Tummy Talk

It is becoming more commonly known that your Gut Health is the key to a number of other health problems. Let's quickly refresh ourselves on the anatomy that makes up our "gut".

The abdomen consists of many organs whose functions are numerous and vastly important. A few of the major ventral organs (those located on the front side of the body) are the small intestine, large intestine (colon), and stomach. These take consumed food, turn it into nutrients, then turn the nutrients into usable energy. They also help to dispose of solid waste. The good bacteria, gut microbiome, in your digestive tract allow for this break down, but they do more than that. This good bacteria keeps the "bad" bacteria in check. When everything is running smoothly, we have equilibrium. But when the bad outweighs the good you end up with things like: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The liver, with all its many functions, is best known for processing blood and separating the waste from the nutrients. Some kinds of gut bacteria is believed to be the link cholesterol has to heart disease. When you eat foods like red meat, the bacteria makes a chemical that your liver then turns into TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide). TMAO builds cholesterol in the bloodstream which increases the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events and death. Chronic Kidney Disease can also be caused by too much TMAO and prohibits the Kidneys from functioning correctly. The Kidneys filter waste out of the bloodstream, which is passed out of the body as urine. They help regulate levels of electrolytes and produce certain hormones that play various roles throughout the body.

Although your brain is not located in the abdomen, it does communicate with it. Researchers now believe that the gut talks back. Studies show that the balance of bacteria in the gut affect the emotions and the way the brain processes information. Changes in those balances play a role in conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Pain. An unhealthy balance in the gut microbiome can cause signals to get crossed in the brain. Meaning, a suppression of hunger or even a lack there of. Gut microbiome are influenced by the food you consume. That is why your appetite can feel different depending on where you live and occasionally even when you travel.

The organs in the stomach are surrounded and protected by the abdominal muscles. The muscles in the abdomen give the spine the structure and support it needs to bend at the waist.

Both the organs and the abdominal muscles are susceptible to various health concerns, mainly due to the importance of the organs that are situated in the region. Some of these include digestive problems and weakness in the stomach or intestines, various cancers, and cirrhosis of the liver. Others consist of pulled or strained abdominal muscles, diet, lack of exercise, and birth defects (structural and/or metabolic).

Assisting your Gut Health can come in a many different forms, but knowledge is key. Knowing what you are putting in your body as well as how to structurally support it are at the top of the list when getting Gut Health in check. And the best way to do those two things, Massage and Essential Oils!

Abdominal massage, also known as Stomach massage is a noninvasive treatment that can be performed by a Licensed Massage Therapist during a regular, full body massage. It can also be done to ones self in the comfort of your own home. This form of treatment is gentle, places the client in a relaxed state, and unwinds the muscles and organs in the area. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), notes that Massage Therapy can have a positive effect on the physical, mental, and social well-being of people. Massage has the ability to improve a persons overall health and wellness as it provides healing effects for many people.

Abdominal Massage is used to treat a wide variety of health concerns, especially those related to the stomach and digestive tract. It has the ability to realign the organs and can tone and strengthen the muscles that make up the abdomen. It allows for the colon to keep itself regulated by breaking lose fecal matter from the walls of the intestines and relaxing the muscles around the colon. This keeps constipation and bloating at bay.

Other benefits to Massaging the Stomach include:

• Increased blood flow which in turn increases oxygen to the organs in the area being massaged. This in turn releases and decreases muscle spasms.

• Aligning the uterus and pelvic bone into their proper positions as well as alleviating menstrual pains and reducing bloating. A study done in 2005 shows an improvement (lower levels of pain) in cramping and menstrual pain in the women who received five-minute abdominal massages before menstruation.

• Releasing emotional tension by providing touch therapy. The abdomen is a hot spot for housing anxiety, stress, and depression points. A 2015 study shows the benefits of massage on the abdomen, as well as improved levels of the well-being.

• Improves digestive function

• Aids in weight loss

The next time you schedule a massage ask your Massage Therapist to include an abdominal massage and experience something new!

Essential Oils pair perfectly with Massage Therapy when it comes to getting your Gut Health moving in the right direction (pun intended). Young Living is the World Leader in Essential Oils by providing the most pure of products. With their Seed to Seal production process, it is a promise that every batch is of the highest quality in the business.

DiGize® Vitality is a proprietary combination of Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Anise, Patchouli, and Lemongrass. This combination of oils supports and cleanses the digestive system by fighting candida as it kills and digests parasite infestation.

Candida overgrowth in the gut is the cause of many problems, starting with fatigue which can become chronic if the growth is not controlled. Others include digestive problems, sinus infections, even joint pain. Add DiGize Vitality to your daily wellness routine in order to control candida and get your gut back to equilibrium.

Allow DiGize to provide your gut with relief from problems such as heartburn, gas and bloating, and indigestion. Find which way brings you the best results!

• If you are not YET a fan of DiGize Vitality’s taste, add a drop straight into your belly button after a heavy meal and rub the excess oil around your tummy. Your skin will soak in that oil and provide the relief you need.

• Taking 1–2 drops of DiGize Vitality in a vegetarian gel capsule daily as a dietary supplement provides wonderful support to your digestive system AND with the capsules you don't fully taste the oil.

• If you do enjoy the unique taste of DiGize Vitality, swab a drop on the insides of your cheeks OR under your tongue before or after a large heavy meal.

• Increase the sweetness of DiGize Vitality by mixing it with honey to make a soothing tea with powerful antioxidant properties.

• Mix a few drops of Peppermint with DiGize to provide a post-dinner calm OR make your own diffuser recipes and feel free to share them!

Keeping the stomach satisfied takes on a whole new meaning now when discussing Gut Health. With its many connections mentally, physically, and emotionally, it becomes imperative that the gut is kept in great shape.

Seed to Seal® is Young Living’s quality commitment that ensures every pure essential oil and Young Living product you use are genuine, you’re enjoying the benefits of our global resources, industry leadership, and over two decades of innovation. As a result, the pristine final product that you know has been created with conscientious Sourcing, Science, and Standards—the three pillars of Seed to Seal.