How to aid digestion naturally

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elle Di Jensen

When your pooch has troubles with digestion, she may vomit, be constipated or have diarrhea. The priority is to help her feel better as soon as possible. Your kitchen is stocked with natural digestive aids that will do the trick in most cases. If your dog continues to throw up, has diarrhea or is constipated for more than 24 hours, consult an experienced veterinarian to ensure that the symptoms aren’t signs of a serious illness.

Pumpkin for Your Punkin

If Fritzi is constipated, canned, pureed pumpkin will help make her regular again. Pumpkin is packed with fiber and most dogs like the flavor. If you’re buying a can of pumpkin for the express purpose of using it to help with your dog’s digestion, make sure that you don’t buy pumpkin pie filling. Just cooked, pureed pumpkin is all you need, and only 1 to 2 tablespoons mixed in with your dog’s food should be enough to get things moving.

Baby Your Baby

A bland diet is the best thing to treat a dog who is vomiting, so give her mild foods that you might feed a sick child. Web MD recommends mashed boiled potatoes, cooked rice and boiled chicken. The chicken should be skinless and shredded fine, and don’t worry about dressing up the potatoes or rice with butter, gravy or sauces. The book “Doctors Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats” says to mix 1 part cottage cheese or boiled shredded chicken with 2 parts cooked potatoes or rice, and feed your dog a little of it every three to four hours until she’s feeling better.

Give Her Some Culture

If your pooch has problems with excess gas, neither of you have to live with the pungent side effect. Yogurt contains good bacteria that facilitates digestion and can help to reduce flatulence. Your dog will like the flavor of plain yogurt well enough that you won’t have to force it on her or hide it in her food. Small dogs only need about 1/4 teaspoon per day. Medium-sized dogs should have 1 teaspoon of yogurt and larger dogs need 1 tablespoon each day.

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The occasional fry-up or alcohol binge is unlikely to give you anything more than a short-lived stomach upset. But overindulge too often and you could be storing up trouble for yourself. Here’s a tummy-friendly diet to aim for.

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Fill up on fibre to prevent constipation

It’s a good idea to try to eat more fibre or roughage, as most people in the UK do not get enough. A diet rich in fibre can help digestion and prevent constipation.

Aim for the recommended dietary intake of 30g of fibre a day.

For a healthy bowel, you need fibre from a variety of sources, such as:

• wholemeal bread
• brown rice
• fruit and veg
• beans
• oats

Some people find cereals and grains bring on bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. If that’s the case, get your fibre from fruit and vegetables instead.

Drink plenty of fluids to aid digestion

It’s important to keep drinking, especially water. It encourages the passage of waste through your digestive system and helps soften poo.

Fibre acts like a sponge, absorbing water. Without fluid, the fibre cannot do its job and you’ll get constipation.

A good way to make sure you’re getting enough fluids is to drink a glass of water with every meal. Avoid caffeine drinks as they can cause heartburn.

Cut down on fat for a healthy gut

Fatty foods, such as chips, burgers and fried foods, are harder to digest and can cause stomach pain and heartburn.

Cut back on greasy fried foods to ease your stomach’s workload.

Try to eat more lean meat and fish, drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, and grill rather than fry foods.

Go easy on spice to avoid tummy troubles

Many people love spicy food and it does not bother their digestive system. Others find their tummy is upset when they have spicy food.

It’s not just scorching hot foods like chillies that trigger heartburn. Milder but flavourful foods like garlic and onion can also bring it on.

If spicy foods give you heartburn, stomach pain or diarrhoea, go easy on them in future.

If you already have a problem like heartburn or an irritable bowel, avoid them completely.

Beware gut symptom triggers

Some people find particular foods cause them problems. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks, can trigger heartburn, while wheat and onions may cause irritable bowel syndrome.

And if you cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk, you’ll develop wind and diarrhoea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, including cream, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate.

Try to stay away from foods and drinks that trigger your digestive symptoms. Keep a food diary to work out which foods cause your symptoms.

Choose the right drinks to ease digestion

Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, colas, tea and some fizzy drinks, boost acid in the stomach, leading to heartburn in some people.

Fizzy drinks in general tend to bloat the tummy, which can also lead to heartburn.

To make digestive problems less likely, choose drinks that are not fizzy and do not contain caffeine, such as herbal teas, milk and plain water.

If you cannot do without your coffee or tea, limit your intake to 1 or 2 cups a day.

Try tummy-friendly yoghurt

Probiotics are so-called “friendly bacteria” that are also found naturally in the gut.

They have been linked to all sorts of digestive health benefits, including helping irritable bowel syndrome and traveller’s diarrhoea.

You can take probiotics as supplements available from health food shops, or in live yoghurt, which is a good natural source.

You’ll need to take them every day for at least 4 weeks to see any beneficial effect.

Page last reviewed: 27 August 2019
Next review due: 27 August 2022

The choice of healthy foods do certainly help you to improve digestion naturally and easily.
​You don’t need to take any supplements to aim your digestion. Indeed, making small changes in your habits can make a big difference in your digestive health.

Here are 4 tricks that will help you to aid your digestion in a natural way. What makes the task even easier is that you don’t have to apply all the 4 tips at once, even if you review only one or two of your eating habits, you can improve your digestion and make yourself less likely to experience digestive diseases.

1.Home cooking :

I admit it, it takes time to learn cooking, and it takes time to prepare the meals, but home cooking is the best eating habit change you can ever make if want to improve digestion naturally. First it gives you more control over what you are consuming, helping you lose (or gain maybe) weight, and avoid poisoning, moreover, it improves digestion as the digestive system can get prepared while you are trying the amazing new recipe you found on the Internet. Not to mention that it helps you save some bucks, yeah, that’s important too, I know..

2.Chew your food properly :

When we think about the various enzymes and how long our intestines are, we tend to forget that digestion actually begins in the mouth. Chewing your food thoroughly is probably the easiest way to improve digestion naturally, since this will break the complex foods into smaller particles, easily digested by the enzymes.

3.Eat less at night :

Digestion becomes very slow and less efficient at night, foods that you take at dinner tend to remain longer in your digestive tract, making you feel bloated. In reality all ​the metabolism starts to slow down at night, which means that the meal you will take at dinner, not only will cause digestive discomfort, but will be converted intro fat ! Congratulations..

4.Avoid emotional eating :

Reminder : Eating is a need, animals (and some heterotrohs as well) need to eat in order to survive, it shouldn’t be a stress relief. Avoid eating when you are stressed or angry. Instead of turning to food when you are feeling down, learn to develop awareness of what you are eating and of your eating habits in general, this will help you control your weight, and improve your digestive health. In fact anxiety and stress decrease the secretion of secretory IgA , an antibody that plays a big role in protecting the digestive tract from infections. Reducing will really allow you to improve digestion naturally.

Moreover, it’s important to exercise regularly. Exercising reduces stress and decreases too many other diseases risks. Follow those six steps, and you’re sure to keep your digestive system in tip-top shape!

You may not know that the health of your digestive system has a lot to do with your stress levels throughout your day, the exercise you get, your lifestyle choices, the water you drink and the food you eat (or don’t eat) and how well it functions. By taking steps to improve your digestive health, your digestive system will work more efficiently and effectively, and therefore improve your overall health. Many people assume that digestive troubles are normal, but it’s not.

Here are 8 simple tips to avoid digestive issues like heartburn, indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, IBS, gas, pain and bloating;

01. Chew Slowly

Good digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing is often underestimated but it’s an essential one, the more you break down the food in your mouth, the less work for your digestive system later on. Makes sense right!?

02. Eat Bitter Foods to Aid Digestion

By eating bitter foods such as lemon or grapefruit, kale, turmeric, parsley, coriander, rocket, dandelion greens or bitter lettuce 15 minutes before your meals, the bitter taste stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes to aid in proper digestion. Try a small salad made from kale, rocket, parsley and coriander and drizzle with lemon juice and a cold-pressed oil and eat this 15 minutes before lunch and/or dinner. A lot of cultures around the world do some variation of this.

03. Eat Herbs to Aid Digestion

Coriander (fresh, powder or seeds) – supports digestion, combats allergies and reduces bloating. It’s a great addition to omelettes, soups, stews, curry’s, marinade mixes, sauces and more.

Cumin (powder or seeds)– stimulates digestive enzymes which is beneficial for improving nutrient absorption. Sprinkle over meats, add the seeds to fermented veggies, soups, stews, curry’s, scrambled eggs and more.

Fennel seeds – In India, fennel seeds are often chewed after meals to support digestion. This herb has been traditionally used to stimulate digestive juices, reduce indigestion, prevent gas, and address constipation.

Ginger (fresh or powder) – improves digestive, stimulates and helps in the absorption of nutrients and minerals, aids in expelling gas and toxins from the body and is also anti-inflammatory. Steep freshly chopped ginger in hot water for a few minutes to make a delicious tea, add to juices, smoothies, bliss balls, slices, curry’s and more.

Peppermint – calms the digestive system as it has a soothing effect, relieves gas pain, bloating and discomfort. Drink as a tea.

Parsley – helps to settle the stomach and also aids in digestion.

04. Remove Food & Body Stressors

In order to restore your gut flora and improve digestive health then removing toxins, food stressors and probiotic killers must be addressed. Unfortunately we are exposed to many of these on a daily basis, whether it’s in the food and water we consume, the stress in our lives or the pollution and fumes we breathe in. It’s best to avoid consuming processed foods that are rich in refined vegetables oils, sugar, wheat and salt, conventional meat and dairy that contain antibiotic and hormone residues, chlorinated tap water and antibiotics (only use when absolutely necessary). These harm and kill off the beneficial bacteria in your system which over time will damage your digestive tract and become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, yeast, parasites, viruses and fungi. The only way to address this is to eliminate these and start consuming probiotic rich foods to replenish the gut flora, consume clean, fresh, seasonal, whole and toxic free foods such as; grass-fed and organic meats, seafood, eggs, nuts and seeds, coconuts, fruit and veggies and quality fats from nature.

