Myths of Eating a Wholegrain Plant Based Diet
Digestion and Immune System Foods
Wholegrains Strengthen the digestive system – It is a well-known fact among my family and friends that I do love to dispel a myth or two. I adore teaching clients and students the foods that aid in digestion and are amazing for immune system support.
The myth about wholegrain being very difficult to digest alongside people claiming that it is the cause of constipation or how expensive it is to eat a healthy diet have to be at the top of my list.
Foods to strengthen the digestive system are of paramount importance in achieving a healthy intestinal tract to allow optimum food absorption particularly when introducing wholegrain into your diet.
Some people complain to me about bloating and constipation when they start to use wholegrain and assume that they are ‘allergic’ to it. This is seldom the case. Usually the reason for this is that their digestive systems have been weakened over the years of eating a diet that is based around meat, dairy and sugar. This may mean that the environment of the digestive tract is lacking in the bacteria and enzymes needed to fully digest complex carbohydrates.
Tempeh – A wonderful Food to aid Digestive & Immune System Support, Packed with Protein and Healthy Bacteria
When changing to a diet with more vegetable protein and complex carbohydrates it is important that the digestive function is supported so that the full benefit of this way of eating can be experienced.
Tempeh is a fermented soy bean product and has such versatility in cooking that it is at the top of my list not only as a nutrient dense food but for the many delicious ways in which to to cook it. It can be used in stews, bolognaise, pan fried crisp in thin slices for sandwiches, deep fried in balls and served with a dipping sauce and so much more. Keep crowding out the bad bacteria with a healthy dose of good bacteria and you will have wonderful digestive health.
My Home Made Fermented Pickles
Add Sauerkraut to your diet to enhance your digestive system. Here are several helpful hints for strengthening the digestive system, stimulate the growth of helpful bacteria and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. Using the foods listed below will benefit your overall health. Start incorporating these foods into your diet now.
1. Miso
2. Tamari
3. Shoyu
4. Tempeh
5. Sauerkraut
6. Quick Pickles
7. Digestive aid teas
8. Chewing
Poor dietary habits can wreak havoc in your digestive tract by destroying good, beneficial bacteria and by allowing other less-desirable bacteria to flourish.
Miso Soup for Digestion & Immune System Health
If you eat plenty of wholesome unprocessed cooked foods and some fresh raw vegetables in warmer weather, get plenty of natural fiber, and drink fresh pure water, you still may suffer from occasional gas, bloating, and indigestion. So, what can you do?
Continue to eat healthy wholesome foods and drink plenty of pure water… they’re keys to not only your digestive health, but your overall health as well.
You may simply need more beneficial bacteria to help build a more balanced digestive tract to absorb nutrients more efficiently. When your ratio of good to other less-desirable bacteria gets out of balance, your chances of uncomfortable digestive issues can increase.
The best way to help solve this is by introducing billions of tiny micro flora (good bacteria) into your digestive system through the use of high quality fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, shoyu, tamari, and natto.
Not only will the good bacteria help relieve your occasional feelings of gas, bloating, and indigestion, they go to work boosting your immune system at the same time.* Scientific research shows that 80% of your immune system actually lives right in your digestive tract.
These foods consistently provide high-quality support for digestion and immune system health – while helping you maintain an ideal weight as well.
There are over 200 delicious healthy recipes in my book ‘Macrobiotics for All Season’s‘ available worldwide on amazon and many book stores. The recipes and teas in my book will assist you in achieving digestive health and a strong immune system.
In good health,
Marlene x
A long-time vegan, lover of animals, nature and life and passionate about human ecology. As an eternal optimist, increasing the number of people worldwide to switch to a wholefood, plant-based diet and vegan lifestyle is her mission. Together with her husband Bill Tara, they have created The Human Ecology Project.
