Fix your digestion and it feels like magic
I’m guessing that you’re reading this because you are living with some type of digestive distress and trying to find a solution…a natural way to solve the problem.

Let’s start at the beginning…
Science would have us believe that digestion starts the moment food enters our mouth but I’m suggesting that it’s actually with the thought of food – the mouth watering moment. This is when the magic begins.

That’s right, it all begins with the thought of food, well before food reaches the stomach.

When we see, smell, taste, or even imagine a tasty meal, our salivary glands step into gear.

Problem is, most of us don’t slow down to enjoy a meal – we eat mindlessly or distracted in front of a screen. We tend to live our lives in a state of chronic stress – chronic state of fright or flight. Did you know that it’s actually physically impossible to digest food well in a state of stress? After all, digesting food is not as important as fighting off danger or fleeing to safety.

I’m sharing a simple trick to get your digestive system in gear.

B-R-E-A-T-H-E

3 mindful breaths… and you have switched from ‘fright or flight’ to the parasympathetic nervous system where digestion is now your friend. Also known as ‘rest & digest’.

Let’s ‘chew’ on this for a moment
I’m going to let you in on a little secret…digestive issues like bloating, gas and reflux, are NOT always your food’s fault!

We can be quick to blame what we eat for any gut issues, but the fact is, bloating can be just as much about our lifestyle and HOW we eat – as it is, WHAT we eat.

Chewing your food is a very important part of the digestive process. Not only does the chewing action turn food into smaller (and more digestible) pieces, but the act of chewing releases additional saliva, which is packed with enzymes to break down food. Plus the mucin in saliva makes the little bits of food nice and slippery, and thus ready to slide down the esophagus and into our stomach.

Let’s Talk Food! …foods that help your digestion

Fennel Ginger and Peppermint

Ginger: Ginger could be the most versatile of the digestive supplements, aiding in everything from indigestion to abdominal cramps and bloating to nausea and constipation.

What makes it so special? It acts as a prokinetic – it helps move ‘things’ forward and speeds up emptying of the stomach which is why it’s often suggested for people with acid reflux.

• ginger teas aid in digestion
• Fresh ginger in smoothies
• Stir frys

Fennel: You may know of it as a flavouring agent in sambuca and absinthe. Fennel is a celery-like winter vegetable with an interesting licorice-like-flavour. Fabulous for acid reflux. Adding fennel to your diet can help balance the pH level within your body, especially within your stomach, and can reduce reflux after meals.

Peppermint: Yes, the common herb that grows wild in your garden is a top digestive herb!

Peppermint is known to ease symptoms of IBS, including bloating, stomach discomfort and bowel movement issues and has a relaxing effect on the muscles of your digestive tract.

And let’s not forget Papaya & Pineapple: These luscious tropical fruits both contain strong digestive enzymes (papain and bromelain) that help digest proteins. Not only delicious but true ‘food as medicine’.

I’ve collected three digestion friendly recipes for you, each designed to help you use ‘food as medicine’.