05. Eat Cultured Foods to Foster Beneficial Bacteria

Cultured foods are a universal staple in traditional diets, whether its fermented soy beans, sauerkraut, sourdough breads, kim-chi and other fermented vegetables, cultured cheeses, kefir, beet kvass, yoghurt and so on. Unfortunately this is a tradition that’s missing from Western society. These cultured foods are not only teeming with beneficial pre and probiotics that aid in repopulating the good bacteria in our guts and reducing the harmful bacteria that can cause indigestion; they also decrease inflammation, aid hormone balance and digestion, increase immunity, fight bacterial infections and viruses, aid in natural detoxification, reduce cravings and increase the absorption of nutrients and minerals. Pretty amazing right!
If you want to learn more about the benefits of cultured foods + how you can improve your gut health + have access to a few easy recipes and more info then click here.

06. Eat Coconut Oil

Coconut oil also helps to destroy bad bacteria, fungi and yeast which can decrease stomach acid which causes inflammation and poor digestion. Additionally it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K, calcium and magnesium and the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil don’t have to be broken down by the pancreatic enzymes, making it incredibly easy to digest and can also improve gallbladder health.

08. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

You can dilute 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of filtered water and drink it 15 minutes before a meal. This will help to stimulate your digestive juices that help your body breakdown food.

07. Consume Bone Broth / Gelatin / Collagen

Bone broths or stocks (lamb, fish, chicken, beef) are staples in traditional diets of every culture because they are nutrient dense, easy to digest, rich in flavour, boost immunity and promote gastrointestinal healing and reduce intestinal inflammation. Bone broth is fantastic to use as a base for soups, stews, curry’s and gravy and can even be consumed on its own as a nourishing hot drink. If you’re unable to make your own bone broth then you may want to consider adding gelatin powder into your diet. Gelatin is found in bone broth and gives it its jelly like consistency when cooled. Gelatin is incredibly easy to digest and the amino acids contained help to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is essential for digestion and nutrient assimilation. If you want to reap the health benefits of gelatin then begin making some yummy gut healing snacks like jelly, panna cotta’s, berry gummies, cheesecakes. You can even add it to hot drinks like a Matcha Latte. Collagen is very similar to gelatin except it doesn’t have any ‘gel’ properties so it can easily be added into smoothies, slices, cookies, pancakes, juices and hot foods.

If you’re experiencing digestive distress then begin to listen to your body’s signs and symptoms and use these 8 simple tips to begin replenishing your beneficial gut flora and healing your digestive system.

Poor digestion can be very uncomfortable and leave you feeling heavy, bloated and even sick. The good news is that certain foods and drinks have different effects on digestion, so by choosing foods that aid the process and avoiding those which can cause discomfort, you can help digestion as much as possible.

Everybody is different when it comes to how the digestive system functions, and certain foods and drinks which cause no problem for some people can be triggers for others.

Here are listed some common ways to help digestion, but be aware that they may not work for everyone and trial and error is the best way to identify foods that disrupt your digestion.

Eat plenty of fibre

Fibre keeps the gut healthy by ensuring everything flows through nicely, preventing constipation and uncomfortable digestion issues. There are two main types of fibre that are important for a healthy gut and good digestion.

The first is soluble fibre which dissolves in water and forms a gel like substance which slows down digestion. This delays stomach emptying and helps you stay fuller for longer, which is important for weight loss. Good sources of soluble fibre include oatmeal, lentils, apples, oranges, peats, nuts, strawberries, beans, carrots and celery.

Perhaps even more important for good gut function is insoluble fibre, which has a laxative effect and prevents constipation, speeding up the passage of food and waste in the digestive system. These are commonly found in whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, seeds, nuts, couscous, most vegetables and fruit. Ideally a combination of these two types of fibre will keep digestion working optimally.

Drink fluids

Water and other fluids help to soften stools and keep food and waste moving through the digestive system smoothly. Drinking plenty of fluids is particularly important if you have a high fibre intake as lots of fibre without fluid to help it do its job tends to result in constipation.

Avoid very fatty foods

For some people high fat foods can be difficult to digest and cause discomfort. Sometimes avoiding fatty fried foods can be a good way to avoid this, so try to choose low fat cooking methods and reduced fat versions of products such as milk.

Steer clear of spicy options

Spicy and hot foods are another common trigger of digestive discomfort. Strong spices such as chilli as wells as milder flavours such as garlic and onion can often cause heartburn, diarrhoea and stomach pain, especially if you are not used to them.

This is not the case for everyone though, and many people have no problem digesting these types of food.

Try Probiotics

Probiotics are the good bacteria that exist naturally in our guts and help to keep it healthy and working as it should. Sometimes this supply can get depleted, especially with some types of medication such as antibiotics.

People on these types of medications, or those with regular digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from taking probiotics in the form of supplements or in an enriched food such as yogurt or a probiotic drink.

Don’t expect immediate results though; it can take up to four weeks of taking probiotics regularly before any result is seen.

Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks filled with gas are only adding extra gas to your system, which can lead to indigestion, bloating and heart burn. Some of these drinks are also quite acidic which can upset the balance of the stomach and cause discomfort.

Artificially sweetened beverages also often have a laxative type effect due to the replacements used instead of sugar.

Be aware of personal triggers

No two people are exactly the same when it comes to the digestive system and it is common for people to have individual triggers that do not affect others. If you have problems with a specific food regularly, avoid this food in the future.

If it is a food or food component such as wheat products, lactose or fructose, it is a good idea to see a doctor or dietician, as it is possible food intolerance exists. Frequent digestive issues should always be investigated by a health professional as an underlying condition such as IBS, Celiac disease or lactose intolerance need to be ruled out.

Cut back on caffeine

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and sodas can have a negative effect on the digestive system. They tend to raise the acid content of the stomach, which can lead to acid reflux, or heartburn. If this is a problem for you, stick to more neutral options such as water, milk, and herbal tea.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks

Very acidic foods and drinks can also raise the acid content of the stomach, leading to discomfort. Vinegar, lemon juice and even wine may cause abdominal discomfort, as do some fruit juices and acidic fruits. If this is a problem for you, avoid these foods or limit quantities that are eaten at one time.

Eat slowly

When you eat fast it is often easy to take in a lot of air as well as food, which can lead to excess gas. Take your time over food and chew it properly to avoid this problem.

Remember, problems with digestion, whilst common can also be a sign of an underlying condition. For this reason it is important to visit a doctor if you have reoccurring discomfort or digestive issues.

Your cat’s tummy troubles mean more than hairballs – here’s how to make her stomach feel better, naturally

From diarrhea to constipation to vomiting, your cat may encounter a digestive issue every now and then. Sometimes these digestive problems are fleeting and will resolve completely on their own. Other times, however, they can indicate a more serious problem. If your cat has been experiencing digestive problems on a recurrent basis, you should have her examined by your vet to rule out any underlying conditions that could be at fault. And once you know what the problem is, you can even take a more natural or holistic approach to your cat’s care to help get her body back in balance.

Treating Constipation

Constipation is pretty common, especially in older felines, and hairballs at any point in your pet’s life may also lead to this condition. Below are a few steps you can take to naturally alleviate your cat’s constipation.

• Feed your cat twice daily. These larger amounts of food may push stool through more effectively than smaller meals that are eaten throughout the day.
• Because dry food can lead to dehydration, a canned or homemade diet may be better at promoting normal stools and keeping everything moving smoothly.
• Herbal remedies that may help include dandelion root, yellow dock, slippery elm, Oregon grape, and chickweed. Be sure to work with a holistic vet when choosing the herbal remedies and dosages that are best for your cat. These remedies are not guaranteed to work, and your vet may even recommend trying conventional remedies in conjunction with natural options to enhance their ability to help digestion.
• Choose a feline-appropriate food that contains ingredients that have a lot of fiber, such as pumpkin and squash, as these can help alleviate constipation. You may even choose to add some extra canned pumpkin (pureed, not pie mix) to your cat’s food in order to promote digestive balance.

Treating Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors. If you suddenly switch your cat’s food, this could lead to loose stools, which is why it’s so important to gradually switch from one type or brand of food to another. If your pet ate something that she shouldn’t have, this could also result in an upset stomach and diarrhea. If the diarrhea passes on its own or with home treatment, you don’t need to bring your cat to the vet unless complications, such as dehydration, occur. However, for chronic cases of diarrhea, bring your cat and a stool sample to your vet, as she may be suffering from a parasitic infection or may have inflammatory bowel disease.

• If your cat has been on antibiotics, they may have depleted the body’s natural store of probiotics that assist in digestion. Supplementing with natural, feline-specific probiotics, therefore, can help bring balance back to the body.
• Digestive enzymes that are designed for felines may also be added to your pet’s food. Your vet will be able to tell if your cat is suffering from malabsorption of nutrients or the pancreas is being overworked and is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes on its own to properly break down food.
• Some vets also recommend fasting your animal for about 24 hours. Do this only under the guidance of your veterinarian, who can tell you how to properly go about fasting your cat.

It cannot be stressed enough that chronic digestive problems should be checked by your veterinarian, especially since inflammatory bowel disease can cause symptoms that include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Targeting the cause of your cat’s digestive problems, whether it is an underlying health condition or simply the food you are feeding him, will allow you to then take appropriate steps to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and ensure the food he is eating will be properly absorbed to prevent malnutrition.

No one likes to talk about it, but if you don’t have regular bowel movements (if you don’t poop right), then your health is in jeopardy. Our digestive tracts are about 25 feet long, and they are in charge of assimilating nutrients and ridding the body of toxins. With such a long stretch of muscle to do the job of digestion, it can use some help sometimes. Fortunately, there are numerous herbs which help the body to digest food and absorb nutrients.

The large intestine, or colon, is about five feet long and three inches wide. The small intestine is approximately 20 feet long and about one inch wide. They work together to make certain that our food is digested properly. If our food can’t be digested properly, then health problems will arise.

