Easing Your Pesky Digestive Symptoms
As I’m sure you know, Dr. Joe is a big proponent of a vegan lifestyle. He take a multifaceted approach with all his patients, and nutrition is one1` of the things he addresses when he’s supporting people with a multitude of symptoms. The fact is, what we put in our body matters.
Whether you are transitioning to a full vegan diet, trying out a meatless Monday, or just experimenting with healthy substitutes for your sugar addiction, the shift could very likely cause a little digestive disruption, if you will.
Adding or subtracting foods from your diet can induce symptoms that are less than desirable. It’s always important to pay attention to how your body responds to a conscious change like this as it may be telling you that you have a sensitivity to a particular food. Your body also might be telling you that you just need to take it slow. A bowl of roasted root vegetables rather than your regular afternoon candybar will most likely send your tummy into a tizzy for a little bit.
As you take the steps to establish new habits that are aligned with your health goals, I thought I’d offer you some support for those digestive side effects that are necessary to work through as your body adjusts.
As a certified Aromatherapist I turn to essential oils to help when a client’s body is out of whack. There are several essential oils that nature has created to work beautifully with the digestive system. Applying them topically as you find your happy digestive rythm is a natural, non-invasive, and gentle way to bring some relief to your symptoms. (Do not ingest essential oils. See my previous blog, Three Important Rules of Safe Essential Oil Use to read more on that.)
It is important that you use a carrier to apply essential oils to your skin. A carrier is a substance in which you blend your essential oils so you don’t experience skin sentivitity or absorbtion in too-high a concentration. Some examples of effective carriers are:
Oils: jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond, olive, coconut
Lotions: a nice, pure, unscented lotion is great
Gels: aloe vera gel is great if you’re having skin irritation as well as digestive issues
A good proportion of essential oil to carrier for topical digestive relief is 2-3 drops per teaspoon of carrier. If you want to blend up a larger batch, I encourage you to be modest with your essential oils. A little goes a long way and it’s always better to start with less and see how it works.
Here are my go-to digestive essential oils:
Peppermint
Great for flatulence, sour stomach, and nausea. Do not use peppermint if you’re experiencing acid reflux.
Chamomile
Helpful for cramping and diarrhea.
Cardamom
Aids digestion and general movement of energy through the digestive system.
Fennel
Reduces bloating by helping to regulate water. Can also relieve flatulence.
Lavender
As a general relaxant. Lavender will not only reduce physical discomfort, it will help to calm the mind when you’re stressed out because you’re uncomfortable.
There are many other essential oils that support harmony in the digestive system. These are some of my favorites. You can also work with a certified Aromatherapist to create a digestive blend just for you and your specific needs. But it’s important to remember this: your body is wise. If you are experiencing chronic or consistent digestive problems, it’s time to look at what you’re putting in your body. Essential oils are great for symptoms, but ideally you create a varied diet of nutritious foods that your body can digest with ease. Make sure you’re paying attention.