Supporting Your Digestive Health: Simple Steps for Everyday Wellness

Irritable or sensitive bowels, stomach pains, bloating, heartburn –many of us are all too familiar with these discomforts.

What's the most significant factor affecting digestion and, consequently, our quality of life? The way we eat.

For the digestive system to function effectively, many systems within the body must cooperate. A signal is sent to the brain, indicating that it’s time to digest food.

The brain passes this message onto the nervous system and then to the digestive system, prompting it to act. When the message is not properly delivered, digestion fails, leading to fermentation and disruptions. Gut bacteria (the good kind) don’t digest food well, resulting in bloating, discomfort, and pain.

What can we do to support proper digestion?

· The digestion process begins before you even take a bite. The aroma, colors, and appearance of food kickstart digestion. Digestive enzymes start to flow, and saliva is produced. Eating mindlessly won't allow for proper digestion.

· Arriving at a meal stressed or anxious will prevent your digestive system from functioning fully, leading to partial digestion. During stress, the body redirects energy to systems handling the stress, such as the brain and muscles. Therefore, it's wise to sit for a moment, take a few breaths, relax a bit, and say a blessing with intent. Similarly, eating while angry leads to fast, unenjoyable eating, frustration, and discomfort.

· Scent and taste send critical messages to the brain. Therefore, chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly and gradually assist in releasing digestive enzymes that ease digestion, helping the stomach and intestines absorb maximum vitamins and minerals.

· Listen to your body. Know when you've eaten enough and when to end the meal to avoid feeling heavy. Aim to finish with a light fullness, not one that weakens the stomach and exacerbates digestive issues.

· It's essential to approach meals slightly hungry, but not overly so, to avoid uncontrollable eating.

· Eat without distractions –anything that stimulates the senses will diminish focus, impacting the signals that must be sent to the brain for optimal digestion. So, take the right time, breathe a few times, and give yourself the ability to eat correctly and maximize your food’s benefits.