Here are some issues you may suffer from when intestines and digestion don’t work properly:

• Cancer
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Colitis
• Diverticulosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcers
• Diarrhea
• Colon polylps
• Traveler’s disease
• Constipation
• Rectal Prolapse
• . . . and more

Herbs for Digestion

When our digestive health is in peak condition , we can enjoy more energy, boosted immunity, the appearance of being younger than we truly are, and of course, the absence of disease. Here are 20 herbs that help with the process of digestion :

Did you know that 1 out of every 5 Americans suffers with digestive discomfort? Most of that is unnecessary, but many people ignore it or don’t talk about it until it begins affecting other aspects of their health.

At The Whole Journey, we always say, “digestion is the cornerstone of all health”. It really is the center of the human health universe. If you are not digesting properly, it is impossible to have a healthy thyroid, balanced hormones, energy, good moods, or a properly functioning immune system.

Let’s have a look at my top 5 tips how to improve digestion natuarlly and get a dramatic positive shift with your digestive wellness by the end of the day!

1. Drink 16 Ounces Of Water As Soon As You Wake Up

Drinking 8 ounces of water upon waking will stimulate metabolism and let the body know it’s awake and to rev the engine for the day. The second 8 ounces will touch every single organ and gland and get the digestive system flushed from the toxins/acid it collected for elimination while sleeping.

Do you struggle with bloating, gas, constipation, or other digestive issues? We’ve created a FREE guide to healing your gut naturally. Click here to get your copy!

Adding the juice of half a lemon will assist the process of flushing excess acid from the stomach to the intestinal tract so that more of the “bad acid” can be eliminated, thus providing a healthy biochemistry and digestive system for you during the day.

2. Don’t Combine Fruit With Other Carbohydrates

Nobody likes to talk about gas, constipation, and bloating, but nobody likes to have it either. The number one way to cut down on these uncomfortable symptoms is to not combine fruit with other carbohydrates.

So no bananas on your (Paleo!) cereal, no strawberries on your oatmeal, and no mixing blueberries as a desert right after you’ve eaten a sweet potato with lunch or dinner.

This rule often shocks my clients when I tell them this because many of us have been doing this our whole lives, at many, many meals.

You see, the fruit wants to, and should digest first, but when you combine it with a carbohydrate like a grain or potato, then you create competition for digestion because they have similar digestion rates (protein and fat take much longer to digest).

In this competition, the fruit never wins.

The other carbohydrates beat the fruit to the digestive finish line and the fruit must wait, putrefying and fermenting (creating gas and bloating and killing good bacteria) while it does.

A good rule of thumb is to eat your fruit 30 minutes before a meal or an hour after. If you have strong digestion, you can combine fruit and nuts together and not have a problem. And the hard and fast rule for all kinds of melon is “eat it alone, or leave it alone.” I have had so many clients have 50% of their digestive issues clear up right away when they apply this one simple rule of food combining.

3. Enzymes And Good Bugs

Enzymes catalyze a reaction, meaning speed up the digestive process. They help break down our food and deliver it where it needs to go, which will feed the thyroid and give us energy. However, many of us are eating too fast or not eating the right types of foods to produce enough enzymes, thus our food sits like a rock in our stomach.

Step one is to chew your food 20 times per bit. This may sound onerous at first, but it’s the most holistic way to train your body to produce more of its own enzymes (which are produced in saliva).

Find a good, multi-spectrum digestive enzyme at your local health food store if your digestion is especially poor as this will be a good “band aid” while you are working on improving your digestive health.

Another part to the biochemical digestive equation is good bacteria or having enough probiotics to keep life in the digestive tract. The good bacteria inform our immune system and also help us to digest our food.

I suggest taking a multi-strain (not just acidophilus) probiotic daily at night before bed away from food and/or adding in one serving of fermented foods (like raw sauerkraut) to your diet 5 times a week.

4. Balance Stomach Acid

Creating and maintaining the appropriate acid balance in the stomach is a hugely important yet challenging task. When acid imbalance is prolonged it may result in unhealthy absorption and digestion within the GI tract.

It’s important for stomach acid to be in balance not only because it help us breakdown and absorb nutrients, but it creates a much needed and important barrier to invading organisms and destroy yeast, parasites, bad bacteria, and mold that do find their way in.

The best food based way to build hydrochloric acid (HCL) is to chew on a small slice of ginger before a meal. Get the juice out of the ginger and then throw away the remaining pulp. Ginger naturally stimulates the body to produce HCL. Another alternative is to use raw apple cider vinegar with meals or in water before meals to stimulate HCL production.

5. Avoid Food Sensitivities

The body is like a car. Without the right fuel, it just won’t function properly. Almost all of us have a sensitivity to one of these foods: wheat/gluten, corn, dairy, and soy. If that’s not enough reason to GO PALEO, not sure what is.

The best way to know your formula is to run an IgG food sensitivity panel with a health care practitioner. If that is not possible, then an elimination diet is a most useful tool to find your unique formula. Try eliminating these foods one at a time for a period of three weeks. If you are sensitive to any one of these foods, your body will let you know.

I always suggest minimizing or completely eliminating soy and gluten immediately, as those foods really aren’t good for anyone.

Please let me know what you think in the comments below. And have you done the above to improve your digestion?

About Christa Orecchio

Christa Orecchio is a former caffeine and sugar junkie who was raised on pizza, pasta, and antibiotics. Embarking on a healing lifestyle change of whole, REAL food, customized supplements, and lifestyle adjustments were beyond transformative for Christa, and inspired The Whole Journey.

How long does it take to do the digestion? The digestion period differs from person to person, just as it changes between men and women. The average transit time through the large intestine or colon is about 40 hours, with a significant difference between men and women. In men, it takes 33 hours and 47 in the case of women.

For this reason, it is not convenient to eat very heavy or copious meals, since our body will have a much harder time digesting food. As well as it is convenient to eat in a healthy and balanced way to avoid disorders in the digestive system.

How to improve digestion?

Digestion is a complex process and many people downplay certain discomforts. But in reality, it is not normal to have heartburn after eating, nor to have a bloated stomach or alternate periods of constipation and diarrhea.

All these discomforts are caused by some cause and may have something to do with certain habits. Heed the following tips and put them into practice to improve your digestive process.

• Eat slowly by chewing food well: if we gobble up food without chewing enough, other processes could be affected. So the food should last for at least 20 minutes. This is the time it takes for the brain to send the satiety signal.
• Divide your food intake into four main meals: breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. Do not skip any, because getting hungrier to the next is a mistake. You will eat faster and more, causing difficulties in the digestive system.
• If you don’t want to go to sleep too bloated, try moving dinner hours forward.
• Extreme temperatures irritate the digestive mucosa, therefore, do not consume foods that are too cold or too hot.
• It is recommended to chew the food 20 times since if the food is not well digested, the saliva does not emulsify it and the secretions will not act correctly on it.
• Do not drink too much liquid during meals, as this favors the segregation of gastric juices and the food will be heavier. It is best to drink it after meals.
• Always eat balanced dishes. Ideally, half should be cooked food and the other half raw.
• Calculate the right portions so that the stomach does not press on the esophagus, this could favor reflux.
• Include proteins in each meal in a moderate way, thus favoring the secretion of substances that intervene indigestion. Remember that you will not only find proteins in meat but also in dairy, eggs, and legumes.
• Do not exercise two hours before or during the two hours after food. Digesting food is very heavy work for the body and the blood is concentrated there. For this reason, if the muscles also require their presence, a problem will be generated.

How to speed up digestion?

Drinking plenty of water will help you in the digestive process, both when you get up and between meals. Cereals, better if you make them whole grains, as well as pasta, bread, and cookies.

As for dairy products, yogurts, those that contain prebiotics and kefir are ideal for promoting the digestive process. Furthermore, it has a diuretic effect. Some foods pamper your stomach, such as artichoke, cinnamon, cumin, fennel, turmeric, pineapple, and papaya.

Following good habits will also help you ease digestion and take care of your digestive system. When you are eating, speak little and chew well, and be careful with emotions, as they affect digestion. Try to avoid problems, at least while you eat. To finish, breathe well to better oxygenate the stomach and thus promote the digestive process. The breathing must be abdominal and walking 10 minutes after the meal will also help you.

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6 Ayurvedic Practices to Improve Your Digestion

Health and Wellness

The healing tradition of Ayurveda teaches that health and wellbeing depends upon our ability to digest everything we take in from the environment. This includes not only tangible substances like food and drink, but also our experiences, emotions, and the impressions we take in via our sensory portals, namely our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. Agni is the Sanskrit term for the “digestive fire,” that breaks down the food and other things we ingest from the environment, allowing us to assimilate what is useful, and eliminating the rest.

When our digestive ability, or agni, is strong, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently, and produce a subtle essence called ojas. Ojas, which is a Sanskrit word that means strength, can be envisioned as the innermost vital essence. According to Ayurveda, ojas is the basis for clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity. On the other hand, if our agni is weakened through improper eating, lack of activity, negative emotional energy or unhealthy daily routine, our digestion will be hampered and we produce toxins that get stored in the body. According to Ayurveda, this toxic residue, known as ama, is the root cause of disease.

Uncovering the Root Causes of Digestive Issues

Even when a provider’s approach includes testing and the elimination of offending foods, this is still only addressing part of the problem. While this treatment addresses the agent (or food) being ingested, it doesn’t look at why it is not being digested properly. Although eliminating foods that are bothersome can often alleviate symptoms, it is often difficult for patients to continually avoid those foods. It can begin to disrupt their quality of life. The Ayurvedic concept of agni allows us to expand the conversation into answering the most important questions: “Why did the body begin to improperly digest, or not tolerate, this food?” and “How can we both eliminate the offending agent and concurrently increase agni or digestive power?” This approach opens up the possibility of re-introducing the food at a future time, allowing the person to fully experience foods again.

