Gut Instinct: 5 Ways to Support Your Digestion Naturally (with Slippery Elm)
When your digestion is off, everything feels off. Bloating, gas, irregularity, and gut sensitivity don’t just impact your meals—they affect your mood, energy, and ability to feel at home in your body. But what if your gut symptoms were actually messages—reminders to slow down, simplify, and support your inner ecosystem?
At Angie’s Gardens, we believe in listening to those signals and offering the body real tools for healing. Whether you’re navigating IBS, leaky gut, or general digestive distress, here are five gentle, natural ways to restore balance—starting with the soothing power of Slippery Elm.
1. Add Soothing Demulcents Like Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is a gut-soothing herb that forms a gentle mucilage—a slippery, gel-like substance that coats the digestive lining. This helps:
- Calm inflammation
- Protect against further irritation
- Support tissue repair in the gut
It’s especially effective for people with IBS, ulcers, or sensitive digestion. At Angie’s Gardens, we offer Slippery Elm in an easy-to-use tincture that’s ideal for flare-ups or daily gut maintenance.
Try it here: Slippery Elm Tincture
2. Practice Mindful Eating (Start with Your Nervous System)
The gut and nervous system are deeply connected. If you’re eating in a rushed or distracted state, digestion suffers.
Simple shifts:
- Take 3 deep breaths before eating
- Put down your fork between bites
- Chew thoroughly—more than you think you need to
- Avoid multitasking while eating
This shifts your body into a parasympathetic state—where digestion actually works best.
3. Use Herbal Bitters to Stimulate Digestive Juices
Herbs like dandelion root, gentian, or orange peel (often found in bitters blends) help jumpstart digestive secretions—stomach acid, enzymes, and bile. This leads to better breakdown of food and less bloating.
Bitters are best taken 15 minutes before meals. You can alternate between Slippery Elm (to soothe) and bitters (to stimulate), depending on your body’s needs.
4. Balance Your Gut Microbiome with Fiber and Fermented Foods
The good bacteria in your gut need nourishment. Add prebiotic-rich foods like:
- Cooked beans and lentils
- Ground flax or chia seeds
- Garlic, leeks, and onions
- Lightly fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, or miso
And remember: when your gut is inflamed, it may need a period of soothing (like Slippery Elm) before it’s ready for heavier fiber or fermentation.
5. Hydrate with Intention
Water is essential for healthy digestion—but timing matters. Drinking small sips throughout the day, rather than large gulps during meals, helps with:
- Smooth elimination
- Better absorption
- Easier nutrient delivery
Warm herbal teas—especially ones with Slippery Elm, chamomile, or lemon balm—can hydrate and heal at the same time.
Final Thought
Your gut is not just a machine—it’s a communicator, a healer, and a bridge between your inner and outer world. By tuning in, slowing down, and offering herbal allies like Slippery Elm, you support not just digestion—but deeper regulation, nourishment, and presence.
Start with small changes. Let your gut rebuild trust. And know that you’re not alone—nature has your back.
