Top 10 factors that can upset your digestive system

Our bodies are complex units. Everything is interlinked and your body demands harmony from all of its organs.
A number of internal and external factors can upset our organs and digestive system as a whole – here are the top 10 factors to try and control/reduce exposure to:

1. sugar – it is heating, sticky and toxic to the body in big doses
2. lack of sleep – your body needs adequate rest to rejuvenate all organs so they can perform their intended roles
3. over-eating – this can send your body into shutdown mode and put excess stress on your organs
4. alcohol – both poisonous and toxic to the body, too much alcohol damages the body internally which is evident externally
5. cold food and drinks – can create stagnation in the digestive system, slowing down the digestive process considerably
6. emotions – anger/upset/frustration – all will affect one or more of your organs. Try and control what you can and let go of what you can’t
7. processed foods – they contain foreign properties that are literally indigestible by the human body
8. pandadol/nuerofen – contain chemicals that will alleviate pains and complaints temporarily, yet will leave a trail of destruction. Try natural remedies instead
9. anti-biotics – whilst they kill bacteria and bugs – they also kill your insides! Follow up a round of anti-biotics with some gut nourishing foods
10. Over-exercise – will deplete your Qi and deplete your digestive strength. Exercise is fantastic in decent doses – not extremes. Are there issues in your life that you are avoiding and using exercise as a distraction from?

Take the time to get to know your body and figure out what works for YOU!

The true benefits of coconut water

What are the benefits of coconut water? Holistic health coach, Alyse Cocliff founder of "An Apple a Day" - gives us the low down on the actual benefits of the renowned drink!

"Working with athletes, I'm constantly looking for natural ways to help the body rehydrate and/or recover after intense training sessions and competitions. One product that I highly recommend is coconut water and here is why:

- It contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is 100% natural.
- Coconut water is packed with essential electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) to help our bodies re-hydrate efficiently and effectively post work-out/training & even hot yoga.
- It contains bio active enzymes that help digestion and promotes healthy thyroid function.
- Coconut water is a great source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and folates that are critical to the healthy function of the body's nervous system, muscles, vital organs and metabolism.
- Research suggest that cytokins in coconut water showed significant anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic effects.
- It tastes DELICIOUS!

For those completing intense training, I recommend adding a pinch of Celtic sea-salt to increase the level of NATURAL sodium to match those of artificial sports-drinks.

Be careful if you purchase packaged brands of coconut water as some products are inferior to others. When clients can't get their hands on a fresh coconut, I encourage them to enjoy Nakula Organic coconut water.

For weight management, Coconut water shld be used as a booster 150ml-250ml after a tough exercise session. Coconut water is safe for children and a great addition to a breakfast smoothie, or simply straight from the source"

Portion Control

When you are trying to lose weight or diet one of the most difficult things to do is to measure your portions.

Use your hand to judge portion size when on the go!

1. The average palm is about the size of a 3oz serving of meat.
2. The nail of the thumb is about 1 teaspoon.
3. 1 oz of nuts or 2 oz of popcorn fits in a cupped hand.
4. The thumb from the tip to the second joint is about 1 oz of cheese.
5. A fist is about 1 cup.

Whats the best way to weigh my food?

Look into purchasing a digital food scale. This will be the simplest most convenient way to weigh   your portions. Also consider using a glass or stainless steel base to avoid trapping bacteria. Plus, it’s easier to clean.