.

Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your health. The information shared here is for informational purposes only, and is not inteded to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.