Getting Practical

Here are six powerful ways to strengthen your agni:

1. Meditate on a regular basis

2. Do some form of daily movement, whether it is a little yoga every morning, or a daily walk

3. Don’t overeat

Here is a simple way to gauge an ideal portion of food for a meal based on your body size: Cup your hands together with your fingertips touching, forming the shape of a bowl. The recommended amount of food for a meal is the equivalent of two of these handfuls of food. Of course, you can eat less than two handfuls if your appetite is smaller.

4. Sip on ginger tea throughout the day, and with meals

A recent study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that ginger stimulates digestion by speeding up the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, and helps eliminates digestive discomfort after eating. In addition, ginger can stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric enzymes to aid in digestion of the food that has been ingested. The researchers concluded that these beneficial effects are a result of phenolic compounds, primarily gingerol and shogaol, and various other volatile oils that are present in ginger.

Ginger Tea Recipe: Ginger tea is refreshing and easy to make. Just add one teaspoon of grated or sliced fresh ginger root to a cup of hot water. You can prepare a larger batch and keep it with you in a thermos bottle to sip throughout the day.

5. Eat your largest meal at lunchtime

6. Focus on releasing negative emotions

As we now know, a complex, independent nervous system called the enteric nervous system (ENS) lines the gastrointestinal tract. Dubbed “the second brain” by Dr. Michael Gershon, a researcher and physician at Columbia University Medical Center, the ENS contains many of the major neurotransmitters that are found in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, and nitric oxide. In fact, about 95 percent of the serotonin contained in the body at any given time is in the ENS.

This second brain controls our digestion and can work both independently and in conjunction with the brain in our head. Without getting bogged down in the details of this intricate system, we can briefly state that there is an intimate relationship between our brain and our gut, and our digestion responds to the thoughts and emotions. When we experience a situation that we interpret as stressful, signals from the brain can alter nerve function between the stomach and esophagus, resulting in heartburn. With extreme stress, the brain sends signals to the gut immune cells that release chemicals leading to inflammation. This inflammation can then lead to malabsorption, and even food sensitivities if the stress becomes chronic. By learning how to manage stress and release emotional turbulence, we help our digestive tract to work naturally and efficiently.

Proper digestion, with a strong agni, plays a central role in our physical and emotional wellbeing. As Ayurveda recognizes, we are not what we eat, but “we are what we digest.” By making choices that strengthen our digestive ability, we form the foundation for good health and vitality.

*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.

Digestion is breaking down of food into simple chemical compounds for easy absorption of nutrients to the body. After absorption, waste products are eliminated from the body. More often than not, this process takes place in the small intestine. Poor digestion is a common problem. These problems are caused by several factors like stress, fatigue, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption among others. Digestion problems can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, diarrhea and nausea among others. There are several remedies to boost digestion at home. Below are some ways that you can improve digestion naturally.

How to Improve Digestion Naturally At Home

Work That Body, Exercise

Exercise is an effective way of improving digestion. Exercise engages the body. When the body is active, there is easy flow and movement of food along the digestive system. Easy movement of food boosts the digestion process. Regular exercise is also important as it helps the body to maintain a healthy weight. This improves digestion.

Exercise also is an effective way to reduce stress. It’s a well-known fact that stress causes poor digestion. It causes digestion disorders that hinder easy and effective digestion.

Consume Fermented Food and Drinks

Fermented food or drinks are great at boosting digestion. How? Fermentation introduces natural bacteria in the food. Studies show that these good bacteria in our gut may improve digestion, boost immunity and help maintain a healthy weight.

Consume Enough Water

Water is an essential remedy to boost digestion. Movement of solid and hard food from the stomach to the small intestine is a hard process. Water helps to dissolve solid and hard food into liquid form. This fastens the flow of dissolved food towards the small intestine where most of the digestion takes place. In short, consuming enough water makes digestion and absorption of nutrients easy and fast. However, it is not recommendable to drink water along with food. This is because it will dilute the vital stomach acid which will disrupt the digestion process. Water should be consumed between meals.

Incorporate More Fiber in Your Diet

Eating high fiber diets helps to boost digestion. Fiber helps to boost the movement of food along the digestive tract. This will definitely boost digestion. Healthy fiber diets are also important in preventing or getting rid of digestion disorders or diseases that are likely to cause slow digestion. Healthy fiber foods include vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains.

Try Ginger

Struggling with poor digestion? Try ginger. Make and drink a mixture of ginger and water. You can also add it in your meal. Ginger is a strong antioxidant substance. It contains gingerols and shogaols that helps to relax and contract the stomach and digestive tract in general. This will in turn boost movement of food in the digestive tract, boosting digestion.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda or Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkaline substance that can help neutralize the acidity in your stomach and improve the pH balance of our body. If you’re suffering from acid reflux, indigestion or other related ailments, you can mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water to reduce the acidity of your stomach.

Fish Oil

Fish oil like tuna, mackerel, and salmon are effective in boosting digestion. This is because they have healthy omega 3 acids that are good for digestive health. They also have strong anti-inflammatory substances that help to reduce inflammation and relax the digestive tract.

Eat Papaya

Papaya is great in boosting digestion. It is an essential tropical fruit that facilitates the digestion of food. This improves digestion. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory substances that sooth and relax the stomach. Additionally, papaya improves the bowel function which hastens digestion. It is also rich in fiber.

Digestive issues affect an estimated 60–70 million people. Here’s how you can prevent them, with seven powerful foods to ease digestion and heal your gut.

7 foods that help with digestion:

1. Papaya

Contains an enzyme called papain that treats and improves all types of digestive and abdominal disorders, including indigestion, hyperacidity (heartburn), and constipation, and is especially useful in protein digestion. In one study, people who took a papain-rich papaya preparation reported significant improvement in constipation and bloating.

Try this: Purée 1 cup of frozen papaya cubes with the juice of one lime and honey to taste for a fast, creamy smoothie; make a salad of papaya slices with avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, and baby arugula leaves, and drizzle with olive oil; combine papaya cubes with minced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a tropical salsa.

2. Fennel

Has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine to improve digestion and treat a wide range of gut ailments. It’s rich in volatile oils that relieve gas, improve intestinal function, aid digestion, and may ease some forms of chronic colitis.

Try this: Grind fennel seeds in a spice mill or coffee grinder, then add to oatmeal, burgers, or soups for flavor and digestive potential; toss raw fennel slices with baby arugula, grapefruit segments, minced basil, pine nuts, and olive oil; quarter fennel bulbs, toss with olive oil, and roast until tender.

3. Pineapple

Like papaya, contains a naturally occurring digestive enzyme, bromelain, that’s especially powerful in protein digestion. Studies show that bromelain helps treat indigestion and intestinal disorders, including pancreatic insufficiency. In one study, bromelain helped counteract the effects of intestinal pathogens that cause diarrhea, such as E. coli, and it may also reduce intestinal tract inflammation.

Try this: Peel, core, and slice pineapples, toss with chili powder, then grill until lightly browned; make a tropical slaw with diced pineapple, shredded red cabbage, green onions, and a honey-lime-olive oil dressing; purée pineapple cubes with hibiscus tea, then mix with sparkling water for a fresh, fruity mocktail.

4. Sunchokes

The root of a type of sunflower, are rich in inulin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. Because prebiotics aren’t digested in the upper intestines, they serve as sources of energy for beneficial bacteria, improving the composition and increasing the activity of probiotics in the lower intestines, and protecting against flatulence and bloating. Be sure to cook them well; eaten raw or lightly cooked, they can have the opposite effect and may cause gas and bloating.

Try this: Thinly slice sunchokes, sauté in coconut oil till lightly browned, then add balsamic vinegar and chopped thyme; cook chopped sunchokes, sweet potatoes, and onions in stock until soft, then purée with coconut oil for a creamy soup; roast chopped sunchokes with cubed beets, carrots, parsnips, and rosemary.

5. Onions

Like sunchokes, also contain inulin, a prebiotic that encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria and protects the gut from pathogens. Some studies suggest that inulin from onions and other sources may also protect against colon cancer.

Try this: Pack thinly sliced red onions into a pint jar and cover with a mixture of boiling water, apple cider vinegar, and honey, then refrigerate overnight for quick pickled onions; combine chopped yellow onions, red and yellow bell peppers, olive oil, vinegar, and basil for a fast, fresh relish; dip onion rings in beaten eggs and gluten-free bread crumbs, spray with olive oil, then bake until golden and tender.

6. Ginger

Has a long history of use in preventing nausea and vomiting, and many modern studies support these benefits. Reviews of studies using ginger for motion sickness and/or nausea associated with pregnancy or chemotherapy show that ginger is significantly more effective than a placebo in preventing nausea and vomiting. Ginger also prevents bloating by breaking down and expelling intestinal gas.

Try this: Slice whole ginger root, combine with water, and simmer for 20 minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey to make a pungent tea; simmer grated ginger root with carrots, onions, and vegetable stock, then purée with coconut milk for a creamy soup; juice kale, apples, and ginger for a delicious digestive tonic.

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Digestion in humans is the process by which food is taken in, processed, and passed on through the body. Diet, water intake, and activity level can have a serious impact on digestion, and even healthy people can suffer from problems with digesting food. Symptoms like diarrhea, gas, constipation, indigestion, and other complaints are not serious in the short-term, but over an extended period of time, they can have harmful effects or even lead to serious illnesses. A few simple ways to improve the digestive process is to eat properly; consume more enzymes, fiber, and natural nutrients; drink plenty of water; and exercise often.

Spirulina can be taken as a dietary supplement to aid digestion.

Eat Properly

For most people, a balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, meat, dairy, and oils, and eating a healthy diet can improve digestion. Not only is it important to eat the right types of foods, but also to eat the food properly. For example, the digestive system runs more smoothly when food is eaten slowly; this allows the organs to work properly at a normal pace. Along the same lines, when too much food is consumed at one time, it cannot be digested as easily because it overloads the system, so to speak. Eating the right amount of food, slowly, will improve the body’s digestive capabilities.

