How can Kinesiology help your digestive system?
By Layla Auer
What is the digestive system?
The digestive system is the set of organs that breaks down food, eliminates toxins and helps us to absorb energy and key nutrients that our bodies need to function well. It also plays other important roles too.
What is the link between the digestive system and the immune system?
Think of your body as multiple systems all working together for optimal health. So when one system is off, it has a negative effect on all the other systems. One of the key systems that play a central role in your health and wellbeing is your digestive system.
The digestive system relies on our microbiome. The human microbiome is a community of micro-organisms that is made up of trillions of bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. It makes up around 90% of the cells in your body and contains 150 times more genes than all your DNA combined. One of the functions of the microbiome found in the human gut is to control the presence of harmful invaders and to maintain digestive and overall health.
Around 70% of the body’s immune system is in the gut. If your gut is not functioning properly, due to factors such as smoking, poor diet or stress, for example, this has a knock on effect on your immune system, leading to issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac disease, fatigue, colds, eczema, cancer and much more.
What is the link between the digestive system and mental health?
According to James Kinross, a microbiome scientist and surgeon at Imperial College London, the “gut microbiome is the most important scientific discovery for human healthcare in recent decades.” This surge in international research in the microbiome has shown there is a strong link between gut health and mental health. This is because the good bacteria in your gut have a direct impact on your mood. One of the reasons for this is because your gut is home to the largest concentration of mood-altering neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Serotonin is involved in multiple bodily functions, including the regulation of mood and is often called the body’s natural “feel-good” chemical. The highest concentration of serotonin is found in your gut.
According to Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist at King’s College London, “Lots of things that people don’t think about, like depression or anxiety, are very clearly modified by your gut microbes.” With mental health concerns, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety on the increase in the U.K, made worse by lockdowns and enforced isolation, now more than ever is the time to look at the connection between gut and mental health.
How can kinesiology help rebalance your gut?
Kinesiology uses muscle testing to identify imbalances in the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each muscle relates to a different organ. In a treatment, I can test the integrity of muscles related to your entire digestive system and see where imbalances are. Together we can identify which emotions play a part in impacting the digestive system. Based on tried and tested knowledge I will then explore what nutritional support is essential for your digestive system as well as foods and substances that are negatively impacting you.
After each session, you are given a unique treatment plan based on what you need to bring your body back into balance. Often, an impaired digestive system will need support from probiotics and supplements, such as complex digestive enzymes. You will be given personalised Bach Flower Remedies that will help you rebalance thoughts and emotions. I will support you to develop a gentle self-care routine that is both nourishing yet manageable.
My top recommendations for improving digestive and mental health
Practise mindful eating and take time over each meal. Slow down and chew your food around 15 times per mouthful. Bring the pleasure back into eating.
Reduce the amount of processed foods you eat. Ideally you would cut them out entirely, but if this causes you stress, then it is counter-productive.
Increase your daily filtered water consumption and drink herbal teas to improve your hydration. If you can drink loose herbal teas, even better.
Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake as both damage the good bacteria in your gut.
Explore ways to improve your mental health, such as mindfulness, exercise and good old-fashioned laughter.