Tips to enhance your digestive prowess!

As the holidays approach, many of us will be doing lots of digesting! These tips will help support your digestive system as you give it a work out this season.

1. Digestion starts with the amylase enzymes in your mouth so be sure to chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
2. Do not drink large volumes of fluids at meal time. This will dilute your powerful digestive juices and enzymes that are required to break down the food properly.
3. Be relaxed when eating. Try to have mindful eating habits avoid multi-tasking, sit down, breathe deeply and focus on the most important medicine you are taking in – your food!
4. Start each protein or fat based meal with ½ tsp of apple cider vinegar to help your stomach with digesting the proteins and fats.
5. Avoid too much raw food in the winter months. Focus on cooked foods which are easier for digestion such as soups and stews.
6. Eat fermented foods daily such as kefir, kimchi, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut. These foods support the populations of healthy organisms in our intestines that are critical for absorption of our food and also for boosting our immunity.
7. Eat fibre rich foods. This means lots of seeds and veggies. Your aim should be 30 grams daily.
8. Keep active. Move your body after a meal to help speed up digestion and increase blood flow to your digestive organs.

Proper digestive function is responsible for the absorption of all the nutrients required to fuel your body. When we are stressed or rushed, our digestion ceases to function properly. Practice mindful eating habits to keep your guts healthy and happy!