Nourishing Your Small Intestine

The small intestine may be one of the single most unappreciated organs in the body.  We give credence to the stomach, the liver, gallbladder, large intestine, and pancreas, but for the most part, little to nothing for the small intestine.  Yet, this organ has jobs essential to our longevity and survival.

Tasks of the Small Intestine:

• Basic Digestion facilitated by bile from the gallbladder and enzymes from the pancreas
• Manufacture of essential vitamin substances including B12
• Immune system information and modulation
• Nervous system information and modulation including a large degree of biological serotonin synthesis
• Essential fatty acid synthesis
• Inflammation modulation via mucosal integrity

Each of these functions is essential, and if they become disturbed, can lead to significant health challenges including but not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritated Bowel with irregular and impaired digestion
• Insomnia
• Joint pain
• Migraine
• Fatigue
• Endocrine disturbances

Supporting the Small Intestine, however, is rather simple.  Basic guidelines are to eat a highly nourishing nutrient-dense diet focused on vegetables and a small amount of fruit.  Protein, although essential should not be consumed in large amounts and the same with fat.  Whole grains except for wheat can be used in moderation when prepared correctly.

• 5-9 servings of vegetables per day, raw only eaten before 3 PM, those eaten cooked should ideally be eaten steamed or lightly sautéed.
• Fruit only 2-3 servings per day with those that are raw eaten before 3.
• Grains ideally should be soaked and sprouted or fermented as in sourdough bread.  Eliminate Wheat entirely
• Dairy: Raw is best, goat cheese would be preferred above cow, milk used sparingly if at all, and use should be determined by sensitive testing for tolerance
• Protein: meats 3 times per week maximum, vegetable sources should predominate, along with seeds which can be used daily.  Legumes also can be used but also ideally sprouted as in sprouted lentils, mung beans, or garbanzo beans.
• Fats: Small daily amounts of grass-fed butter, raw coconut oil, some olive oil but unheated.  Avoid all other vegetable oils especially canola.

Following these guidelines along with specific nutrient recommendations if needed and mucosal support can repair the small intestine and restore inherent immunity, neurological balance and strength, creating greater potential for magnified health for the small intestine and the body as a whole.

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Seven Directions has partnered with Steve Schrimer to offer Light Healing Touch Work!

Having had a session myself, I can highly endorse the healing work Steve does, after my session, I felt energized and peaceful, while also more clear within my body.  I see the work Steve does as being a beautiful stand along treatment or as one to add to any treatment plan to enhance effects.

Here is a brief description of light healing touch:

Light Healing Touch works on the body with light touch (optional) and
above to tune the body’s energetic system and balance/align the chakras
(energy centers of the body). It’s a complementary healing therapy that is
now becoming widely used in hospitals. It uses bioelectric energy or chi
to restore vitality to the body. This soothing therapy creates deep
relaxation in the body. Light Healing Touch is great for pain relief,
relaxation, anxiety/depression, hormonal imbalances, emotional healing,
spiritual growth/development, and general well being.

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Tricia Cole RN as the Nurturing Nurse has also partnered with Seven Directions to offer her services which include:

• Ayurvedic Counseling
• Emotional Freedom Technique
• Meditation classes
• Fibromyalgia and Pain Control Techniques
• Reiki
• Flower Essence Therapy using Sacred Essences
• Grace Centered Counseling

As someone who has known and benefited from all the things Tricia does, I am beyond excited to have her join the center and offer her many talents for healing.  Her skillful combination of counseling, energy work, and Ayurveda, and her great knowledge as an RN makes her such an asset to anyone on a healing path.