Consume More Enzymes

To aid digestion, the first place to begin is making changes in one’s diet and enzymes are a helpful way to start. Enzymes help the digestive process because they increase nutrients and cause food to be more fully digested. Echinacea is one helpful enzyme, as are pepsin, spirulina, and milk protein, to name just a few. Many enzyme supplements can be purchased on the Internet or in most major drugstores.

Drinking water can help digestion.

Fiber and Natural Nutrients

Fiber is a carbohydrate that helps aid digestion, as it keeps things moving in the intestine, preventing toxic build up, which can lead to the aforementioned symptoms of digestive problems. Fiber can be found in raw fruits and vegetables, but it can also be purchased from major drug stores as a dietary supplement. Also helpful are natural nutrients that cleanse the intestine, such as aloe vera, beta carotene, senna pod, garlic, acidophilus, and rosehips.

Aloe vera is sometimes taken as a supplement to improve digestion.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is one of the most helpful aids to digestion. Drinking the recommended eight to ten glasses of clean water each day keeps the body hydrated and helps aid digestion in the intestinal tract. Some studies show that drinking cold fluids will actually slow down the digestive process, so many people choose to drink water at room temperature.

Chlorophyll is a herbal supplement that can help improve digestion and cleanse the colon.

Exercise Often

Aerobic exercise and stretching each day also contribute to healthier digestion, as the body as a whole will be in better working order. Many health care professionals recommend walking for ten minutes each day to avoid bloating or other uncomfortable symptoms of the digestive process. A variety of exercises, such as yoga, done after eating are believed to increase the rate of digestion; these exercises can be researched on the Internet or taught by most yoga instructors.

There are many organs in the digestive system, and each one needs to be in good working order to avoid digestive problems. Some yoga exercises may improve digestion. Garlic helps cleanse the intestine.

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Discussion Comments

Meat and dairy are not needed. If you check out the food pyramid, you find that the “protein” group is satisfied by plant protein in the form of beans, soy products, soy yogurt, soy cheese, tofu, soy milks and ice creams, peanuts and other nuts. These supply healthy fats and proteins as well as calcium. This is better since they are more digestible than flesh protein and do not give the unhealthy saturated fats and cholesterol that meat and dairy give and are attributed to disease, cancer, obesity and heart attack. croydon October 13, 2012

@Fa5t3r – Well, I would also say that people should make sure they eat plenty of fiber whenever they can. It’s not only useful for making sure you are regular, you will also be making sure you keep your gut healthy.

I think people get discouraged when they first start getting more fiber because it can feel like it’s upsetting your stomach. But if you persist you’ll be better off. Fa5t3r October 12, 2012

I’ve always been a little bit irritated by people who complain about digestion problems all the time. It seems like that kind of complaint that you can make suit whatever hypochondriac impulse you happen to have.

But, there are quite a few serious conditions that can happen, even to young people, which I found out last year when my sister was diagnosed with bowel cancer. So, if you are suddenly having digestive problems, and you didn’t change your diet, don’t just look for home remedies, go to the doctor. lluviaporos October 12, 2012

@anon163430 – I always thought it took more water to digest carbohydrates, but in fact it takes more water to digest protein and you might even get some water back from carbohydrates.

I just want to make something clear though. I’ve heard rumors and received emails over the years where people have tried to make out that drinking cold water with your meal can cause cancer or obesity or many other different ailments. It’s supposed to be because the water mixes with any fats and causes them to congeal.

This is not true. If cold water does anything, it might slow down digestion a little but that’s it. I’ve heard of people refusing to drink water because of this kind of worry and there’s no basis to it. Drinking water, even cold water, will help the digestion process, not cause cancer. anon163430 March 27, 2011

Water literally helps keep the juices flowing. It helps maintain your intestinal wall hydrated which is important for nutrient absorption. Also, water is required for many processes like secretion of acid and absorption of salts and sugars. anon12332 May 4, 2008

How does water actually aid in food digestion? I mean in what way does water function? The mechanism? malena January 20, 2008

Now there’s a yogurt on the market that has “Bifidus Regularis.” The makers of this yogurt say it aids in digestion.

STAY CONNECTED:

Do you or does someone you know have acid reflux , unexplained stomach pain, gas, bloating some of those not so fun things to experience… there are so many digestive conditions now a days.

Hi I’m Doreen Spackman with Live Your Life Naturally , I teach nutrition classes and I’m a health and wellness coach, You’re at the right place! to learn “How to improve digestion naturally”

Is your life busy and fast paced ? I bet it is… many people are eating a lot of processed food and eating out at fast food places… Often people think it’s saving them time but really think about it…most don’t feel great when they’re done eating and end up with an upset stomach they get headaches have gurgling that is going on in their tummies…you get the idea right?

It affects our mood , how we work… how we interact with people…those are really important things so it really pays to take care of our digestive system .

Here’s one easy way to improve your digestion naturally . This simple drink can be made anytime you need it or you can use it as a preventative too. It only has 3 ingredients … How many ingredients? Yes, 3 ingredients

Raw Honey

The first one is 1 tbsp of Raw Honey – I’m talking about yummy sweet raw honey. You know the kind that if it sits on the counter for a time it goes hard and then you say “Now how in the world am I going to use this. That’s the best kind there is…. It has over 5,000 enzymes , 22 amino acids , 27 minerals , and much, much, more it’s an awesome. anti-oxidant, natural antiseptic, it’s also Anti-Bacterial , Anti-Viral , Anti-Fungal yes it is amazing!

Raw Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider

1 tbsp of Raw Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – It ‘s a great antibiotic, it’s anti-viral, and anti-fungal, made from fermented, crushed apples that haven’t been treated with toxic pesticides, it’s rich with naturally occurring enzymes and potassium , which helps to control weight and strengthen your immune system along with helping your digestion and ph balance.

Cayenne powder

now if you’re not used to cayenne start off with 1/16 of a tsp. (not a 1/16 of a tbsp ..1/16 of a tsp.) and you can add more… over the next few weeks. It does give a kick and you’ll actually notice a lot of other things in your health improve with cayenne so have some fun with it!

Distilled Water

Add ½ cup very hot distilled water then stir and mix it all together then…you can go ahead and add another ½ cup of room temperature distilled water and enjoy sipping this and watch your digestion improve with every sip! People have even stopped taking their acid reflux medication that they were on for 8 years after doing this for only 2 weeks! And most find relief from other conditions within minutes.

So let’s review the drink:

• 1 tbsp Raw Honey
• 1 tbsp Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/16-1/8 tsp. Cayenne
• 1 cup Distilled Water

As a coach and a trainer I know the easier things are the more we’re likely to implement them so I have prepared for you The Top 10 “snacks on the go” with a grocery list and how to prepare them quickly so you can have the nutrition you need for your busy life.

Go ahead and put your name and email above, then, check your inbox and you will have your Top 10 snacks on the go so you can start today! I want you to feel confident in the food you eat and know that you are helping your body have better health now,… so you can get the results you desire!

Ah, digestion—a bodily function almost everyone wants a better handle on. The digestive tract comprises four major parts: the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. 1 Together, this master system of processing nutrients keeps your body running. If one or more of these components gets stuffed up or compromised, digestive issues can arise.

When gut grievances do pop up, instead of reaching for the usual over-the-counter suspects, try some natural ways to help get your stomach back on track. Follow these tricks to safely clear the way and boost your overall health.

Follow an eating schedule

Paying attention to your circadian rhythm can benefit your digestion in significant ways. Our bodies feel hunger based on an internal clock, 2 also known as our circadian rhythm. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences defines circadian rhythms as one’s mental, behavioral and physical changes over a 24-hour cycle, dictated by lightness and darkness. By eating the majority of your calories during daylight hours when you’re most active and giving your body adequate time to rejuvenate during the night, you can work with your metabolism to optimize not only your digestive process but also to promote weight loss. 3 What’s more, eating according to this timeline can keep your system regular and your metabolism functioning efficiently. 3-4

How can you incorporate eating with your natural circadian rhythm into your daily routine? Start by following a daylight nutrition strategy, or time-restricted feeding pattern. Consume your calories within a 12-hour time-period and then refrain from consuming food besides herbal tea or water for the next 12-hours, which includes sleep. For example, if you start your day with breakfast at 7 a.m., you would have your last meal by 7 p.m., resuming your consumption of food the next morning at 7 a.m. Rapid Results, Jenny Craig’s newest program, incorporates this daylight nutrition strategy.

Manage your stress

Many of us have heard time and again: stress can wreak havoc on your body. Your digestive system is no exception. Stress can trigger our “flight or fight” response, 5 which can interfere with digestion while your body uses all its energy to fight against the stressor instead. Keeping your stress levels in check can help ensure things keep moving smoothly.

Drink more water

Your gut needs water to keep moving your meals along. Fibrous foods absorb the water that helps them do their job: keep things moving through your system. 6 Think of it as a constant stream of water to clear the pipes and help all the things you eat move efficiently and easily through.

Embrace probiotics

These are the good guys—also known as the good bacteria that boosts gut health. Studies have suggested that consuming more of these live bacteria can help aid digestion, promote regular bowel movements and help alleviate symptoms of IBS or IBD. 7 Looking for an easy way to incorporate probiotics into your day? Grab a cup of yogurt to accompany your breakfast. Look for the phrase “live active cultures” on the packaging and try opting for one that is low in added sugar. Not only is yogurt an excellent source of protein, but it’s also a valuable source of calcium—which may help prevent the onset of osteoporosis. 8

Move more

Regular exercise can help you stay, well, regular. Going for a walk can help move things along if you’re feeling constipated, and a normal routine can promote ongoing healthy digestion. The more frequently you get your heart pumping, the stronger you and your digestive system can get as well. Stronger muscles mean less blood diverted from your digestive tract during movement because your muscles are working more efficiently. 9

For more information on how Jenny Craig can help you achieve your health goals, contact us to book your free appointment.

