DIGESTION TIPS FOR ABSORBING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEALS

Originally published: JUNE 1, 2021

We have all heard the saying, you are what you eat. But, let’s go a bit deeper and say, you are what you absorb.  You can eat all of the most beautiful, healthy things, but if your body is inflamed, or unable to digest certain macro groups or food items, then what good is all that healthy intake!?

Digestion starts in the mouth, so chew your dang food. Try and refrain from swallowing most things whole lol. That will lead to indigestion, bloating, fermentation of foods like meats (and others that take a while to break down)… and that means gassy, gas, gas!

Okay, let’s break down some digestion basics to start with, and try out in your daily life.

• First, stay away from drinking with meals. This is thought to actually reduce or put out your digestive fire (HCL). And that fire is what you need to break down your macronutrients when they come sliding down the pipe.
• Chew your food, as much as you can (for the reason stated above).
• Eat mindfully. Be aware of how much you are putting into your cute mouth at a time. Take it slow, take it easy. The food isn’t going anywhere haha! Remember, your brain needs 20 min to signal to you that it’s full.
• Avoid eating when stressed: it messes with how quickly food moves through the body, think either diarrhea or constipation. It can also make bloating, cramping, and other symptoms of indigestion that much worse.
• Get moving: a process known as peristalsis is improved with movement! This is the act of which your digestive muscles massage your food along the tract.
• Digestive Enzymes: these work to help you break down 3 different macronutrient groups you may have trouble with: carbs, proteins, fats, as well as dairy.
• Eat warm foods: plain and simple, they are easier to digest.
• Probiotics: These babies will fill the gut with happy, good bacteria which help in the process of breaking food down.
• More Fibre: Fibre is needed to bulk things up and carry them out. Fibre acts like a binding agent to excess hormones and waste needing to exit the body.
• Healthy Fats: lubrication of the digestive system, and helps to reduce inflammation.
• Drink Enough Water: Water is essential to digestive function, helping to break up food and acting as a lubricant. Lubrication means things move and flow easily- a good idea if you struggle with constipation.
• Bowel Movements: You should be going every day! And they should be a good size, colour and shape. Yes, all of this matters, and means something.

There you have it! Start to mindfully introduce these practices if you suffer from indigestion. They are great things to try and do anyways, to keep your digestion optimal. Remember, you are what you absorb.