Your digestive system plays a very vital role in maintaining a healthy and fit body. If your digestive system is not properly working, you are not able to absorb all the nutrients from supplements or the foods you are eating. As we age, this is important!

While not reserved solely to those in midlife, far too many of us live with the often debilitating symptoms of poor digestion and indigestion. Many think … it’s just a part of getting older, right? Things fall apart, right?

Ummm … no my friend.

Indigestion and poor digestion can be caused by a variety of things such as low digestive enzymes, lack of intestinal flora, poor eating habits, poor-quality foods, and stress.

And stress is all around us, right?

First, I highly recommend you talk to your doctor and get a full check up to ensure nothing medically is going on that is causing your digestive upset.  Once your doctor has ruled out anything medically, let’s take a look at diet and lifestyle, shall we?

Slow Down Sister!

Have you ever eaten on the run or “inhaled” your food, only to feel your tummy rumbling a short time later?  Perhaps you’ve eaten your meal too quickly. 

When we eat too fast, we are actually taking in far too much air as we put food into our mouths.  No … really!  Think about it … you are opening your mouth wider, putting the food in faster and gulping it down, often without even tasting it or enjoying the flavour.  The goal is to get something in your belly, right?  Well, you are also getting  more air into your belly, which can cause bloating and discomfort.

Slow down sister …

Chew Your Food!

This goes hand in hand with slowing down as you eat.  Did you know digestion begins in your mouth?  Digestion begins once you start chewing your food.  It is imperative that you chew your food thoroughly in order for the food to be swallowed and begin its journey through the digestive tract. 

If you swallow partially chewed food, this leaves the door open for such autoimmune diseases such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). 

Drink Up!  But not while eating.

Refrain from drinking immediately before or after a meal, and try not to drink during meal – this can dilute stomach acid.  I get it … when I was younger, I remember my mother and grandmother telling me to drink while I was eating.  It is ingrained into us from an early age … drink water, juice, milk, whatever with your meal.  In fact, it’s better to try and eat your meal without drinking anything and allow your stomach acid to do its job, i.e. help further break down your food and separate the nutrients and waste. 

Try to wait at least 30 minutes after you eat to drink anything (or drink water 30 minutes before you eat). 

Food Combining

Be mindful about food combination – starchy carbs and proteins can result in more gas. Certain fruits ferment quickly, such as melon and should be eaten alone.  Check out this cool graphic on what foods to eat together and when!

Add a Probiotic to the Mix

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health especially for your digestive system and your immune system.  Probiotics are found in products like yogurt, kefir, cultured vegetables, miso soup, kombucha etc.

You may also need a probiotic supplement.  One of my favourites is the probiotic supplement by Usana Health Sciences, which I take regularly and which keeps my gut healthy and me … regular.

If you’d like to know more, click here for information about Usana’s probiotic supplement.

Full disclosure, I am a Usana Independent Representative and so if you are interested in Usana’s probiotic supplement or any of the other top-quality supplements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Happy to help!

Conclusion

Did you know 80% of your immune system is located in your GI tract?  As such, it is paramount that you take gut health seriously by eating clean, wholesome foods, chewing your food slowly and adding a probiotic to ensure you are showing your gut some love!

Until next time!

Yours in health and wellness,

Francine Alleyne (RHNP™)

Holistic Nutritionist, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™

Visit My Shop: https://www.francinealleyne.com/

Email: fran@francinealleyne.com

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DISCLAIMER: Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms.  I am not a doctor. This post and anything else you find on my website is intended for informational, educational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY and is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease.