Naturopathic Nutrition Plan: Supporting the Gastrointestinal System, Nervous System, and Endocrine S

Therapeutic Aims

Support the Gastrointestinal System to reduce occurrence of burping, bloating and constipation. Reason: Dysbiosis can occur as a result of the diet, sleep disturbances or extrinsic stressors, these can lead to lowed immunity and bacterial metabolite production and can result in the development of intestinal inflammation. Therefore, it is crucial to have an understanding of the effects of diet and other factors on the gut microbiota. (Lobionda, et al. 2019).

Support Nervous system to balance circadian rhythm and reduce symptoms of tiredness.

Reason: nervous system affects the gut brain axis, serotonin levels.

Support Endocrine system to balance blood sugar levels during day.

Reason: sugar cravings and insulin spikes, skipping meals

-Please see GP have investigation test.

-Start your day with hot water and juice form 1/2lemon on empty stomach.

Reason: liver and digestion stimulation reference

-Increase your water consumption to 2L/day. Try to fit it to your work routine.

Reason: essential for homeostasis- adequate intake for male 31-50yrs is Ltrs per day, some of which will be acquired through foods ( Popkin et al, 2011)

-Add one green smoothie into your day, add some milled chia, flaxseed, hempseed (1 Tbsp). Reason:Fibre from fruit and vegetables is considered as an effective method for alleviating constipation (Yang, et al. 2016)

-Try not to skip lunch (have packed sandwiches with vegetables on the side, eg peppers, tomato, cucumber, radishes, celery, carrot) Reason:to balance blood sugar level during day, avoid energy dips and mood changes, stress.

-Try not to eat too late, your last meal 3 hrs before going to bed, and include bitter food with your dinner, e.g. Rucola, kale, artichoke. Reason:eating late effects digestion and liver detox overnight – effects circadian rhythm

-Reduce consumption of red meat to 1x week. Replace it with different type of protein e.g. Oily fish- sardines, anchovies, mackerel, salmon, turkey, chicken, beans, lentils, eggs. 1 palm portion with each main meal. Reason:For amino acid synthesis for multiple functions, including neurotransmitter production. red meat pro-inflammatory, constipation link, low digestive enzymes, low HCL,Incorporating fish in the diet can present beneficial effects on constipation. (Yang, et al. 2016)

-Relaxation: Epsom salt bath: 1-2cups in water, Relax for 20 min, 1-2x week.

Reason: Epsom salt bath relaxation and constipation. Absorb Mg absorption through the skin.

-Abdominal massage: clockwise with any oil plus 1 drop of lavender essential oil. Reason:Studies has shown abdominal massage has beneficial effects on increasing bowel movements. (Lamas, et al. 2009).

Antecedents: sister1 Crohn’s  and blood clotting issues, sister2 thyroid problems, bowel issues - food sensitivity, Mother fibromyalgia, hiatus hernia, ( study: genetic link)

Triggers: OCP, Panadol, anaestesia, ATB’s, spicy food, eggs, Ometrozol, H. Pylori, onion, bread, poor sleep ( study : High burden on the liver with detoxification of medications, reduced enzyme availability for elimination processes. There are many classes of drugs causing drug-induced liver injury. (Bashir and Mehta, 2020) ATB’s Can lead to long lasting disruption of microbiota (Morgun et al. 2015)

Mediators: low fibre, low antioxidant status, high stress from unknown places and location of toilets, irritability, low mood, low energy levels, fast food, low variety of microbiome, possible dysbiosis, high sugar intake, potential low HCL, high inflammation, disturbed circadian rhythm Reason: Lost sleep increases energy demands (Markwald et al. 2013) Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels (Morgan et al. 2017). high water intake., skin sensitivity to products, dysbalance of omega3/6 ratio, poor detoxification pathways, Gut Brain axis dysregulation, potential neurotransmitter imbalance. Reason: studies show that and imbalance in serotonin, Gaba, Dopamine may play a part in loose bowel symptoms and perception of pain. 

-Gastrointestinal: loose bowel, cramps, pain, bloating, burping, reflux Reason:recent atb’s dysbiosis, Panadol poor absorption of micro and macronutrient (Cenit et al.,2007).

-Nervous: anxiety of unknown places and toilet location, poor circadian rhythm, poor memory and concentration, Neurotransmitter imbalance  Reason:Pellow, Solomon and Barnard, 2011).

-Musculoskeletal:  pain: lower back, leg, shoulder. 

-To support gastrointestinal system to balance variety of microbiome and to reduce occurrence of bloating. (Cenit et al.,2007).

-To support musculoskeletal system to reduce the occurrence of ache and inflammation.

-To support nervous system to improve sleep quality and balance HPA axis. (Pellow, Sollomon and Barnard, 2011) Reason: Lowering stress can be achieved by improving sleep quality, and promoting positive outlook on life, this can include moderate physical activity out in the fresh air to allow the brain and the body to benefit. (McEwen, 2017).