Digestive Health Recap

Tips for Better Digestion    

1)     CHEW!

a.     This is the first and easiest way to better digestion.

b.    Thorough chewing gives your stomach the “heads up” about what type of food is about to enter the stomach.

2)     Take Your Time

a.     Digestion is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system aka “rest and digest”.

b.    Your body cannot digest when you are stressed out or rushed.

3)     Drink Less or Not at all During Meals

a.     Fluids dilute your stomach acids and enzymes that are vital for healthy digestion.

b.    It is best to avoid drinking 15 minutes prior to, during and 1 hour following a meal.

c.     If you do drink with a meal follow these rules:

                                              i.     Small sips- to avoid flooding the digestive tract

                                             ii.      Warm over cold- cold = constriction, warm = relaxation

                                           iii.     Add lemon or apple cider vinegar for increased digestive aid

4)     Stay Hydrated

a.     Dehydration is a very common cause of constipation.

                                              i.     The large intestine absorbs large amounts of water.

                                             ii.     Feces are 75% water and 25% solid

5)     Food Combining

a.     Different foods require different acid and enzyme concentrations.

b.    Fruits are best eaten alone on an empty stomach.

                                              i.     Best combined with kefir, yogurt, Amasai or nuts.

c.     Protein is best eaten with non-starchy vegetables.

d.    Vegetables contain their own plant enzymes that can be digested well in acidic or basic environments and can be combined with other foods without consequence.

6)     Avoid Antacids

a.     This includes Tums, Rolaids, “the little purple pill” etc.

b.    Stomach acid is VITAL for breaking down protein and it alerts the pancreas to secrete substances needed for nutrient absorption.

c.     Long-term users of antacids suffer from impaired digestion, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

7)     Gut Flora

a.     There are 10 Trillion cells in your body and there are 10X that many microorganisms in your digestive system!

b.    Gut flora can be destroyed by: antibiotics, birth control pills, refined foods, alcohol, diarrhea, colonoscopies, colon cleanses etc.

c.     Damage to gut flora causes digestive distress and immune impairment.

d.    Probiotics protect us from colon cancer, IBS, autoimmune issues etc.

8)     Eat Fermented Foods

a.     Ancient practice used to preserve foods during times of harsh weather.

b.    Rich in nutrients, fiber, good bacteria, digestive enhancing enzymes and flavor.

c.     Amasai, Raw Milk Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kimchi etc.

9)     Fast

a.     Stop eating 2-4 hours before bed

b.    The digestive system should be rested for 12 hours daily