In this series that began last week, we learned about how the foundations of health can be the missing links in someone’s healing journey. The series began with a focus on a nutrient-dense diet, and how it provides our bodies with valuable nutrients. This week I’ll share what I believe to be the highest priority of all the foundations of health: digestion.
The crucial role of digestion
The proper digestion and absorption of nutrients are paramount for overall well-being and energy levels throughout the body. When the gastrointestinal system encounters difficulties with these activities, it directly impacts the body’s vitality as a whole. In fact, every single cell in the body depends on the digestive system to supply the necessary nutrients for optimal functioning.1 It can’t get much more important than that.
The prevalence of digestive issues
The American Gastroenterological Association found that 40% of Americans’ lives are interrupted by digestive difficulties. Gasp. This highlights the widespread impact and urgency of the matter.
So, what’s causing so many people to suffer from digestive issues today?
Causes of digestive issues
- Processed foods
- GMOs in food
- Lack of minerals and nutrients in the soil
- Exposure to chemicals and pesticides
- Hormonal birth control
- NSAIDs
- Overuse of antibiotics
- Chronic stress
- Lack of sleep
- Environmental toxins
Addressing these causes becomes crucial to reclaiming digestive health.
The interconnected foundations of health
Without the optimal functioning of our digestive system, the rest of the foundations of health are going to suffer. Recognizing the top priority given by the body to digestion in the healing process emphasizes its critical role in achieving overall wellness.
Learning how to optimize digestive function is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your toolbox!
Supporting digestion
Here are some simple but impactful strategies to promote healthy digestion:
- Prioritize the way you eat. Avoid standing. Instead, sit down and remove distractions, like your cell phone and laptop.
- Take 5 deep belly breaths before you begin a meal. This helps stimulate the vagus nerve and move you into a parasympathetic or relaxed state. When stress is on, digestion is off. Read this article to learn more about the vagus nerve.
- Chew your food thoroughly. This helps reduce the burden on the digestive system and decreases the chances of gas, bloating, and heartburn. To help take time to chew, set down your fork between bites.
- Include bitter foods, such as arugula, artichoke, dill, kale, turmeric, cranberries, ginger, grapefruit, and lemon to stimulate digestive secretions and help prepare the body for digestion.
- Avoid drinking more than approximately 6 oz of liquids with meals as this can reduce stomach acid, an important digestive secretion for breaking down protein into amino acids.
Understanding the importance of digestion in your wellness journey empowers you to take control of your health. By prioritizing and optimizing your digestive function through optimal eating habits, relaxation techniques, proper chewing, and including supportive foods, you can pave the way for improved well-being.
Resources:
- Nutritional Therapy Association. Digestion-Introduction. [PDF File]. 2020. P 4.
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