15% Off January Reset + Gifts | Use Code EARLY15

15% Off January Reset | Code EARLY15

Pay with HSA/FSA to save up to 30% 🌟

Pay with HSA/FSA 🌟

Clean Program
Clean Program
How Inflammation Is Messing With Your Digestion

How Inflammation Is Messing With Your Digestion

Inflammation is triggered by the immune system in an attempt to protect the body, remove harmful stimuli and begin the healing process. Initially, it’s actually a good thing. However, extended period of inflammation within the body can create some issues.

inflammation-digestion-hero

 

What happens with Inflammation

Inflammation can exist in various different places in the body. If we scrape a knee, inflammation occurs at the site, with the potential to grow if the injury isn’t properly taken care of. Unfortunately, we brush up against multiple inflammation-causing sources in our day-to-day lives, like processed foods, air pollution, overexertion, and stress. The digestive process is among the most energy-intensive in the human body. When the body is busy sending healing to a damaged area, the capacity to fully digest food decreases – it’s simply too overwhelmed. Take the nervous system for example, when we are in “fight-or-flight” mode, the digestive process slows, because the body goes to save energy to flee from danger.

It’s all connected

Every system in the body is connected. The digestive system and the hormonal system don’t exist independently from one another, they affect one another. At the center of all health is a properly functioning digestive system and a healthy gut. Here lies the connection between inflammation and the digestive system.

Sixty to eighty percent of our immune system is located in our gut. When our gut is in a state of imbalance, the issue is much bigger than just stomach pain, gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Gut imbalances have been linked to hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, eczema, rosacea, and more. Some bad gut bacteria actually promote inflammation as a response to stress.

Gut health is whole body health

With its connection to the immune system, there is no surprise that our gut health is directly linked to our overall health – our ability to fight disease, inflammation and possible invaders. One of the most common gut imbalances people are suffering from today is leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability.

The lining of our digestive tract is one single cell layer thick. These cells form a barrier between our bloodstream, immune system (which governs inflammation), and the outside world. In a healthy body, these cells are closely locked together forming “tight junctions”. These tight junctions form a protective barrier in the gut, making sure that everything we eat is properly processed and nutrients are well assimilated. When they break down, we develop what is called leaky gut syndrome. With space in between these tight junctions, bacteria and toxins, undigested proteins and fats, and waste leak out of the intestines into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation in the body.

As you can see, the connection between inflammation and digestion goes both ways. Poor digestion can cause inflammation, and inflammation can cause poor digestion.

What should we do?

One of the best ways to immediately decrease inflammation and strengthen the digestive system is to ditch the most common food sensitivities. These are foods that spark inflammation in most people, leaving the digestive system damaged and overworked. Additionally, over time these foods can cause much larger issues like disease. These common trigger foods include gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, corn, soy, nightshades, eggs, and peanuts. Removing the most common food triggers allows inflammation to die down and the digestive system to relax, rejuvenate and heal.

Supplementing your wellness plan with digestive enzymes or probiotic capsules is another good idea. Additionally, you can try supplementing with a prebiotic fiber powder to help keep everything moving smoothly in the digestive tract. They really ensure that food is properly digested and nutrients are properly assimilated. Overall this helps the digestive process and leads to less inflammation.

Fortunately, the 21-Day Clean Program is founded on these two concepts, along with two pre-blended meals to further decrease inflammation and give the digestive system a much-needed break.

 

 

More articles you may like

mini golden milk cheesecakes no bake

No-Bake Vegan Golden Milk Mini Cheesecakes

Mindy Palmer

Vegan mini cheesecakes with a golden milk twist. Gluten-free, raw, and no-bake, these cheesecakes are packed with clean ingredients but taste like an indulgent treat.

Read more
fall simmer pot

Fall Simmer Pot for Wellness

Mindy Palmer

Fall simmer pots enhance your well-being with seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. Learn the benefits of this natural aromatherapy for relaxation and coziness.

Read more
Love Your Gut With These Healthy Homemade Gummies

Love Your Gut With These Healthy Homemade Gummies

Mindy Palmer

Healthy gummies made with protein-rich gelatin, real fruit, monk fruit, and no artificial anything. Paleo, gluten-free, and packed with gut health benefits.

Read more
lychee smoothie recipe

Lychee Smoothie With Thai Basil for an Antioxidant Boost

Mindy Palmer

Make this refreshing lychee smoothie recipe packed with tropical flavor, creamy coconut yogurt, and Thai basil. Perfect for summer breakfasts or a healthy treat during your cleanse!

Read more
cucumber kimchi

Quick & Easy Cucumber Kimchi for a Spicy Kick

Nicole Varon

Made with crisp cucumbers, garlic, ginger, Korean chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar, this dish is both healthy and delicious. Ready in minutes, it's a must-try for your next summer gathering!

Read more
Yuzu Mojito Mocktail for a Revitalizing Summer Drink

Yuzu Mojito Mocktail for a Revitalizing Summer Drink

Nicole Varon

Try a refreshing Yuzu Mojito Mocktail, a zesty twist on the classic cocktail. This alcohol-free, sugar-free drink is perfect for summer, and bursting with citrus flavor.

Read more
finished smoothie with pineapple garnish

Adaptogenic Tropical Ginseng Smoothie for a Refreshing Energy Boost

Nicole Varon

Want to boost your energy for the day? Then this Adaptogenic Tropical Ginseng Smoothie is for you. Loaded with ginseng benefits and featuring mango, pineapple, and coconut, this revitalizing smoothie delivers a delicious taste of the tropics. Whether you’re looking for an energized start to your day or a healthy...

Read more
Clean chocolate superfood bark

Cacao-Nut Delight: Sugar-Free Clean Chocolate Superfood Bark with a Nutty Twist

Nicole Varon

Indulge guilt-free with this sugar-free clean chocolate bark recipe. Made with mindful ingredients, it's perfect for Keto, diabetic, or low-sugar diets.

Read more