Digestion: Your Superpower Health Tool

Digestion is a huge priority of the body.  Without the health of the digestive system, your body will have a hard time supporting the rest of the body.  The gastrointestinal system is connected to all aspects of the human body.  Every single cell relies on the digestive system to supply it with the nutrients it needs for support and function.  If you aren’t properly breaking down your food, you won’t be able to absorb it. ¹

When there is dysfunction in your digestive system, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, heartburn, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhea.  The good news is that you have a lot of control in supporting your digestive system.  

Here are six ways to get started:

1. Eat in a relaxed state

Digestion can only be effective when we are in a relaxed or parasympathetic state. ²  When you eat while being stressed, your saliva and stomach acid secretions decrease.  This can hurt your ability to break down food and can cause issues downstream in the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and intestines.  Try taking 5 deep breaths prior to a meal, focus on giving thanks and gratitude, enjoy a meal in community. Find those things that relax you and provide joy.  

2. Limit distractions

Set your cell phone or computer aside, and turn off the tv.  This may be a tough one to do but it’s a game-changer!  By limiting distractions, you can more easily get into a more relaxed state to digest. 

3. Sit down

Standing to eat and multitask may seem efficient, but it does nothing to help your digestive system.  I was guilty of this for years.  With our hustle culture today, this one can be tough to do, especially in the morning when we are starting the day.  If this is challenging, start with sitting down for half of your meal and slowly work your way up to a full meal in sitting. 

4. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Adding one TBS to a little bit of water about 10 to 15 minutes prior to a meal helps to stimulate stomach acid production.  

5. Chew

Chew your food to the point of a smoothie texture.  Chewing thoroughly stimulates amylase, a digestive enzyme, to begin the breakdown of food.  This can help decrease bloating. 

6. Drink water away from meals.

We need stomach acid to assist with breaking down foods.  Drinking more than 6 oz of water during meals can dilute the stomach acid too much.

These are simple but powerful strategies to support your digestion and the overall health of your body.  If you need further support, click the button below to set up a free 20-minute discovery call to see if nutritional therapy would be a good fit.  I offer functional testing (GI-MAP, MRT food sensitivity) as well.  

References:

1. Nutritional Therapy Association.  Digestion-Introduction. [PDF file]. 2020. pg. 3-4.
2. Nutritional Therapy Association.  Digestion-Dysfunction. [PDF file]. 2020. pg. 4.