As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, the urge to get out and enjoy life is strong! But for some of us, the excitement of summer can be overshadowed by a familiar feeling, a persistent rumble, an uncomfortable bloat. It’s the nagging sense that your gut isn’t quite on board with your summer plans. YOU are ready for picnics, travel, and enjoying delicious food, but your digestive system has other ideas.
Sound familiar? At Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, we get it. So many of our patients start the summer feeling sluggish and uncomfortable, their digestive symptoms holding them back from fully embracing the season. But this year, let’s change that pattern of discomfort.
Let’s start the summer off right! We can help get your mind, body, and spirit in alignment just in time for a summer that feels fantastic – focusing on your gut health.
Patients come to see me just as the weather warms up, eager to enjoy the season but weighed down by digestive issues. They’re frustrated, missing out on activities, and feeling like their gut is calling all the shots. But the good news is, with a few key naturopathic strategies, you can transform your digestive health and truly savor the summer.
Here are five naturopathic tips to get your gut summer-ready:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Think of water as the ultimate internal cleanser. Staying well-hydrated, especially in the summer heat, is crucial for smooth digestion and preventing constipation. Carry a water bottle and refill throughout the day. Consider a squeeze of lemon for an extra digestive boost.
- Mindfully Eat: Life is busy – it’s easy to gulp down your food. But proper digestion starts in the mouth. Take time to chew your food and savor each bite. Mindful eating allows your digestive enzymes to work effectively and reduces the burden on your gut.
- Embrace Gut-Friendly Foods: Plan ahead with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, packed with fiber and prebiotics that feed your beneficial gut bacteria. Consider incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut or pickles in moderation to support a healthy microbiome.
- Energy Movement Therapies: Sometimes, stagnant energy can contribute to digestive sluggishness. Explore gentle movement practices like walking or yoga. Additionally, consider therapies that promote energy flow and detoxification:
- Lymphatic Drainage with Melissa Crum, LAc: This therapy can help reduce bloating and inflammation by supporting the body’s detoxification pathways.
- Acupuncture with Dr. Graves and Melissa Crum, LAc: This ancient practice can help regulate the digestive system and address underlying imbalances.
- Cupping with Dr. G and Melissa Crum, LAc
- Manage Stress Naturally: Stress has a direct impact on your gut health. Find healthy ways to manage stress – spend time in the natural world, practice deep breathing exercises or engage in enjoyable hobbies. A calm mind often leads to a calmer gut.
Simple lifestyle adjustments can help you transform your uncomfortable digestive symptoms into a happy and healthy gut.
Ready to have your best summer yet? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss your digestive concerns and explore a personalized plan for optimal gut health and overall well-being. New patients can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about a naturopathic approach to digestion. Schedule online or by calling (303) 688-6698.
Dr. Adam Graves is a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist at Colorado Naturopathic Medicine & Acupuncture in Castle Rock, CO.
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