The Farm at San Benito's Marian I. Alonzo, MD, Shares Her Top 5 Overlooked Tips for a Healthier Gut

CSP Times

12 minutes ago

BATANGAS

"While most advice for gut health overlaps with general wellness—like eating a fiber-rich diet, getting quality sleep, exercising, and managing stress—there are practical yet often overlooked steps that can significantly improve gut health while offering added benefits," says Marian I. Alonzo, MD, from The Farm at San Benito, an award-winning holistic wellness retreat in the Philippines. Here are her top 5 tips for a healthier gut.

READ: The Farm at San Benito: A Haven of Tranquility and Healing

1. Chew Your Food Thoroughly

Proper chewing activates the digestive system as nature intended, stimulating the release of enzymes that break down carbohydrates. This simple act reduces the burden on the pancreas, aiding in the prevention of diabetes and obesity.

2. “Air Cycling” or Leg Movement While Lying Down

When lying on your back, mimic cycling or move your legs as though walking in the air. The nerves serving the colon share the same source as those innervating the lower limbs. Engaging the lower limbs helps alleviate or prevent constipation—a condition linked to Alzheimer's. Additionally, cycling activity has been shown to reduce the intensity of involuntary movements in Parkinson’s patients, making this tip beneficial for preventing age-related diseases.

READ: The Farm at San Benito's Sustainable Approach to Health and Wellness

3. Pay Attention to Your Belly

Practices like abdominal breathing or placing warm hands on your belly can help you become more attuned to your body’s signals. Symptoms such as pain, bloating, or discomfort are often your body’s way of seeking attention. Offering quality, mindful attention to your belly can help soothe these signals before they escalate.

4. Embrace Healing Warmth

Drinking warm water, herbal tea, or soup provides soothing comfort to the belly. Warmth promotes vasodilation, enhancing blood flow and improving nutrient absorption. This small habit can have a big impact on overall digestive health.

5. Treat Dining as a Sacred Ritual

Approach meals with mindfulness and gratitude. A calm, centered state allows the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Eating while angry or upset can cause acid imbalances, increasing the risk of acid reflux. By viewing dining as a sacred activity, you create the conditions for optimal digestion and gut health.

Book your stay at The Farm at San Benito HERE.