Dear Readers,

 

One of the biggest problems sufferers face in their journey to recovery is digestive issues. It’s recommended that you do not use laxatives at all to relieve this problem. It’s best to use fermented foods and natural methods. Please find below a super healthy recipe to help you in journey to healing.

 

 

Spinach Soup

 

I hate being constipated and in recovery this kills (being bloated and ingesting all that food plays havoc on your stomach and intestines). In the aftermath of refeeding, I fell into trap of using laxatives (I used over the counter laxatives and cherry on the cake it was a start of 7 month battle with laxatives).

Deep down I knew the impact this was having on my health (though at times my mind was too twisted to acknowledge the hazards and ramifications of messing with mother nature). When I gave up on laxatives, I was petrified of being constipated, weight gain and water retention (Geez what an original fear). Prune juice, acidophilus, prebiotics, figs, milk thistle, psyllium husk, everything was useless on me.

I conducted my own research into relieving constipation and came across several recipes that aided in my digestion. One method is to add more spinach into your diet. I borrowed one recipe of spinach soup from neighbouring country India (I think it belongs to Ayurveda genre). Its simple and rich in essential amino acids, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and folic acid.

 

Why not just Popeye  your recovery 🙂

 

According to WHFoods Recommendations “Among the World’s Healthiest vegetables, spinach comes out at the top of our ranking list for nutrient richness. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection.”

 

Spinach is a best remedy for constipation (in my case). It is easily digestible and is very light on stomach.  I ate spinach every day to relieve the constipation and to hydrate my body. I incorporated spinach into my breakfast (spinach omelette, egg Benedict etc), lunch , side salads, made different soups, such as spinach broccoli, spinach potato, spinach zucchini, spinach lentil and had it every day (sometimes twice and sometimes three times), and at times had a cup of clear spinach soup before bedtime.

 

My Recipe – Spinach with a Twist

 

Ingredients

 

2 cups of fresh spinach (washed thoroughly and chopped finely)

100 grams of cut broccoli (optional)

2 cups water

1 clove of garlic minced (optional)

Condiments, salt, black pepper (optional)

Veg stock cube (optional)

Lemon juice 1tsp (optional)

1/2 tsp Seagreens food granules (optional) (this is brilliant, mix of three spices, natural source of micronutrients, anti-oxidant with more minerals than land vegetables)

 

Method:

Bring large pan of water to boil, add spinach, garlic and broccoli and simmer it uncovered for 15 min on medium heat. (According to WH Foods “Do not cover the pot when cooking spinach. Leaving the pot uncovered helps to release more of the acids with the rising steam”). Add condiments, stock cube and simmer it for further 3-4 min. Remove from heat. Once cooled blitz it in food blender and add seagreens and lemon juice. Serve warm or cold:)

 

Caution: Do not use this recipe if you have kidney problem, (Please do consult your dietitian)