What is gut cleansing?

The gut has a powerful role to play not just in digestion but in immunity and the maintenance of our wider health and wellbeing.

With our Gut Cleanse Weekend just around the corner – be sure to put Friday 29th – Sunday 31st January 2021 in your diary – we thought now would be the perfect time to share our knowledge of the gut and explore how gut cleansing really works.

Gut bacteria – tiny yet mighty

Our body is home to trillions of tiny but mighty microorganisms. From viruses and bacteria to fungi, each microorganism has a crucial part to play.

Collectively known as the gut microbiome, these microorganisms are critical to health and aid digestion at every stage.

From the moment that tasty morsel goes into your mouth, gut bacteria in your saliva and then your stomach interacts with the food creating short-chain fatty acids to give you a hit of essential energy.

Further into the digestive process, gut bacteria in the intestinal lining offers a vital form of protection keeping the gut safe from invading pathogens and ultimately preserving gut health.

Harmful substances are turned into less harmful ones by the bacteria, while vitamins (namely vitamin K and B) are also generated to be used within the wider body.

Good versus bad gut bacteria

There’s been much publicity in recent years about supporting good gut bacteria and quashing the bad, but what exactly is the difference?

As we mentioned good gut bacteria is responsible for healthy digestion and immunity, and provides the nutrients our bodies need to thrive. We’ll let Better Body explain how the opposing, bad bacteria impacts the body:

“Most of us don’t think about the health of our gut bacteria until we get sick. Unfortunately, by this time much damage may have already been done. Bad gut bacteria include yeasts, parasites, fungi and certain bacterial species that cause harm to the body.

Some may destroy the delicate lining of the gut by feeding upon it or by releasing toxins that cause inflammation and damage. Some may cause digestive problems by disrupting the natural fermentation processes in the gut, causing gas and constipation.”

An influx of bad bacteria can lead to poor digestion, fatigue, and even low mood. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria is therefore key, and that’s where gut cleansing comes in.

The healing power of gut cleansing

A gut cleanse involves a clean diet, free from unprocessed and unrefined foods. As well as making low sugar choices, upping your intake of seasonal fruit, fibre-rich vegetables (like cabbage, kale and broccoli), fermented foods, gluten-free grains, and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices (such as ginger and turmeric) form the basis of this gut-friendly diet.

Many gut cleanses are also supported by gut-friendly supplements.

Gut cleanses can be taken for a period of 2 weeks for general wellness or for a longer term of 6 to 8 weeks when relieving more serious digestive health concerns.

More intense gut cleanses, like our very own Virtual Gut Cleanse Weekend program, also provide an excellent way to kick-start good digestive health.

Celebrate and cleanse with us!

Our Ayurvedic gut cleanse – officially known as shank prakshalana – has a long history. This ancient practice is supported by Ayurveda’s sister science yoga, and uses the two to remove waste, eliminate toxins, and get rid of bad gut bacteria.

We’re teaming up with IYogaa.org from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st January 2021 to host our very first gut cleanse weekend for 2021.

Our intense, 48-hour cleanse will leave you feeling lighter, more energised and glowing, as well as promote better gut health.

The program combines yoga classes, webinars and live support to ensure your gut is cleansed before the weekend is out and you enjoy all the perks of a great gut microbiome.

Book your tickets for our Virtual Gut Cleanse Weekend – they’re selling fast so hurry!