Sources:

[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Your Digestive System & How it Works, December 01, 2017,

[2] Advances in pediatrics, Gut clock: implication of circadian rhythms in the gastrointestinal tract, April, 2011,

[3] Longo, Valter D., and Satchidananda Panda. “Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 23, no. 6, 14 June 2016, pp. 1048–1059., doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.06.001.

[9] Manhattan Gastroenterology, How Exercise Affects Your Digestion, July 18, 2017

Elisa Hoffman

Elisa is a content marketing manager for Jenny Craig with over ten years of experience working in the health and fitness industry. She loves sharing her passion for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A San Diego native and an endurance sports enthusiast, you can usually find her swimming, biking along the coast highway or running by the beach in her free time. Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Chico.

Favorite healthy snack: mozzarella string cheese with a Pink Lady apple.

This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles and is written by experienced health and lifestyle contributors and reviewed by certified professionals.

Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.

This article contains trusted sources including scientific, peer-reviewed papers. All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.

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Are you looking for ways to improve your digestion naturally?

How you digest your food is really the foundation for your health.

It determines whether your food sits in your gut to rot or you extract the nutrients out of your food to feed your cells.

The whole point of digestion is to break down the food you are eating so your body can be fed vitamins, minerals, proteins, and all the essentials for life.

If your digestion isn’t doing its job, you could end up nutrient deficient and even allow infections to set in.

The most common reason for bad digestion is low stomach acid.

When stomach acid is low it allows bad bacteria and candida to overgrow and multiple and you can’t get the nutrients out of your food. This article contains affiliate links which provide Bliss Health Coaching a small fee at no cost to you.

Let’s look at ways to Improve Your Digestion Naturally

These simple digestion tips will leave you less bloated and allow you to get more nutrients out of your food.

Are you breaking down and absorbing your food properly?

Here are ways you can improve your digestion naturally.

Choose your foods carefully

To get nutrients out of your food, you need to choose foods that contain vitamins and minerals such as fruits and vegetables. Processed foods are harder to break down and does not contain essential nutrients.

Don’t eat in a rush

When you eat in a hurry you swallow extra air and don’t take the time to chew properly. Take time to be mindful of the food you are eating and enjoy the moment. Never eat standing up.

Consider a digestive enzyme

If you have low stomach acid sometimes it can be helpful to give your digestion a boost with lemon water or apple cider vinegar right at the beginning of a meal. This can help break down your food more efficiently.

You can even buy digestive enzymes if your gut is in bad health to make sure you are getting all the nutrients out of your food.

Cut the sugar

Eating sugary foods causes inflammation and can feed bad bacteria and candida overgrowth. Sugar can flair things like leaky gut, Crohn’s, IBS, and autoimmune disease.

Consider cutting out gluten

Many people are sensitive to gluten without having celiac’s disease.

The best way to find out is to stop eating gluten for several weeks and see how you feel.

A caution on gluten-free convenience foods, many of these are gluten-free but full of sugar so always read your labels.

Don’t eat late at night

Digestion is hard work and your body needs a rest in the evenings. As tempting as it can be, try to not snack after 6:00 pm so you can allow your digestive system to rest.

Consider a probiotic

Colonies of good bacteria help break down food particles in the gut. It can be beneficial to add in a probiotic to improve your gut health and new research shows even improve your mood.

If you struggle with IBS, Crohn’s, leaky gut or autoimmune disease you could benefit from a high quality probiotic. I love ProBiota Sensitive Probiotic because it’s great for those with chronic disease or allergies.

Drink lots of water

You NEED water to digest your food. Your body uses a lot of water while breaking down the food and creating enzymes. If you are dehydrated, digestion can be stressful on the body because it uses water.

Always make sure you are drinking clean fresh water.

Don’t gorge yourself

Overeating is common and puts a strain on your digestion. It’s harder for your body to break down an overwhelming amount of food. Try to stop eating before you become too full or break meals into smaller portions.

Try to buy organic produce

Pesticides are on almost all of our food unless you look for organic or grow your own.

It’s best to buy organic when you can to reduce the number of chemicals you are eating because they are so hard on the gut.

Just keep chewing

Chewing is an important part of your digestion. Your saliva helps to break down the food. Swallowing food that is too big can cause bloating. Always take time to chew your food until it is ground small.

If you think your gut health needs more support, the Digestive Health Restoration Program is full of meal plans, recipe videos, and food journals to get your gut repaired.

Created by Dr. Jockers, the program contains 3 phases to restore your gut and rebuild the gut lining in practical easy steps.

Comment below ways you have tried to improve your digestion naturally, we would love to hear from you.

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Hi Amanda, thanks for this practical list. I am also trying to eat more fermented foods and have found a cabbage and beetroot sauerkraut that even my kids will eat! Since we can’t always afford to eat organic, I try to wash my produce well to reduce pesticide residues, see some good washing tips here:

Oh great!Thanks for the link, I can’t always do organic either. Washing your veggies is so important!

Amanda, I have all problem like you , so I want to know, how to increase your good bacteria for gaining weight because I’m still losing weight, because of my gut not able to absorb nutrients from health foods like fruit, so please guide me , thank you mam

If you are losing weight you need to be under the care of a physician so they can treat you. Weight loss shouldn’t be treated at home by yourself. Wishing you the best!

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Welcome!

Amanda Patrick

It’s my desire to help you on your health journey. Let me do the research and bring you the latest info. Together we can grow and create a world of beautifully healthy people.

Are you looking for ways to naturally improve digestion ? As much as we know that everyone experiences occasional digestive symptoms like upset stomach, gas, nausea, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea, here are some tips that can help you in naturally improving your digestion.

Tips to naturally improve digestion

Eat Healthy food

Typically, the best solution to almost all problems of the body is eating healthy food. A healthy diet not only helps in improving digestion, but also helps one in maintaining healthy skin, good hair, ensures proper functioning of organs in the body, mindfulness, and so much more. Ideally, a healthy diet with plenty of fibre and healthy fats can help in improving digestion. This is because soluble fibre absorbs water and helps in adding bulk to your stool while insoluble fibre helps in keeping everything moving in the digestive tract.

How to naturally improve digestion

Low fluid intake is the reason that causes constipation. This is why experts recommend people to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of non-caffeinated fluids per day to prevent constipation. You can also eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content to stay hydrated.

Stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system and can associate with stomach ulcers, constipation, IBS, and diarrhea. When the body is in a fight or flight mode, it thinks you don’t have the time to rest and digest. This makes it clear why managing stress can help in improving digestion.

Probiotics are a highly beneficial bacteria that improve digestive health. It breaks down indigestible fibres that cause gas and bloating.

Healthy ways to naturally improve digestion

To practice Mindful Eating, one must follow the tips below:

• Eat slowly.
• Focus on your food by turning off the TV and by putting your phone away.
• Notice how the food smells.
• Select each bite consciously.
• Pay attention to the texture, temperature, and taste of your food.

This helps in reducing digestive symptoms in people with ulcers and IBS. It pays attention to all aspects of your food as also the process of eating it which helps in preventing bloating and in turn improves digestion.

Ditch the Bad Habits

All bad habits including drinking, smoking, and eating food late at night affect the body adversely. This means it is responsible for the common digestive issues that the body faces. And, in order to get rid of digestive issues, one must ditch the bad habits. Nothing is as good or fun as having a healthy digestive system that supports the body in carrying regular functioning.

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Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.

Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, stinky farts. These are all signs of poor digestion and, oftentimes, they seem to be brought on by the foods we eat.

BUT did you know that, while some foods contribute to poor digestion, there are certain foods and ways of eating those foods that will actually improve your digestion?

Sharon’s Top 3 Tips:
How to Improve Your Digestion Naturally

Don’t feel like reading? Watch the video instead!

1. Eat Probiotic Foods

This one may come as no surprise, as we’ve heard A LOT about probiotics recently.

HOW DO PROBIOTICS HELP DIGESTION?

Modern science is still working to understand the many ways that probiotics, or, “good bacteria,” help facilitate digestion. One way we do understand is that probiotics – sauerkraut in particular – make lactic acid. Lactic acid helps break down our food so that we can absorb nutrients through the walls of our intestine into our bloodstream.

Some strains of probiotics support digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes, the Lactobacillus species, for example, can help increase the production of amylase, the key enzyme for carbohydrate digestion, while Lactobacillus casei produces the enzyme lactase which is necessary to digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

Probiotics may also affect digestion in other ways, such as by helping to bind cholesterol to bile acids which are then excreted and they also help produce beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin K2 – which the body can’t produce on its own and is not readily found in food.

Probiotics are naturally found on the skins of fruits and vegetables and in dairy products. The process of fermentation allows the good bacteria to multiply.

So that means beer and wine are good for digestion?

Unfortunately no. Many food products that have been fermented, such as beer, wine, and sourdough bread undergo further processing – pasteurization, smoking, baking, or filtering – which kills the live good bacteria.

Some research shows that even dead bacteria can be beneficial, but if you’re looking for the BEST foods to support digestion, you want your good bacteria live.

What fermented foods DO contain probiotics?

• Raw sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Kvass
• Buttermilk
• Pickled vegetables

The key is that the good bacteria has to be ALIVE. When shopping for these foods, make sure the label reads: “raw,” and/or “contains live active cultures”.

Your best bet for getting high-quality, probiotic foods filled with live bacteria is either to make them yourself (it’s actually pretty easy!) or head straight to the refrigerated section and read the labels!

Drink Bone broth

Not to toot our own horn, but, gut health is the reason why we started this company in the first place (you can read Sharon’s story here).

When our founder, Sharon was practicing as a Clinical Nutritionist, bone broth was the cornerstone of her nutritional protocol, which focused on optimizing gut health.

How does bone broth help support digestion?

Bone broth is one of the best whole-food sources of the amino acid L-glutamine, which literally acts like spackle, or, a sewing needle, to the lining of the intestine.

Why would you want to spackle your intestine? A condition called “leaky gut” – when the walls of the small intestine become too permeable and allow bacteria and toxins to pass, or, “leak” through into the bloodstream – has been shown to contribute to digestive disorders and overall inflammation.

