Digestion is the Root
Health Hacks made easy to digest.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often take bodily functions for granted, and digestion is no exception. But when we look at the root of all health and well-being, our digestion is right there at the center of it. How can we easily assess the state of our gut and support the digestive process without a complete life overhaul? We’ll explore how in this post, but first some basics about WHY digestion is the root of health, and also of disease.
Nutrient absorption: Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down food into small, more absorbable components. When this system is not working correctly, it does not matter how well you eat (like, truly), because your body cannot absorb the nutrients anyway. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies that you likely are not even expecting!
Detoxification: The digestive system plays a critical role in eliminating waste and toxins from the body, the build-up of which can lead to disease if left unchecked.
Gut-Brain Connection: Emerging research is clearly linking our gut to our brain, and a well-functioning gut positively impacts our mental and emotional well-being. Did you know that serotonin (which regulates mood and happiness) is produced in the gut?!
Immune System Support: A large number of our immune cells reside in the gut, defending against harmful pathogens. A healthy gut flora will maintain the balance between good and bad bacteria and ultimately fight infection and illness.
Let’s look at some signs of poor digestion before we explore how to resolve the issue.
Bloating and gas
Constipation or diarrhea
Heartburn and acid reflux
Food sensitivities
Fatigue and lack of energy
Unexplained weight changes
Bad breath
Skin problems
Mood swings and anxiety
I’m sure most of us have had one or more of these symptoms in our lives, or at least know someone who does. While the solution can sometimes be complex, there are steps everyone can take that will help the digestive process along!
Hydrate: water with electrolytes, coconut water, warm water - just make sure that you are hydrating from quality sources so the digestive tract is not dehydrated and unable to move.
Reduce processed foods: all the foods that come in boxes and bags tend to dry the system out internally and are often full of artificial ingredients which can throw digestion off.
Digestive Enzymes: let enzymes do the heavy lifting for you, especially as you are getting back on track. Take with every meal until you feel an improvement.
A shot of Apple Cider Vinegar 30 min. before you eat can help your body fire up your natural digestive juices.
Probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods include quality yogurts, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Consume good fats (olive oil, coconut oil, etc) - the fats help to lubricate the system from the inside out.
Eat at regular times (ie: don’t eat at midnight and then go to sleep after!), reduce stress if possible, chew your food thoroughly, and exercise to keep things moving inside.
Try colon hydrotherapy for a real treat to clean the system out deeply, you can lose pounds of waste from your body with each session when you start.
There are many more ways to support this cornerstone of health and longevity, but hopefully, you found some value in this as a great starting point!
Nicole Boyer
Health Hacks by @harmonichormones