Yoga for a Healthy Digestive System
- By Tracy Roberge
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- 07 Mar, 2020
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Being backed up or bloated is never comfortable. Not only may it leave you feeling not the best, it is also a sign that your body is not working as it should, leading to a build-up of toxins, a growth of bad bacteria (dysbiosis) and possible dysfunction of organs. Consuming a wholefoods diet, free of intolerants, processed sugars and junk food can greatly improve your digestive health. Incorporating yoga into the routine will provide even more help.
Among the numerous health benefits of yoga, one is yoga for digestion. Common stomach problems include constipation, stomach pain, gas, acid reflux and acidity. Yoga can help you get relief from these conditions. Digestive problems occur due to various causes such as irregular eating habits, allergy to some foods, stress, sedentary lifestyle, bad diet etc.
Good Digestion
You should experience at least one bowel movement a day, If you are eating three meals a day, 2-3 bowel movements is your target. Otherwise, you are going to have a great deal of backed up fecal matter, which will lead to the development of gas, bloating, and possible Small Intestinal Distress.
Stress is one of the biggest drivers of constipation. Chronic illness, chronic stress and fatigue all place a great deal of burden on your gut. The gut is, after all, our second brain, when we are not feeling our best, mentally or physically it senses that and will in turn work less effectively. Issues such as IBS, Crohn’s Disease or SIBO place additional pressure on our digestive system. Relaxing and bringing the body back into balance can provide amazing gut relief.
When the body’s sympathetic nervous system is constantly firing (the “fight or flight” response) our digestive system breaks to a halt. Many of us during times of great stress tend to look toward food for comfort, however, if our gut is not properly functioning and there we are just eating, none of it will get digested and instead will sit and rot in our gut, leaving us feeling unwell, bloated and distended. Our “fight or flight” response turns on so we can get away from danger, doing so it shuts off the gut and allows the rest of the body to use up that energy. Our “rest and digest” response is the time to properly enjoy a meal. Asanas aid in turning on the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” response, allowing our gut to properly function.
How Yoga Helps
There are many yoga poses that can stimulate the intestines, pancreas and stomach, making them strong and healthy. Yoga poses can eliminate constipation, decrease gas, reduce acid, improve absorption of food, improve gastrointestinal circulation. Talk to your digestive health doctor before you begin any exercise program, even one as gentle as yoga. Then, start slowly and work with an instructor to build your strength and stamina and avoid any poses that cause you more discomfort.
With the above in mind, Yoga Therapist Tracy Roberge, RYT500 will be will be hosting a Yoga for Digestive Health Workshop on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 2:00-4:00PM, at The Yoga Studio of Calgary Oak Bay. This workshop will highlight the overall importance of the digestive system for our emotional and physical well-being and balance, and show you recommended poses to help aid in your digestive health.
Register online or call 403-454-8645