Bone broth helps to strengthen the integrity of the gut lining, ultimately improving digestion and supporting healthy levels of inflammation.

Read our post here to find out the key signs of leaky gut and the most common causes:

Do I have leaky gut? Signs, symptoms, and what to do about it.

Chew Your Food!

At one point in your life, you’ve probably heard a story about a grandparent or some other elderly person chewing their food until it was liquid, and they lived to some insane old age.

While we can’t prove that chewing increases longevity, we can prove that it dramatically improves digestion, and, as Hippocrates said: all disease (and thus, health) begins in the gut.

Digestion begins in the mouth, as chewing literally breaks down the food that you eat into smaller pieces. The act of opening and closing your jaw triggers your mouth to begin producing saliva. Saliva contains the digestive enzyme amylase, which starts breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.

This mouth action also sends signals to the brain to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the lower stomach – your lower stomach must be relaxed in order for food to pass into the intestines. At the same time, the brain sends a message to the gastrointestinal system that food is on its way. The stomach begins to produce hydrochloric acid, which helps break down protein, while the gall bladder prepares to release bile, which helps break down fats, and the pancreas makes more digestive enzymes.

This process is called the “digestive cascade,” and if you don’t chew, it can’t get started.

“Fat? Why would I want to absorb more fat? I am trying to lose weight and decrease my fat!”

I hear this from so many patients, and it is such a misconception. Fats have gotten a bad rap, and it is time to change that! Healthy fats are important for many components of our health:

-Weight-loss process
-Blood sugar stability
-Hormonal balance
-Memory
-Brain function
-Attention
-Absorption of vital vitamins and minerals
-Hair and skin quality

Fat digestion refers to your ability to break down these healthy fats, and fat absorption refers to your body’s ability to take in and use these fats. The ability to absorb and digest fat is very important for your overall health and quality of life. In fact, when looking holistically at many of my patient’s symptoms, fat malabsorption [as in not absorbing] plays a huge role.

Below are the most common symptoms and complaints associated with patients who have fat malabsorption:

-Brain fog
-Bloating and nausea after eating
-Hormonal imbalances
-Fatigue
-Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight-loss
-Issues with memory or attention
-Dry skin and hair

Do any of these symptoms sound like you or someone you know? Both integrative and functional medicine, both question how the body is breaking down and absorbing fats! If you have these symptoms, don’t just let them go. Fat malabsorption can lead to future disease and is more prevalent than one may believe.

Below are 4 ways to help improve your fat digestion and absorption:

1. Increase the amount of healthy fats in your diet.

Healthy fats are in foods like avocado, walnuts, coconut oil, ghee, and cold-pressed olive oil. You may also add eggs, and fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna to help increase the healthy fats in your diet. Slowly start to increase these foods in your diet in order to get their healthy benefits! The goal should be about 2 tbsp. of some form of healthy fat daily. I personally put coconut oil in my smoothie or coffee to ensure I am getting enough each day.

All fats are not created equally so continue to avoid saturated fats in your diet. These include animal fats, skins on meat, canola oil and fried foods.

1. Increase hydrochloric acid in your diet.

Hydrochloric acids help increase stomach acidity and aid in digestion. In order to begin increasing hydrochloric acid you can start by increase the amount of lemon and citric fruits in your diet. I drink lemon water throughout the day, every day. Also, try drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with four tablespoons of warm or room-temperature water each morning on an empty stomach. It will help improve your hydrochloric acid levels. This will help aid in your absorption of all nutrients, and particularly your healthy fats.

As an alternative to dietary changes you can also take a supplement of hydrochloric acid to increase your levels, but first work with your provider to make sure you should use HCL supplementation.

1. Improve your probiotic diversity.

Your gut is like an ecosystem and to work effectively it needs a balance of many healthy probiotics in order to improve your digestion of fats and other nutrients. One way to improve your gut’s diversity is by increasing fermented foods in your diet like homemade sauerkraut kefir, kombucha and yogurt. It can be hard to get enough through your diet so you can also take a high-quality probiotic supplement on a regular basis to help.

1. Take digestive enzymes.

Digestive enzymes are typically produced in your gallbladder and pancreas to break down foods. When you have inflammation in your gut for any reason you may need more enzymes to help with digestion. The most effective enzymes to help with fat digestion and absorption include: ox bile, lipase and amylase. Find a digestive enzymes with all three of these components to help with fat absorption while you improve your overall gut health. Take these enzymes with each meal that contains a higher fat content.

With these simple tips you can start improving your fat absorption, improving your overall health and preventing disease!

The simplest advice on how to get rid of indigestion is to take a sip of water and walk for a while. Indigestion, also known as Dyspepsia, is a feeling of discomfort in the stomach that may be associated with symptoms like bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, chest pain, belching, gas, nausea, etc.

It is usually caused by overindulgence in food, especially high-fat items. Moreover, issues like gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and certain other diseases may also cause the same.

Stress, fatigue, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and intake of some antibiotics, thyroid medications, oral contraceptives, certain painkillers, and so on may lead to indigestion.

How to Get Rid of Indigestion Naturally

• • Drinking a cup of warm ginger tea is highly beneficial in relieving Indigestion. You can also add lemon juice and cinnamon sticks in it to cure the symptom of nausea. You can have peppermint tea or fennel tea as well.

• Yogurt works as an excellent home remedy for getting rid of Indigestion. Besides, you can have ice cream to ease indigestion pain.

• Having a glass of buttermilk mixed with crushed curry leaves, coriander leaves, a pinch of pepper and rock salt is useful in healing Indigestion.

• Simply drinking warm water or buttermilk mixed with one gram asafetida powder is valuable in curing Indigestion. Alternatively, you can have a glass of lukewarm water mixed with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon each of ginger juice and lemon juice.

• When dealing with Indigestion and diarrhea, you can eat a banana. It also works as a natural antacid for heartburn.

• Eat ginger candy. Pregnant women can consider acupuncture therapy, too.

• Take some ginger juice and juice extracted from holy basil. Add ground jaggery in it. Consume small amounts of this mixture along with water. Follow this therapy for a few days to reduce Indigestion and increase your appetite.

• Drinking a solution of water mixed with an equal amount of baking soda helps you get rid of Indigestion quickly.

• Mint juice mixed with some lemon juice, and honey is beneficial for curing digestive ailments. Besides, you may take one teaspoon of coriander leaf juice mixed with a pinch of black salt.

• Having toasted bread is another easy way to reduce Indigestion and hyperacidity.

• Drinking half a glass of pineapple juice after a meal works as a valuable natural remedy for treating Dyspepsia at home.

• Having a teaspoon of Bishop’s weed (Ajwain), or fennel seeds after a meal is useful in getting rid of Indigestion and abdominal discomfort. At times, Halitosis is also associated with digestive disorders. Thus, effective indigestion cure can help eliminate bad breath, too.

Those who are prone to Indigestion problem should also include lifestyle changes like improving the diet (avoid combining carbohydrates with meats), avoid eating too fast or hurriedly, getting regular exercise, sleeping at least two to three hours after dinner (no lying down after eating), reducing excess weight, limiting the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, etc.

Here’s a video giving tips on how to cure indigestion, especially when it is caused by acid reflux.

You also need to manage stress and stay relaxed to prevent indigestion. In case you are addicted to cigarette smoking, try to quit this unhealthy addiction as soon as possible. You can take cloves, while refraining from smoking.

Apart from these natural home remedies on how to get rid of Indigestion, you can use prescription drugs and antacids for temporary relief. Plus, in order to improve digestion, regularly eat fruits like grapes and oranges.

Plus, chew ginger with salt sprinkled on it, about 10-15 minutes before having a meal to stimulate the digestive juices and avoid Indigestion.

You may also make a mixture of one teaspoon each of coriander seeds, cardamom seeds, caraway seeds and take a teaspoon of this powder along with water prior to a meal.

November 15, 2012

Recent Articles

A slow digestion makes you sit with an upset stomach. Trying some ways to improve your digestion is a good way to treat a distressed abdomen. Doing simple changes in your lifestyle can help you out in this case. Choose organic foods over junk foods and canned foods. Boxed foods contain harsh preservatives and very less nutrients and vitamins. Mix raw and cooked foods; for example, combine raw salad and cooked carrots. This helps in incorporating the enzymes that are important for a healthy digestion process. Here are some more wonderful suggestions to ease an ill digestive health.

Important Tips to Improve Digestion Naturally

Water– Drink a good amount of warm or hot water as it treats constipation. This problem causes imbalances of food and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. There occurs inflammation in the intestinal lining called intestinal permeability. Increased water intake to reduce this digestive illness.

Fermented foods– Start taking fermented foods. They contain bacteria that aid in a good digestion. It treats constipation problem. These bacteria help to absorb vitamins and minerals. A reduction in cholesterol level in the body occurs.

Fiber– Increase the intake of fiber-rich foods. They reduce inflammation from the digestive tract, and improves all over digestion process. You can get this nutrient from foods like apples, flaxseed, beans, and dried fruits like dates, figs and prunes.

Papaya– Small portions of papaya add natural enzymes in your body. They help in carrying out a fine digestive process. You can enjoy a papaya dessert or just eat its raw form.

Take a glass of water and add lemon juice and salt, and then drink this mixture. This will remove extra bile from your liver. It helps in breaking down food and aid in a healthy digestion. Do around 15-30 minute workout daily. It helps in carrying out a normal and easy digestive process. However, if you are suffering from a severe form of any digestive illness then consult a good medical professional.

Written by Bel Marra Health
| –> General Health | –> Published on September 18, 2016

You probably have some idea of your pancreas, and maybe even know its function, but would you know where to find it?

First off, the pancreas is located behind your stomach, closer to the beginning of the small intestine. The pancreas, although often forgotten, is very important to the digestive system. Its exocrine cells help produce enzymes that help digest food.

