Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer all have one thing in common: They occur in the intestinal system due to long periods of inflammation. Poor digestion often leads to dysbiosis, which can (but not always) lead to something more severe if not addressed.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that 1 in 14 Canadian men will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 34 will die from it. It is estimated that 1 in 18 Canadian women will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 40 will die from it, rising in the United States.

Our intestinal system is responsible for digestion. The small intestinal system is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism, while the large intestinal system is where our Flora (Gut Bacteria) reside, waiting to be fed. At times, bacteria can enter the small intestinal system and even the stomach; when we provide the wrong kind of foods and they start to multiply! This can lead to inflammation of the intestinal walls, digestive issues, and liver and kidney problems, among others.

You see, feeding our good, friendly bacteria (our intestinal flora) is essential. These guys act as our defences. They fight the harmful bacteria and keep them in check so that they don’t cause havoc on our digestive/ intestinal system and cause all sorts of distress. The basic concept to remember is to keep the good bacteria happy by feeding the right foods, and they will keep the harmful bacteria in check. We can also do our part by avoiding the foods that the harmful bacteria enjoy, starving them, weakening them, and not giving them a chance to win and wreak havoc on our bodily systems.

Here are five healthy tips to support the intestinal system and keep our good little critters happy:

1. Remove all processed sugars and foods.

All processed sugars need to be removed! They hold absolutely no nutritional value and are high in glycemic index. These foods have been stripped of their fibre, enzymes, proteins and essential nutrients that would have otherwise been good for us. Instead, what is left with is processed white sugar, otherwise known as glucose. The harmful bacteria love glucose; they thrive on it. And once they get a taste, they get addicted, and the craving starts a cycle that becomes difficult to end. It is best not to begin :).

2. Healing the Stomach

Our stomachs are our first line of defence. When working efficiently, it releases healthy stomach acid that protects the lining and kills any unnecessary pathogens or harmful bacteria that may have sneaked into the stomach. The stomach is responsible for protein digestion; thus, our stomachs must work efficiently and not leave any proteins undigested entering the small intestine. Thus eventually feeding the harmful bacteria. You can heal the stomach with collagen, glutamine, and bone broth. My favourite is all three combined in one. Bone broth with glutamine and collagen in the morning will lubricate the stomach and heal any inflammation that could create potential leaky gut syndrome.

3. Supporting the Liver

The liver is the most critical organ in the body! It is responsible for fat, carbohydrate, protein and hormone metabolism. It also focuses on removing toxins that may have made it into the body. Everything that the stomach and small intestine fail to digest goes to the liver, and the liver has to deal with removing it. You see, the liver already has so many other responsibilities. Thus, we must support it to do its primary job: detoxification. Basic ways to keep the liver healthy: Lemon water in the morning, Milk Thistle, Raw foods, and Digestive enzymes.

4. Probiotic + Prebiotic Foods

Personally, what I like to do in the morning is take a probiotic. This gives my intestinal system a head start and a nice boost of healthy flora to tackle any toxins I might come across that day. Though no probiotic will save your life, it must multiply and grow strong. So you do need to feed it with the right foods. Some prebiotic foods are; Sauerkraut, Kimchi, kombucha (without sugar added), raw cruciferous vegetables, all vegetables for that matter, sprouted grains and seeds. Raw veggies are high in enzymes that digest the food for you. If you need help, taking a digestive enzyme with your meals is beneficial to give your pancreas (responsible for releasing enzymes) a break.

5. Pure Water + Exercise

Ebb and Flow. Imagine your digestive system like a river current. The water stays clean and filled with minerals when it’s flowing and always on the move, while still water leaves room for pathogens and bacteria to grow. Our digestive and intestinal system needs us to stay hydrated. Drinking pure water, fluoride, and chlorine-free (if possible) can ensure healthy bowel movements. You should be pooping at least once daily to maintain a healthy colon. Exercising increases peristalsis (muscular contraction of the intestines) and detoxifies and removes excess toxins through the skin. These practices will keep things flowing and moving.

Need some help getting started?

If you are unsure where to start, I am happy to help you understand your symptoms and educate you on a healthy diet that supports your digestive/intestinal system. You can contact me here.