You are what you eat.
While there is some truth to this often repeated statement, the reality is that if we’re not digesting properly and absorbing our nutrients it doesn’t matter how many healthy foods we consume each day.
We are what we eat, digest, and absorb.
When our digestive tract is not working effectively, we may experience issues such as; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, food sensitivities, skin issues, headaches, low energy, nausea, depression, anxiety and many other challenges that can all be traced back to the health and well-being of our gut.
There are many steps we can take to begin to improve our digestion so that we’re absorbing the nutrients from the good food we’re enjoying. Yes, it’s important to eat healthfully and I’ve spent a lot of time supporting clients in learning to make nourishing food choices. However, I continue to notice that some clients don’t improve no matter what they eat.
They may not lose weight, gain energy, feel happier or they may make temporary progress, but then experience setbacks in achieving their wellness goals.
The missing piece to their success is the health of the digestive tract.
Today, I’d like to focus on one simple step that can improve our digestion and gets ignored because we all live such busy lives.
That step is…chewing our food.
Yes…the act of chewing.
When we eat while multi-tasking, driving, or are in a rushed state and gulping down our food, we make the digestion of our food difficult. Digestion begins in the brain which signals the release of saliva. This saliva contains important enzymes which begin to breakdown and digest our food. If we swallow without properly breaking down and chewing our food, the stomach has to jump in and work twice as hard. We miss a crucial step to our digestion.
Next time you eat a meal, really pay attention to how much you are in the habit of chewing. Notice if you’re centered and present during mealtimes. Slowing down and focusing on chewing one bite at a time supports your digestion and vitality. You may find that by doing this one simple thing, your breathing slows down and you feel more relaxed.
How is your digestion currently working for you? Do you experience constipation or diarrhea? Gas or heartburn? Try slowing down and chewing your food thoroughly over the next few weeks and see if your symptoms improve at all.
Let me know how it goes!
Lisa will be teaching the NO-COST class Happy Tummy, Healthy Life: Simple Tips to Improve Your Digestion on Tuesday, October 20th from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Sports & Wellness Physical Therapy in San Luis Obispo. Call (805) 439-2159 to reserve your seat. Space is limited.
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