Care of the female body – Part 2

Continuing on from Part 1 of “Care of the female body with nutrition and lifestyle“, here in Part 2, I look at the importance of bowel health, the environment, specific supplements for women and the mind-body connection…

The importance of bowel health…

Bowel health is crucial to so many aspects of health. In fact, I’d go, as far as to say, a healthy gut is the key to overall health. Unfortunately, it is often a neglected part of any treatment plan or focus, and little attention is paid to optimising digestive health. Gastrointestinal function, and the science of gut health has progressed leaps and bounds in the last few decades, and new information emerges all the time as to the role of gut bacterial balance, as well as regards the “gut-brain link”. Gastrointestinal ecology is directly linked to immune function, affects digestive capacity, and can even affect our ability to lose weight. The gut also communicates with our brain, as thoughts and feelings are often expressed through the gut. Experiencing “butterflies in the stomach” is a good example of this “two-way communication” at work.

Stress, emotions and gut health…
It is important to be aware of, and understand the close relationship between stress/emotions, and digestive function. The most common underlying cause of digestive problems in adults is stress. This is always a combination of external stress (outside or work/family pressures/distressing events), and internal stress (i.e. dealing with our own personal emotions and issues – unhappiness, loneliness and grief are examples of internal stress). In order to improve the health of the digestive system, the individual needs to be aware of his or her stresses, and at the same time, confront any negative emotion or feeling, and try and reduce and express “stress” where possible. It is never wise to suppress emotions, feelings or problems as unexpressed emotion is held in the body’s tissues, and particularly the “emotional centre” of the body, which happens to be our digestive system!

During stress, the release of the stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol causes an increase in heart rate and blood flow, away from the digestive system, to the muscles. Gut function automatically slows down and the movement of food through the system slows down too. Digestive problems soon manifest, as the body has to show emotion and stress somehow! The most pronounced effects of this type of stress are in fact, on the pancreas. Here it affects the production of insulin and digestive enzymes (the 2 main roles of the pancreas). Our capacity to respond to blood sugar levels decreases, as well as our capacity to digest food. Too much adrenalin causes ongoing digestive problems, as well as low energy. This is why any gut symptoms are worse when feeling stressed or anxious. It is never a good idea to eat when you are feeling upset, angry, stressed, anxious or nervous. Deep belly breathing (with lying down or when comfortably seated) and regular oil massage on the abdomen (working in a clockwise way) is very effective at reducing stress that is impacting on digestive function. Try and do this regularly if you suffer with any symptoms associated with an “irritated” bowel.

Gut dysbiosis and the role of probiotics…
It is estimated that we have well over 100 different species of bacteria that live in the bowel, all of which contribute to maintaining a “healthy balance” of microbes in the gut. Amongst their many vital roles and functions, they naturally produce many B vitamins, vitamin K, anti-bacterial substances, and generally keep any nasty bacterias and fungus under control. It is vital, therefore that we have sufficient probiotic or “good” bacteria in the gut, where they also aid in the body’s detoxification processes, and in the digestion of sugars and starches.

Boosting healthy gut bacteria…
Plenty of vegetables and fibre in the diet provide food for the good bacteria in the gut, and of course “live” or “bio” yogurt helps to put some good bacteria in. Organic live yogurt tends to have higher amounts of healthy bacteria than non-organic, and is healthier in general. So choose organic when you can! Short-term supplementation with probiotics is often effective, and necessary to reintroduce beneficial bacteria into the gut and normalise digestive function. These supplements can also encourage the continual growth of healthy bacteria, which are vital for protection against infection. For women, probiotics also stop harmful oestrogens from being re-absorbed back into the body.

Clean up your environment…

We know that our environment is polluted with xenoestrogens from pesticides and hormones in the food chain. Chemicals such as dioxin resemble oestrogen in their action within the body, and can therefore disturb “normal” oestrogen balance. This becomes particularly important in hormone-driven cancers such as breast cancer. Xenoestrogens have many negative health effects, and although no direct link to breast cancer has been established, it is highly recommended to avoid known sources and exposure to harmful chemicals. This really has to be part of any effective overall treatment and health plan.

