A
Amino Acids
Protein plays a crucial role in almost all biological processes (as the body is made up of 20% of protein) and amino acids are the building blocks of it. The body is made up of cells and amino acids give cells their structure. As well as being present in muscles and tissues they also have influence in the function of organs, glands, tendons and arteries. They also aid in storage and transport of nutrients and are essential for the healing of wounds, tissue repair especially in muscle, bones, skin and hair as well as the removal of various kinds of waste deposits produced in connection with the metabolism.
Antioxidants
Are elements such as Vitamins A, C and E, that inhibit the rate of reaction or damage caused by free radicals (that are responsible for the process of oxidisation) and help protect healthy cells from possible damage caused.
C
Collagen
Is a protein that acts as the glue that holds our bodies together. Collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body behind water and is the building block of our tissues. Collagen makes up 75% of our skin, over 90% of our ligaments and tendons and 35% of our bones. As we age collagen levels in our bodies decrease at a rate of 2% a year in our 20's and ceases by our 50's. Collagen is the missing link in supplying amino acids like glycine, proline and lysine that are required by the body to build connective tissue to regulate cell growth. It will benefit hair, skin tissue, muscle, cartilage, ligaments and blood cell growth.
D
Digestif (tea)
Is usually an alcoholic drink that is consumed after a meal to aid in digestion. Digestif tea is based on the same principle. A traditional tea blend is used to soothe digestion, reduce bloating, cramping and calm inflammatory digestive conditions. All of the herbs used are digestive herbs, that work together in synergy. In Eastern medicine ginger, cinnamon and cardamom have warming actions, improving circulation and soothing agitation.
Digestion
It's not until something goes wrong with our health that many people start to question the importance of good digestive health. Good digestion is the cornerstone of overall good health and can help to minimise the risk of developing diseases such as bowel cancer and chronic complaints of bloating and stomach pains. Heartburn, reflux, constipation and diarrhoea can be attributed to poor digestion and digestional health.
Good or bad digestion can affect our day to day lives, so it should be a day to day priority.
E
Essential Vitamins
The health benefits of vitamins include their ability to prevent and treat various diseases including heart problems, high cholesterol levels, and eye and skin disorders. Most vitamins facilitate many of the body's mechanisms and perform functions which cannot be performed by any other nutrients.
F
Fibre
Is the indigestible parts of plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, beans and legumes. It is a type of carbohydrate that helps keep our digestive systems healthy. Dietary fibre is important for our digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fibre also helps you feel fuller for longer, can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can assist in preventing some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer. There are three different types of fibre which all have different functions and health benefits:
- Soluble fibre helps to slow the emptying process in our stomachs, which helps you feel fuller. It also helps to lower cholesterol and stabilise your blood glucose levels. Soluble fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, oats, barley and legumes.
- Insoluble fibre absorbs water to help to soften the contents of our bowels and support regular bowel movements. It also helps to keep us full and keep the bowel environment healthy. Insoluble fibre is found in wholegrain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, wheat bran and the skin of fruit and vegetables.
- Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine and instead proceeds to the large intestine where it can assist in the production of good bacteria and improves bowel health. Resistant starch is found in undercooked pasta, under ripe bananas, cooked and cooled potato and rice.
Fermentation
Simply put, fermentation is the process in which a substance breaks down into a simpler substance. Microorganisms like yeast and bacteria usually play a role in the fermentation process, creating beer, wine, bread, kimchi, yogurt and other foods. The word fermentation comes from the Latin word fermentare, meaning “to leaven.” Fermenation is what is called a metabolic process that consumes sugar when no oxygen is readily available.
Free Radicals
Are the molecules that contain unpaired electrons, which make them highly reactive. In this form, they can cause damage by attacking healthy cells, and when these cells grow weakened, you become more vulnerable to disease.
G
Gut Microbiome or Gut Flora
The gut microbiome is made up of the trillions of microorganisms and their genetic material that live in your intestinal tract. These microorganisms, mainly comprising bacteria, play a critical role in your health and wellbeing. The bacteria that live in the digestive system play a key role in the digestion of food that is eaten and help with absorption and utilisation of nutrients. Bacteria in the gut are involved in many other important processes outside of the gut, including metabolism, body weight, and immune regulation, as well as brain functions and mood.
I
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body's immune response. Inflammation can act in a good way of warning of injury or when tissues need to be cared for or protected. If inflammation becomes persistent it can cause harm. Always seek advice from a trained medical practitioner.
Immune System
Is made up of a number of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body and fight invading viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that can cause illness and disease.
P
pH Balance
pH refers to the balance in the body between acidity and alkalinity. pH is registered between a level of 0 to 14, with a pH level of 7 meaning the body is “neutral". A pH level for example of 7.4 would suggest that the body is more alkaline than acidic. Balancing a healthy pH level in your body may help prevent unhealthy organisms from developing, tissues and organs from becoming damaged, minerals from being exhausted, and your immune system from being compromised.
Prebiotics
Are a type of non-digestible food fibre that feed your friendly gut bacteria. They are the source of fuel that allows probiotics (good gut bacteria) to do their work. Scientific research indicates that increasing prebiotic fibre intake supports immunity, digestive health, bone density, regularity, weight management and brain health.
Please note that people suffering from gut issues should always consult a qualified naturopath or medical practitioner for the best prebiotic fibre for you.
Probiotic
Are live beneficial bacteria that are naturally created by the process of fermentation in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, and others.
S
Short Chain Fatty Acids
Short-chain fatty acids are the major nutrients produced by bacterial fermentation. The usual starting substrates are carbohydrates. In humans the fermentation products are produced and absorbed in the colon and it is here that short-chain fatty acids are partly metabolized in the colonic cells, and appear to be a major nutrient source
Stress
Is the body’s natural response to situations that can be identified as potentially dangerous or perceived as challenging. Stress triggers off the 'fight or flight' response and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released, causing the heart rate, metabolism and breathing rate to speed up. In small doses it is usually manageable, but prolonged and unmanaged stress can lead to damaging effects physically and mentally.
T
Toxins (related to gut health)
Are substances that can cause damage to the body.