How to improve your digestive health

Good gut health is now known to have enormous influence on the health of the entire body, particularly in times of stress. Adding a good-quality probiotic to your diet can nurture a good digestive balance; however, not all probiotics are made equal. It’s also important to switch up your strains every few months to avoid the results from plateauing. “While I do take a daily probiotic shot or supplement, I’m also a firm believer in fermented foods or ‘beneficial bacteria’ such as miso, kimchi and kefir,” says Eve Kalinik. “Feeding that probiotic with a variety of sources is key.”

While there has been an increase in milk-protein allergies and lactose intolerances, not all forms of dairy are bad for the gut – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. “It’s about choosing the right types of dairy, the ones that are packed with protein and good gut bacteria,” says Kalinik. “Plain yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is high in protein and low in carbs and sugars. Unpasteurized, full-fat cheese and harder types of cheeses such as cheddars have a natural fermentation of bacteria, which flourishes in the gut.”

The benefits of turmeric are vast. This brightly-colored relative of ginger is now seen as a magic anti-inflammatory bullet for the body and is packed full of more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including the powerful antioxidant curcumin, which has been found by The University of Maryland to lower the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. “For better absorption, pair turmeric with pepper, as it helps the curcumin to be absorbed by the body,” says Kalinik.

Most of us are constantly in a state of high stress, so our bodies are not concentrating on digestion and are too stressed to process food. If food isn’t digested properly, it will ferment, causing bloating. To combat this, sit down to eat, be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth and, if you can bear it, chew each mouthful 30 times. Your mouth is the beginning of the digestive process, so by chewing you start a chain reaction of digestive enzymes throughout the intestine, which helps to break down the carbohydrates, proteins and fats to allow ease of passage throughout your body. And try to go to bed early – your gut bacteria, like the body, live on a circadian rhythm, so early nights equal a healthier gut.

THE LOWDOWN: From measuring bone density and fat composition to assessing hormone and energy levels, the Chenot – a spa founded and run by the husband/wife team of Henri and Dominique – integrates the latest medical technology with the principles of ancient Chinese medicine.

NEED TO KNOW: On arrival you are given a folder, which over the course of the week will log every test result, doctor’s and nutritionist’s report, supplement recommendation and weight fluctuation. After day one it’s filled with appointments and treatments, including daily hydrotherapy sessions (detox bath, full body wrap and stimulating shower) and detoxing massages. Food is far more sophisticated here than most spa fare (lunch and supper are often four-course affairs) so there is never a feeling of starvation, the only exception being on the fasting day when clear vegetable soups and herbal teas are all – along with a dose of Epsom salts – you can expect. Post-fast, expect exhaustion but a lightness of body (patients claim up to 3kg weight loss over a week), skin to be noticeably smoother and softer, and energy to be renewed.

ADD ON: Extras can include anything from vitamin injections and personal training to colon therapy treatments and food intolerance tests, as well as the multitude of aesthetic treatments on offer.