Clean Digestion for Optimal Health
A quick and efficient digestive system is what’s needed for optimal health and vitality. When the digestive system is slow and sluggish, the whole body is affected. Problems with digestion can be obvious: belching, flatulence, bloating, or cramping. But digestive problems can manifest themselves much more subtly, too. Brain fog, low energy, and a plethora of other seemingly unrelated symptoms can also stem from digestive difficulties. Although all of the following points are not supported by scientific research, readers may find them helpful in improving digestion.
1. Drink between meals only. Water taken between meals aids digestion. Water provides the necessary lubrication to keep the bowels moving smoothly. Adequate water intake aids the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of wastes by keeping the blood from getting too thick and becoming slow-moving. Drink 8 – 10 glasses per day starting with 2 glasses upon rising. Drink another glass a half-hour before each meal. Drink a glass two hours after each meal.
2. Don’t drink anything with your meals. Drinking liquids while eating only dilutes digestive juices, making them less effective. This slows digestion.
3. Don’t overdo fibre intake. It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Rough fibre, like wheat bran, can actually damage the intestines by harshly scraping the mucous-lined membrane. If adequate water is not consumed, fibre can actually block the intestine. To avoid these problems, eat foods that are naturally high in fibres, without adding fibre separately.
4. Eat a small variety of foods at each meal. Keep it simple to avoid that gassy feeling. Eat a variety of foods throughout the day, but keep the variety to a minimum for each meal.
5. Eat in a relaxed environment. If you find yourself feeling anxious during meal times, try to control the amount of stress that you experience while eating. Turn off the TV, limit table talk to pleasant subjects, let the answering machine take calls during meal time, and eat in an uncluttered place. It’s often better to skip a meal when you’re feeling stressed. Have a glass of water instead, until you’re feeling calm.
6. Chew food adequately. Digestion begins in the mouth. Take your time and chew.
7. Eat fruits and vegetables at separate meals. Mixing fruits and vegetables at the same meal slows the digestion. Better to stick with one or the other for each meal.
8. Eat protein foods with vegetables. Proteins and carbohydrates should not be eaten together, as they require different digestive conditions for break-down.
9. Eat when you are hungry. Adding food to your stomach before your previous meal has been completely digested only lengthens of the digestion process and adds stress to the organs.
10. Kick start your digestion. Before your first meal, drink water mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweetened with a little pure maple syrup, honey, or molasses. Wait half an hour before eating.
