Optimal Digestion and Toxin Protection

Karen Masterson Koch, President of Aloe Life • December 31, 2018

Our modern world brings with it a dizzying amount of toxic chemicals, polluting our air, food and water supplies, and ultimately making their way into our bodies. We are constantly exposed to thousands of these threatening chemicals in our environment, a fact which we collectively turn a blind eye to, though it significantly impacts all aspects of life on our planet, from tiny microbes to human beings.

Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to protect and enhance the health of ourselves and our families. By minimizing exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals as much as possible, while maximizing health and immunity through holistic nutrition, we can unlock our bodies’ natural detoxification process to help remove harmful waste daily.

How to Lower Toxic Exposure
- Drink 6-8 glasses of clean, filtered water every day
- Avoid synthetic household cleaning products, pesticides and fertilizers
- Get rid of Teflon or non-stick pans that have scratched surfaces
- Eat organically; avoid fried foods, rancid oils and artificial food sprays
- Acquire indoor plants that help improve air quality, like spider plants and ferns
- Exercise regularly for 30-45 minutes a day

The Almighty Aloe
Herbs have been used to safely support health for thousands of years, yet with so many options to choose from, taking the first step can be a little overwhelming.

The one plant that I find offers the best foundational support is aloe vera. It is powerful enough to jumpstart detoxification and strengthen immunity when concentrated, but equally as gentle when taken daily in smaller amounts to support digestion, regularity, energy, skin health and even allergies.

Aloe vera is a multitasking super hero herb that contains over 100 actives to help orchestrate hundreds of functions of the body so they all perform in harmony. But beware, not all aloe vera supplements are created equal! Be on the lookout for whole leaf aloe concentrations with the dark yellow sap, a sure sign you’ve struck aloe vera gold!

The dark yellow sap bitters in aloe support balanced pH, reduced fungal overgrowth and improved absorption of foods and supplements too. Many people also welcome the extra help aloe may bring for constipation, but start with less if you are experiencing quicker than comfortable transit. Regularity is a critical step during detoxification; it allows extra waste that has been stirred up to be eliminated from the lymph, skin, liver, lungs and kidneys.

Not only is aloe the first step to better digestion by providing hyaluronic acid, pepsin and bile to the process, it also stimulates the production of butyric acid, which is a foundation of bowel health when friendly bacteria and food fiber are present in the colon. Besides supplementing with aloe vera, other foods that contain essential nutrition and phytonutrients, as well as fiber, contribute to cleansing, repair and protection of the body. Be sure to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, such as cucumbers, onions, garlic, radishes, carrots, celery, broccoli, apples, papaya, cilantro and so many more.

When combined with healthy lifestyle choices, a well-balanced diet and lots of clean water, aloe vera can greatly aid in digestion, detoxification and renewal. Plus, it’s gentle enough for both kids and adults. Start supporting your family’s whole-body wellness today!

Certified Nutritionist and Aloe Life President Karen Masterson Koch is a health researcher, educator, and author with over 25 years of experience counseling individuals back to health from every type of health challenge imaginable. Her book Beyond Gluten Intolerance has opened the door for many to health discoveries including weight loss and reversing failing health, which often includes digestive challenges, mood disorders, allergies and skin conditions.

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