Digestive Care
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON

THE PHRASE “LESS FAT, MORE FIBRE” HAS BECOME A MANTRA OF HEALTHY LIVING BUT WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO WATCH WHAT WE EAT? AND HOW MANY OF US REALLY PAY HEED TO THE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR DIGESTION?

It may be hard to swallow, but chances are most people only worry about such things when digestive problems start to affect their wellbeing. Symptoms like heartburn, constipation, wind, mouth ulcers and even bad breath are all classic signs of a system that’s not working as it should be – and often things that can be remedied by making simple changes to how, what and when we eat.

The digestive system – otherwise known as the gut or gastrointestinal tract – is designed to process the foods and fluids we eat and drink on a daily basis. It’s essentially one long, muscular tube, measuring around 7 to 8 metres from start to finish. The process of eating right through to removal of unwanted waste usually takes between a day to a day and a half; if you’re constipated, that food waste could be sitting around in your bowel for five days or more, allowing more and more toxins to build up until the blockage is finally passed.

The body ultimately relies on efficient elimination of all unwanted matter – largely via the digestive system – to keep it in good health. When there’s nothing holding it back, the body is perfectly capable of disposing of its waste.

But a sluggish digestion will contribute to a build-up of waste that ought to be removed. Of course, this affects your health and wellbeing.

While its’ true that eating fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, nuts and wholegrain cereals are great for good digestion, there may be times (for example, when you’re travelling, or working shifts) when this just isn’t enough to keep your routine healthy. That’s when Ortisan Fruit Cubes can be helpful as they re-establish regularity.

Fibre stimulates the digestive tract to help it work properly, as well as helping to prevent constipation. It also slows down the absorption of carbs, which in turn helps to quash hunger pains. A handy way to keep up your ‘five-a-day’ is to eat a Castus sun-ripened fruit bar – so tasty they’re a treat, not just for your gut but your taste-buds too.