HOW TO AID DIGESTION AND GUT HEALTH

I often say what we place in our body is just as important as what we place on our body. Gut health and proper digestion is so important for the skin and overall health of the body. Our gut contains good and bad bacteria, and you can probably guess that it is important for us to feed the good bacteria by eating the proper foods and by having a good digestive system.

If you are having issues with your digestive system, you could be experiencing anything from constipation, heartburn, bloating, gas, acne, and other skin conditions. There are a few more symptoms you might be experiencing if you are dealing with gut health issues. These symptoms range from an upset stomach and chronic fatigue to constant cravings, especially sugar cravings, and skin conditions, and more. But there are things you can change in your everyday life that can help aid your digestive system and gut health:

• 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.
• Sleep: Get the adequate amount of sleep every night. This is especially important for us women since our hormones are like a symphony and when sleep deprived they do not work properly.
• Stop eating “those” foods. If you have talked to your doctor or a dietitian, they have probably informed you of foods that you might be intolerant to. Eliminate those foods in order to help your systems work properly.

Hopefully, these tips help you better your digestive system and your gut health!