Our digestive system is uniquely designed to turn the food we eat into the energy we need to thrive. When this system breaks down, poor digestion can cause a myriad of problems from gas, bloating, muscle / joint pain, headaches and reflux, right through to inflammation and disease.

WHAT CAN CAUSE POOR DIGESTION?

There are many factors that influence digestion, including;

Dehydration. A dry mouth is the first sign of dehydration, affecting salivation and therefore digestion due to the digestive enzymes in saliva.

Toxic Bowels. This is commonly caused by processed food, trans fats, chlorinated water (kills the guts natural flora), and over consumption of caffeine.

Stress. Stress diverts blood from our digestive system to our muscles (impairing digestion and reducing nutrient uptake) and can cause our colon to react in a way that gives us either diarrhea or constipation, impairing the uptake of nutrients.

SO HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION??

Chew it up!

One of the best ways to help your digestive system is to ensure you chew your food. Digestion starts in your mouth, so take smaller bites, ensure you chew your food into small pieces, and swallow when you have achieved a fluid like consistency. It is easier for your body to absorb the key nutrients when you follow this process.

Hydrate

Water encourages the regular passage of waste through your digestive system and creates the foundation for the hydrochloric acid that breaks it down.  Insufficient intake of water can also cause constipation, which may assist in the promotion of inflammation and disease. 1 litre of filtered water for every 30 kg of body weight, is a good guideline for water consumption.

Eat clean, fresh, natural food

Processed foods are much harder for the digestive system to break down and trans fats in particular can cause large-scale inflammation. If you are not sure what will work for you, try eliminating foods that irritate you for one month and then slowly reintroduce them one at a time, to discover food sensitivities.  The most common food allergens include corn, soy, gluten, dairy, eggs, alcohol, sugar and (in most cases) all grains. 

Add some probiotics

Probiotics are known as friendly bacteria and  are great way to help your digestive system. These bacteria also form the foundation of your immune system, so you feel more energy and vitality each day.  Probiotics can be found in many types of quality yoghurt and cultured vegetables, as well as in high quality supplements.

CONCLUSION: THE TOP FIVE FACTORS TO OPTIMISE DIGESTION

Hydrate

Reduce stress

Chew your food well

Eat clean whole-foods

Add probiotics where necessary