For your interest…
“Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can do Now” is a report from the United State’s President’s Cancer Panel, originally commissioned by President Bush.

In it, it states: “We have grossly underestimated the extent that environmental chemicals play in cancer.” The Panel asks President Obama “to use the power of your office to remove the carcinogens and other toxins from our food, water, and air that needlessly increase health care costs, cripple our nation’s productivity, and devastate American lives.”

In addition, The US Environmental Working Group has put together a quick-glance 1-page flier on “Preventing Cancer: 9 Practical tips for Consumers”. It is a helpful reminder and worth a look. It available for download at:
http://www.ewg.org/files/EWG_preventing_cancer.pdf

The mind-body connection

In a nutshell, if you want to create healthy happy cells, you must “be” healthy and happy in yourself! The thoughts we think, the words we say, and the way we conduct ourselves has a profound effect on the physical body. In addition, any unresolved issues, anger or resentment can have serious negative effects on health. The Biology of Belief by Dr Bruce Lipton is a cutting edge read… a wealth of new science and information regarding the direct link between our mental state and the health of the physical body. It is a profound and eye-opening read!

Specific nutrient supplements for female health…

There are certain supplements that have been found to help support female health, specifically in balancing hormones, and assisting in the detoxification and clearance of oestrogens.

1) Calcium D-glucarate – helps to detoxify and eliminate harmful toxins and oestrogens in the liver

2) DIM – Diindolylmethane – a phytonutrient extracted from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli family) that supports oestrogen balance and oestrogen detoxification.

3) Indole-3-carbinol (found in the supplement Meta I3C) – I3C is another naturally occurring compound in broccoli, Brussels and cabbage. This also supports healthy oestrogen metabolism.

4) * Flaxseed – ground or milled flaxseed is an excellent addition to the diet. Not only is it a rich source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), the lignans (fibre) help to minimise the re-circulation of oestrogen from the bowels back into the body, as well as helps to keep to the bowels healthy generally. Two dessertspoons (ground) daily is a good, practical amount to have.

5) B Complex – B vitamins together with EPA and DHA are paramount for healthy oestrogen/progesterone balance, AND efficient liver function and detoxification.

6) Probiotics (particularly Lactobacillus Acidophilus and the Bifido bacteria) – ensuring a healthy internal digestive system, full of “good bugs” and eliminating “bad bugs” is essential to the body’s overall immunity and general health. Good bacteria help to metabolise oestrogen properly in the bowels.

7) Vitamin D – If blood levels are found to be sub-optimal, it is highly recommended to think about supplementing with Vitamin D3 (D3 drops) to achieve optimal Vitamin D status. A dose of 2000iu per day is a safe and effective dose.

Fish Oil (Eskimo-3 Liquid) – One of the best quality fish oils worldwide is Eskimo-3 fish oil, guaranteed to be free of PCBs or heavy metal contamination. 1 tsp a day is a useful and effective daily dose.

The above supplements are available from…

Nutri Ltd – Tel: 0800 212 742 (Ref 130219)
* For milled flaxseed – Higher Nature 0800 458 4747 (Ref 137115)

PLEASE NOTE: The recommendations or suggestions in this article are general guidelines and not meant to be prescriptive. If you are taking medication, or intend to take supplements, please consult with a reputable health care practioner, Doctor or gynaecologist before making any dietary changes or supplementing with any of the above herbal/ nutrient recommendations.

Recommended Reading…

Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom – Dr Christiane Northrup

Cancer Recovery Guide – Jonathan Chamberlain

The Body Knows… How to Stay Young – Caroline Sutherland

Genetic Nutritioneering – How you can modify inherited traits and live a longer, healthier life – Dr Jeffrey Bland

The Biology of Belief by Dr Bruce Lipton

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