Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: Why Good Gut Health Is So Important

Feeling sluggish, anxious, tired, or experience regular mood swings, an upset tummy, or suffer from food allergies? Well, anyone of these problems could be directly linked to an unhealthy gut function. And it’s more than likely that you have also been undergoing severe stress, sleeping poorly and not eating sufficient healthy foods. Yet, it need not be like this explains Karina Stewart, Kamalaya co-founder and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“When we balance the gut and support the digestive health, we can impact so many different aspects of our health and wellbeing,” she says. Suffering from poor gut health is a common issue and it’s why Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has a wellness program called ‘Enriched Gut’ which addresses the vital relationship between the gut and physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand; Kamalaya is well known for its integrative healing therapies from East and West, as well as its healthy cuisine, yoga, meditation, pilates programmes and customised wellness programs ranging from Detoxification to Stress & Burnout, as well as Healthy Lifestyle, Yoga Synergy and Emotional Balance.

Karina and John Stewart, founders of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa

Karina, who along with her husband John Stewart founded Kamalaya in 2005, said the new programme came from guest feedback. “We looked at what triggers the digestive problems that they might be experiencing,” she said.

“We provide a nutritional program and extraordinary cuisine, which is anti-inflammatory to really bring the digestive system into balance and health. We use herbs and supplements that have been especially developed and use therapies that will enhance the effectiveness of the program.”

Recent medical research has likened the gut to a ‘second brain’ due to its ability to influence physical, psychological and emotional health on multiple levels. To maintain a happy, enriched gut requires a balance in the strains of microorganisms (the so-called ‘friendly bacteria’) which co-exist within the gut microbiome.

Gut health can be affected by stress, poor diet, insufficient sleep, chronic inflammation, stomach acid fluctuations, gastrointestinal flora and immunity. Bloating and a sluggish digestion are often only the first symptoms. Food allergies, skin conditions, fatigue, mood swings, anxiety and depression can all be a sign of an unhealthy gut function. And it doesn’t stop there. Poor gut health can also affect your nights when it disturbs the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for a restful sleep.

kamalaya detox juice — Kamalaya detox juice

The ‘Enriched Gut’ program addresses these issues using a synergy of holistic treatments, therapies and practices ranging from naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, nutritional advice, and other holistic sessions that deeply nurture and enrich the gut. The program also includes Kamalaya’s nourishing, healthy cuisine, which helps to manage inflammation as well as herbs and supplements that stimulate and support optimal digestive health and wellbeing.