IB WHAT NOW?

IB WHAT NOW?

Last year I found out I had IBS, a gut condition that’s relatively ‘common’, whatever that means! And it doesn’t necessarily make me feel better knowing other people are living with it too. No one really knows enough about it to know what causes it, yet, but there are tools to minimise the effects. The gut is such a large part of our working system and when it’s out of whack we know about it. At least I know what it is, even if I don’t know exactly how it came about there are some things I can do to keep on top of it – thankfully.

There are the pretty universal things like getting the sleep, get the rest, reduce the stress, eat well, exercise. It’s the stuff we all know about and could be doing anyway. But there are a few extras I’ve come to work with too.

Alcohol. Oh yeah. Who doesn’t love that cheeky wine at the end of the day or a few more at dinner or on the weekend with the girls? It’s so full of antioxidants, right? Sure, but it’s full of a few other things too we conveniently forget when we want to if we’re honest. It increases inflammation in our system and the first place it tends to show is the skin. It also messes with the hormones so the vino might give short relief but it does have longer-lasting effects. The elasticity of the skin is another one, which becomes increasingly important as we start accumulating wisdom. (I.e. get older!)

Trigger foods. So there is the general ‘eat well’ knowledge but there are some foods that certainly have a bigger influence on life flow, particularly with those of us with intolerances. Gluten, Dairy is off the table for me and I’m ok with it. I’m not fighting it, I’m working with it, it shows on my skin, in my general feeling of well-being, it’s helped me to feel good in my body (inside and out),  my moods have evened out and my periods normalised. Lara Briden has written a fantastic book, Period Repair Manual Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods, you can see it here on my wellness page. https://www.hayleybenseman.co.nz/well-being. I can’t wait for you all to read it; it’s a true life changer. It’s that good.

Water. If there is ONE thing we can do its drink water. Every day. Start with a glass of water before breakfast. Build it up, drink regularly. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s the best thing we can do for our bodies. It does take some time for the system to get used processing it as you start drinking more but once you get on a roll you almost can’t get enough. Your body will stop holding onto the old water in your system and embrace the chance to refresh, renew and regenerate more easily.

Embrace. Instead of trying to cover up the skin with make-up, serums, Botox, fillers, get onto the water, let the skin breathe, treat it with natural ingredients, love it for what it gives you and show it some love! Skincare isn’t going to fix the underlying issues but it will at least give a chance to stop down and appreciate a part of our body. It’s part of the bigger picture.

There are also plenty of ways we can treat ourselves that doesn’t involve self-torture. With the way the market has opened up in NZ for dairy and gluten alternatives, there is more access to gut-friendly food now. Phew. Here is a yummo treat you could keep in the freezer just for you. Fudgesicles! https://dreenaburton.com/homemade-fudgesicles/

And if you want to add a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar to your water all the better for your gut and skin. There are some great to recipes to make your own. Here’s one I found from Wellness Mama.  https://wellnessmama.com/2042/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/

Or dip into your bath with a few drops of my Lavender Massage Oil and treat your skin all over. https://www.hayleybenseman.co.nz/shop

We’ve got this!

Hx