Chew! (overlooked but important part of healthy digestion)

Here is something everyone can and should be doing regardless of digestive dysfunction. If you also want to MAXIMIZE your body’s ability to assimilate and absorb nutrients, do what our Functional Nutritionist and Orthomolecular Medicine Practitioner Ivy Walker writes below…

Dr. John

Chew-Chew-Cha-Boogie!

Tired of gas, bloating, reflux, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation?

 These are all symptoms of poor digestion that hinder daily life and make us miserable.  Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract gets overloaded with toxins like food additives, pesticides, and poor quality food and is trying to tell us it needs HELP!

 So, what is the best kept secret for better digestion?

CHEWING!

While we take it for granted, chewing your food well helps to:

*extract the maximum number of nutrients

*get your digestive juices flowing  right

*keep your weight down

WHY?

 Chewing healthy, nutrient-dense foods well helps you to:

*sense intuitively when you are full

*gain more satisfaction from eating

*develop a healthier relationship with food

*eat less

HOW?

To chew better for optimal digestion:

*take several deep breaths before starting your meal

*develop the Conscientious Habit of Chewing each bite 20-30 times

*put your fork down between bites

*even if you only have 5-10 minutes to eat, relax as you chew

*savor and delight in the flavor of your food

*limit talking with a mouth full of food, which

 often leads to gulping whole bites into your GI tract

(If this “task” feels initially daunting, try this routine 1 meal a day.)

 BENEFITS?

*food breaks down quicker, easier, because of enzymes produced in saliva

*the entire digestive process works smoother

*chewing alone will often eliminate gas, bloating, etc.

* this habit is a cheap, easy way to a healthier  GI tract

*frees up some of the body’s energy to be utilized for other functions

*puts you in control of eating

For more helps with digestive issues, check out our online store for digestive supplements and/or call for an appointment.

Ivy W.