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Advice: Our Body > Digestion
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How do we digest?
Food digestion already begins in the mouth. From this point onward the
chewed food is activated, i.e. it is transported to the stomach through
the help of the muscular activity of the oesophagus. It is first mixed
with the stomach’s gastric juices and then in the duodenum with the
liver’s bile and the pancreas’ digestive juices. The broken down food
elements can then be taken up by the intestinal villi and be passed
into the bloodstream.
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Digestion
Constipation
Constipation is not only cumbersome, it is also damaging to your health. The substances to be excreted are retained for too long by the intestines which leads to an ongoing self-intoxication of the body. Constipation must therefore always be treated. The main elements in this process are a fiber rich diet, thorough chewing, plenty of liquids (min. 1.5 to 2 litres a day) and physical exercise. Support is provided by various digestion stimulating plants. A. Vogel suggests: - Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) stimulates the production of digestive juices.
- Flax (Linum usitatissimum) lubricates the stool.
- Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) regulates reduced bile production.
Diarrhoea Diarrhea is often caused by an inflammation of the intestinal lining. Diarrhea occurring several times a day, or bloody diarrhea as well as diarrhea accompanied by a fever must be diagnosed by a physician.
A. Vogel suggests:
- Tormentil (Tormentilla anserina) has a soothing and astringent effect on the intestinal linings. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is beneficial for anxiety related diarrhea.
- A short term fasting cure with camomile tea relieves the intestine.
- Acidophilus bacteria help to restore the bacterial flora.
Hiccups
Hiccups can be caused by, among other things, swallowing air, hasty eating or decreased digestive juices. A. Vogel suggests: - Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can harmonize the stomach function.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Consume several small meals.
- Avoid carbonated beverages.
- If your hiccups are accompanied by acid reflux: control your weight, avoid irritants such as spices, nicotine and alcoholic beverages.
- Do not lie down immediately after a meal. If necessary, sleep with a slightly raised head.
Flatulence Flatulence most often occurs because of insufficient digestive juices, flatulent causing foods, dysfunctional intestinal flora, and liver weakness. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) speed up digestive juice production. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) supports liver function. A. Vogel suggests: - Support digestive funtion through artichoke (Cynara scolymus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
- Avoid legumes as well as cabbage and leeks.
- Drink an hour before or an hour after eating, instead of during meals.
Intestinal candida An “intestinal candida” diagnosis is always associated with a weak immune system and an unbalanced intestinal flora. A. Vogel suggests: - Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) can effectively support the body’s intrinsic defences.
- Various plants also contain antifungal agents, for example paracress (Pilanthes oleracea) which has proven to be effective against intestinal candida.
- Adjust your diet and supplement it with fermented whey concentrate and lactobacilli.
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