17 Tips To Improve Digestion
Digestion is an incredibly complex and important part of our health. It’s purpose is the quick and efficient absorption of nutrients. SImply put, you can’t heal if you can’t digest. Ayurveda strongly supports the notion that a healthy functioning digestive tract may be the most important component in determining health and disease. Healing my gut was one of the most important and noticeable things I did when I embarked on my healing journey. I saw results incredibly quickly and was astounded at how much better I felt. My energy went through the roof, my sleep improved, my skin cleared and I had daily bowel movements , whic is incredibly important to help clear out excess estrogen and toxins. I didn’t realize how poorly I was functioning till my body started working properly. I experienced a new normal.
17 Tips
Drink a glass of warm (lemon) water in the mornings to kick start your digestion.
Avoid cold liquids with your meal. It will restrict digestion.
Avoid drinking with your meal. Too much liquid can dilute digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Drink 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after your meal.
Don’t eat when you’re stressed. Stress shuts down the digestive process and can also affect your levels of hydrochloric acid.
Enjoy some ginger, fennel, or peppermint tea after your meal to help support the digestive process.
Chew each bite 20-30 times. I have a hard time remembering to do this
Gratitude. Give thanks to your food for the nourishment and healing it provides you. Your intention can increase the nurtritional value of what you’re eating. Even that piece of pizza.
Eat seasonally. Eating mangos in January if you live a northern climate is a big no no when it comes to optimizing digestive function.
Savour each bite. Breathe.
Eat slowly. If it helps put down your utensils between bites
Don’t eat while watching TV. It’s easy to overeat when we’re distracted.
Don’t eat if you’re not hungry. Adios mindless snacking.
Hara Hachi Bu : Okinawan practice of heating till your 80 percent full.
Use digestive enzymes if you think you need a boost. After the age of 40, levels of hydrochloric acid decrease which affects nutrient breakdown and absorption.
Eat fruit on it’s own. Learn the principles of food combining with this wonderful chart. The purpose of food combining is to speed up the digestive process. If the digestion is working efficiently, there is little time for our intestinal bacteria to create toxins.
Fermented foods are a great way to increase healthy gut bacteria and improve digestion
Apple cider vinegar taken with some water before a meal with help increase HCL production and increase nutrient absorption. Buy unfiltered ACV with the mother.
Don’t feel overwhelmed. Pick one or two tips that resonate with you and start implementing them. Write them on a post-it and put it on the refrigerator door where it’ll act as a daily reminder. Practicing these simple habits on a daily basis can go a long way.
You might think your digestive system works perfectly and doesn’t need help. Here are some signs your digestive system is in need of some fine-tuning:
Bloating
Belching/Burping
Gas
Fatigue
Constipation
Poor nutrient absorption
Diarrhea
Cramping
These symptoms are your body’s way of communication with you that something is off. Incredibly common, but not normal. If you’ve experienced these symptoms for a long time and they don’t seem to be improving, you might have more serious gut health issues and it’s important to work with someone who specializes in digestive health and can guide you with a holistic approach.
Did You Know
Bitters stimulate digestive self repair
There are more nerve endings in your digestive system than in your spinal column.
90% of digestion occurs in the small intestines.
The mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder are all involved in the digestive process.
The digestive process really slows down at high altitudes. Eat little as possible when flying.
The longer it takes to digest the more you increase your chances of fermentation and putrefaction toxins.
Here are some ways I support my digestive system in addition to following the tips listed above. Let’s face it, life happens and sometimes we need a little extra help.
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