Top 5 Digestion Tips
If you’re suffering from stomach distention, gas, belching, acid reflux, fatigue after eating, constipation or loose stools, something’s not right…and it all comes back to digestion.
You are not just WHAT you eat, but HOW you eat and what you ABSORB.
Improve digestion by following these simple practices:
Take 3 deep breaths before eating - stress shuts off digestion so it’s important to eat in a relaxed state as much as humanly possible. A simple way to accomplish that is by taking 3 deep belly breaths, exhaling longer than your inhale, before eating. This triggers the parasympathetic nervous system which will shift you out of “fight or flight” (stress) mode into “rest and digest” mode so you are able to properly break down your food.
Only eat when you’re hungry - easier said than done, I know, but it’s truly the best way to ensure that your digestive enzymes are on the front line, ready to get right to work on the next meal that comes in.
Drink water at least 30 minutes AWAY from meals - although drinking a large glass of water before or with a meal is often recommended for portion control, it’s a big no-no when it comes to digestion. The liquids may fill your stomach, but they also flush away your digestive enzymes so you will not break down food as efficiently.
Chew each bite 20-30 times before swallowing - digestion starts in the mouth, especially when it comes to sugar and starches. By chewing your food until it liquifies before swallowing, you give your stomach a much-needed assist.
Stop eating at least 3 hours before bed - the earlier you stop eating, the better. Digestion, especially of animal protein and fat, can take up to 8 hours…but that’s just to move foodstuffs from the stomach into the small intestine (for nutrient absorption). The entire process - mouth to colon - can take up to 36 hours! Thus, when you eat too close to bedtime, digestion cannot run its full course and the undigested food sits in your gut and rots (like stinky trash) overnight.
Set yourself up for success by fasting at least 12 hours every night. Trust me, it’s not just about bloating, this one will help with energy, mood, hunger, cravings, headaches and SO much more!
As you can see, digestion is so much more than just WHAT you are eating. As you become more mindful around meal times, bloating and reflux will subside, your energy will stay more balanced throughout the day and your bowels will become more regular. Amen to that!