An optimally functioning digestive system can do wonders for our health and well-being. It is connected in many, and almost all of our bodily functions. For this reason, improving digestion is vitally important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
5 ways to improve digestion
Unfortunately, due to the unhealthy food we eat, the polluted water we drink, and the polluted air we breathe, our digestive system is loaded with harmful toxins, chemicals, and bacteria. Some researchers have suggested that digestive disorders are the main underlying cause of many unexplained symptoms and illnesses. Therefore, it is easy to see the importance of the digestive system and to do everything possible to support it.
Here are 5 easy ways to improve digestion and assimilation naturally.
1. Chew food well
This is one of the easiest and simplest ways to improve digestion. However, it is a practice that many of us often forget. We lead busy lives and most of us are lucky if we can sit down and eat our dinner. If we want to improve our digestion, we have to invest time. When we eat it is important to be relaxed and comfortable. We have to take the time to chew our food well. If we swallow plates of food, our digestive systems are forced to work harder to break them down. On the other hand, we run the risk of food spoiling in our digestive tract, causing gas, bloating and discomfort. In some cases, decomposition of the food may not be possible, and this means that the nutrients in the food are not able to be absorbed into the bloodstream. On the other hand, if we chew our food well, this allows our stomach and small intestine to work efficiently in the breakdown of food.
2. Do not drink drinks with meals
This is another important practice to get used to. When we drink with our food, even if it is water, this dilutes the digestive juices and slows down the digestive process. It is understandable that some foods make us thirsty. In this case, it is okay to drink water with food, however, you should only sip. Also, drinks should always be at room temperature. Cold water will stop digestion.
3. Increase the consumption of enzymes
There are three main categories of enzymes. There are metabolic, digestive, and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are necessary for growth, repair, maintenance, and detoxification that are produced by the body. The digestive enzymesThey break down food into tiny particles, small enough to pass through the cell membranes that line the digestive tract and bloodstream. It is typically secreted throughout the digestive tract, however if one has problems with digestion, it may not be sufficient to secrete. In this case, it is advisable to take a complex of digestive enzymes with each meal. The most important digestive enzymes are protease (breaks down protein), amylase (breaks down starch), and lipase (breaks down fat). Food enzymes, like digestive enzymes, allow the body to digest food, breaking down various nutrients into their smallest particles. They are derived from raw fruits and vegetables. Thus,
4. Get your fiber
The dietary fiber is a carbohydrate that the body cannot digest or absorb. However, it plays a vital role in digestive health. As the waste fiber moves through the digestive tract, it pushes food and various toxins along with it. There are two kinds of fiber: insoluble ones that cannot be dissolved in water and soluble ones that can be dissolved. Found mainly in plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes, fiber is essential for maintaining health and plays an important role in the digestive process.
5. Practice combining foods
Different types of food require different digestive secretions and take different lengths of time to digest. For example, protein can take 4-6 hours to digest, while fruit takes about 15 minutes. If we eat the two together, the fruit will settle in the digestive tract and rot while it waits for the protein to digest. This can cause excess gas, bloating, and discomfort. Although the combination of foodsIt may not be the simplest way to improve digestion, it is certainly one of the most effective. The table above provides the general principles of food combining. (Note: Food combining is not for those with sugar imbalances. In order to balance blood sugar, a balanced macronutrient diet is vitally important).
Coming to the food options, there is no single belly-busting food that can help you. However, what’s needed is that you become smarter with the choices you make. A good way to start off would be by making some simple meal swaps or cutting out your regular snacks. Liquid calories could be a big contributor too. Ditch out sugary drinks, alcohol and heavy smoothies for simpler, low-calorie drinks.