By Carolina Rossi, Dietitian
Digestive ability is the key to our physical health and is reliant on adequate enzymes and absorption. So to directly enhance our general well-being and heal many diseases (that are due to nutrient deficiencies) we must increase our digestive abilities.
A system low in digestive enzymes due to exposure to the wrong type of foods or too much food of the same foods leads to the poor or partial breakdown of food and build-up of excess mucous which accumulates toxins and adheres to the intestinal wall, from this nutrient absorption and assimilation is impaired and toxins start to leach into the body, accumulating in areas and causing disease.
Further complications can include irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, parasites, bacterial or viral infections, candida, food intolerances, allergies, sinus congestion/allergies, to mention more. As it is the foundation of our health digestive disturbances can lead to any disease.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as bloating, wind, heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea and/or stomach cramps your digestive system might not be functioning to its best potential.
Small changes can improve such symptoms and make a big difference to our health:
Chew your food slowly. The digestive process starts in our mouth.
Control portion size. Do not overeat.
Taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in 3 teaspoon of water 10 minutes before each meal might help support stomach digestion and blood sugar regulation
Avoid having fluids with your meals. Wait 20 minutes before and after a meal before drinking.
Avoid eating on the run or eating when stressed or emotional – give yourself time before and after food to relax and don’t eat while working.
Look out next month for Part 2 – Foods to Avoid and Foods to include!