Another function is to release hormones like insulin and glucagon into the blood to help maintain blood sugar levels. In the case of diabetics, the pancreas attempts to pump out more insulin because the cells do not use it up. This causes sugar to build in the bloodstream.

How does pancreas aid in digestion?

The pancreas produces chemicals at the right time and in the right quantities in order to aid in digestion. When food reaches the duodenum, a fluid containing digestive enzymes is then released, which helps break down the food into smaller bits so it can be absorbed through the intestines.

Because the pancreas holds a vital role in the human body, it’s important to keep it healthy, and the easiest way to do so is through diet.

Food for a healthy pancreas

There are many health concerns associated with the pancreas, like diabetes, pancreatitis, and even pancreas cancer.

Consuming foods for a healthy pancreas can help ensure this organ continues to perform its duties and that you stay healthy overall. Here are foods to eat for a healthy pancreas that can easily be incorporated into your diet.

• Blueberries and cherries – known for their antioxidant properties
• Broccoli – contains cancer-preventing chemicals
• Garlic – provides essential nutrients
• Red grapes – contain antioxidants
• Red reishi mushrooms – help reduce inflammation
• Spinach – good source of vitamins and minerals
• Sweet potatoes – contain cancer-preventing nutrients
• Tofu – source of low-fat protein
• Tomato vegetable soup – contains antioxidants
• Yogurt – source of probiotics

Natural remedies for healthy pancreas

Promoting pancreatic health naturally involves eating the foods listed, as well as not smoking, staying away from unhealthy foods, drinking plenty of water, taking a hot shower or bath to stimulate digestion, and reducing stress.

Another important note about a pancreas-healthy diet is to keep it low fat. Try not to consume over 20 grams of fat a day, and a sole meal should not contain more than 10 grams. Furthermore, for a healthy pancreas, minimize alcohol intake and consume more water in order to stay hydrated. Dehydration has been linked to pancreas flares.

By knowing which foods can benefit your pancreas, you will be able to make different combinations and create healthy pancreas recipes to enjoy on a regular basis.

Slow down. This is the first step to improve your digestion naturally.

While studying the digestive system in Nutritional Therapy School, I was dumbfounded to learn this one very simple step can work wonders!

Why does it work?

First, let’s look at the parasympathetic vs. sympathetic nervous system:
The parasympathetic nervous system controls homeostasis in the body and is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” function. When your body is in a parasympathetic state, it can rest and heal. Your heart rate decreases, your muscles relax, stomach secretions and saliva production increase.

The sympathetic nervous system controls the body’s “fight or flight” response. When your body is in a sympathetic state, adrenaline is released, your muscles contract, your heart rate increases, your body speeds up and tenses up, secretions in the stomach decrease and saliva production decreases.

What does this have to do with digestion?
Digestion starts in the brain. When you think about food, your brain sends a signal to produce saliva. When you start eating, your stomach begins producing hydrochloric acid and other enzymes to help properly digest your food.

We’ve been led to believe that hydrochloric acid (aka stomach acid) is a bad thing, when in fact it’s an incredibly important part of digestion. Hydrochloric acid not only helps break down the food, it helps kill bad bacteria, pathogens, etc. that you might encounter.

When you’re in a hurry, eating on the go, stressed, anxious, etc. your body is in the sympathetic state. The amount of saliva and stomach secretions (like hydrochloric acid) decreases. This immediately negatively affects your digestive system. Your food won’t be digested as well. That can cause issues downstream in your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, intestines, metabolism, etc.

Do you see how a small change can make a huge difference?

How many of us eat in a hurry, or are stressed when consuming a meal? This fight-or-flight status is very harmful to our long-term health.

The good news is that you can start making changes to your digestion today.

I told my kids about this simple step, so we’ve been working together to eat slower and enjoy our food. Giving thanks before each meal is a good way to help remind us to slow down. We also starting putting our forks down between each bite, helping ensure we chew more slowly.

It takes some getting used to, but this simple step can have profound effects on your overall health. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Digestion is interesting because when you think about it, humans are digesting all day long. We’re digesting mental data with our minds, and physically with our bodies. Our digestive tract, or the gut, is responsible for directing our body in so many ways.

One of the most obvious side effects is the way we feel as a result of our digestion. When our digestion is working well, we might feel lighter and at ease. Problems with digestions may leave us feeling uncomfortable, bloated, gassy, and moody.

Having natural go-tos for improving digestion is important for having regular access, as well as not having to worry about additional side effects of medications.

Eat Strategically

Yes, diet is an essential part of eating for better digestion. However, additional attention should be paid to the physical process of eating.

• Chew your food: You’d be surprised that a genuine complication from digestion can come from improperly chewing food. Chewing is a critical part of the digestion process as your organs do not have the same ability to break down food that your teeth do.
• Breathe: Going hand in hand with breaking down your food, deep, and intentional breathing during chewing and eating can help to bring beneficial mindfulness to the act of eating. Mindfulness can work against tendencies that might hurt digestion like over or undereating.
• Bulk up your diet: Add protein, fat, and fiber. Having a balanced diet is essential, but a diet high in protein that incorporates healthy fats and adequate fiber is beneficial for your digestion.

Add Probiotics

Adding probiotics to your diet may be beneficial in aiding with overall digestion. Try taking in probiotics without taking supplements by incorporating foods rich in probiotics like miso, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, or natto.

Drink More Water

One of the best ways to regulate any system in the body is to introduce more water. Water helps to cleanse the body of waste and speed metabolism. If drinking water isn’t easy for you, consider flavoring your water, special hacks, or setting up reminders for yourself.

Incorporate Exercise

Making sure to keep active and steady in your physical upkeep is your best bet for a healthy digestive system. Your heart rate, muscles, and intestines are all stimulated as a result of exercising. Staying active also enables regular blood flow and eases digestion as well.

A Note from GR8NESS

Many things can impact digestion, and understanding the cause is imperative for treating it properly. If you’re experiencing difficulty with digestion, speak with your physician to assess if the issue is digestive.

Drinks to Improve Digestion

• UNB News
• Dhaka
• Publish- June 17, 2020, 07:04 PM
• Rifat Tabassam – Contributor
• Update- June 23, 2020, 01:02 AM

Though rainy season has arrived the high temperatures of the preceding summer is still on the go. Sometimes the weather remains cool and sometimes the scorching heat makes our lives unbearable. Due to these frequent changes in temperatures, our digestive system becomes slower and weaker leading to numerous gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroenteritis, heartburn, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, etc. To improve your gastronomical health, you can add some healthy drinks to your diet. Read this article to know about some easy homemade drinks to boost up your digestion power in a natural way.

Digestion Improving Drinks

Yogurt Drink

Yogurt is a rich source of healthy nutrients including magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin B-2 and vitamin B-12. Drinking a glass of yogurt after having meal can give you instant relief. Yogurt would feel quite light on your stomach as it serves as a probiotic food.

Around 400 different species of bacteria live in the human intestines. Some bacteria are bad, while some bacteria are beneficial to run your digestive system properly. Probiotic foods contain beneficial live bacteria and yeast.

If you are suffering from acidity, bloating, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome quite frequently, it triggers to leaky gut. In order to improve the functionality of your gut health as well as gastronomical system, you can add yogurt drink in regular diet. You can also consume Yogurt in smoothies, curry, salad and many more forms.

Ginger Tea

If you are looking for a home treatment for common digestive problems, like stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, or bloating, try ginger tea. Even many pregnant women love to drink ginger tea regularly as a home remedy to get rid of nausea and morning sickness.

Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is mainly caused by the delayed emptying of the stomach. Interestingly, the properties of ginger can speed up the emptying process of your stomach. But how does it work?

The properties of Ginger can stimulate the muscles of your intestines, which is termed as gastrointestinal motility. This process can help your body in breaking down the food particles in your stomach and quick removal of food-residue substances out of your digestive tract. Thus, consuming Ginger you can get faster, functional and comfortable digestion with less chance of experiencing bloating and gas.

Lime Water

Though Lime is a very acidic food, it can promote an alkaline pH in your body. The citric acid in lime juice aids in breaking down the food in your stomach quite efficiently. Moreover, lime juice makes it easier for your body to take out maximum nutrients from the ingested food substances. Slowing down the absorption rate, Lime can prevent surge in blood sugar after having a meal.

What is more? Lime juice can help your body to release the floating toxins in your gastrointestinal tract. The stomach-calming benefits of lime can provide instant relief to stomach-ache caused by indigestion. It also minimizes the risk of excess gas formation in your stomach which often causes burping and bloating. Drinking Lime water on empty stomach can keep your digestive system functional all day long in a natural way.

Peppermint/Mint (Pudina) Tea

You can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea after ending your meal. It will fulfill your cravings for sugary desserts without adding any extra sugar to your diet. Mint is naturally free from sugar, calorie, and caffeine. Besides, offering delicious taste Mint can aid your digestive system.

Mint is enriched with natural oil called menthol which can improve your digestive system by virtue of its antiseptic, antibacterial and adaptogenic properties. The adaptogenic properties can help your body in balancing in whatever way is needed.

According to a study, Mint can treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by reducing spasms in your gut. In addition to these, Mint can calm your central and peripheral nervous system. When your body becomes relaxed, your gastrointestinal system can digest the food more effectively. Furthermore, having post-dinner mint tea can freshen up your breath.

Fennel (Mouri) Tea

Fennel seeds are a great source of fiber. 1 Tbsp (6 grams) of dried fennel seeds contains about 2 grams of fiber, whereas an apple carries about 3 to 4 grams of fiber. Fennel tea can be an effective home remedy to treat stomach flu. Its fiber property can aid in treating watery diarrhea.

Anethole is the major property of fennel seeds, which can contribute to improve your digestion system. According to a study, the fennel seeds contain antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help your digestive tract get rid of harmful bacteria causing upset stomach.

Moreover, the Fennel seeds can contribute in soothing the inflammation in your intestines by relaxing muscles of your stomach. Fennel also relieves the gassiness of your stomach and prevents constipation or acid reflux.