Keep fit and healthy from head to toe – Digestion and gut microbiome
Today’s highlighted body regions are the digestive system and the gut. Pay extra attention to these regions, exercise them, and look after them! Below you find some tips and recipes. But before here is some information about the historical context of ‘body regions’.
The system of the ‘body regions’
For thousands of years, physicians and healers believed that the gravitational forces of the moon and wider cosmos influenced different regions of the body as the lunar cycle progressed. Across many traditional teachings, it was understood that throughout each moon cycle, our energetic focus travels through the body from head to toe.
While this concept is more folkloric than medically proven, it offers a holistic time scale to care for ourselves. Whenever you see the relevant symbol, bring awareness to this region and create a rhythm of conscious self-care. This will, over time, support balance, well-being, and a deeper connection to our body.
Please remember this cycle is intended for general awareness, gentle exercise, prevention, and well-being. It is not a substitute for medical treatment or emergency care. Any health concerns or medical needs should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional!
However, as Benjamin Franklin wisely wrote in 1736, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These symbols serve as a gentle reminder to look after your body with regular movement, strengthening exercises, nourishment, and supportive routines — helping you stay healthy and more resilient, and more in tune with yourself. A consistent 15-minute daily program can ,over time, have enormous health benefits.
The disease starts in the gut
Folklore always maintained that most diseases start in the gut. So it is of utmost importance to look after your gut health. Food allergies and intolerances are increasing all the time. Mainly because we all eat too much-processed food (fast food, pre-prepared, deep-fried) and not enough organic or even biodynamic, unpasteurized, and fermented food. Probiotic supplements can help to add ‘good bacteria’ to your food. Try to make small changes, by swapping heavily processed white bread for sourdough bread. You can also make your fermented foods, like Sauerkraut or Kombucha. Here is a recipe for how to make Sauerkraut.
If you want to find out more about the gut microbiome, please check out the Zoe website. I have been following Dr. Spector for years and particularly like his book ‘The Diet Myth.’ He is a professor at Kings College, London, and one of the forefathers to undertake research into to topic. If you look him up, there should be plenty of resources to keep you busy!
Regular salt flushes to cleanse your gut
Whenever I want to lose a few pounds, I start with a Liquid Fast weekend. Part of my regime is to start the day with a glass of dissolved Epsom Salt. I call it ‘flush’ for a reason and I advise you to stick near a toilet.
The evening before I add 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt to a large glass of water and pour a small amount of water on top. Then I leave this mixture overnight. In the morning the Epsom salt will have completely dissolved and all I need to do is fill the glass with tepid water. Then I drink or sip it before breakfast.
Once in a while, it might be helpful to have colonic irrigation. Opinions are split on this, as colonics also remove the ‘friendly gut bacteria’. But performed under the supervision of a specialist it can be very beneficial. But please make sure that after the cleanse you recolonize your gut with the right gut bacteria. The specialist will advise you on what to do.
Here is an article about the gut microbiome.
