Digestion

Did you know we start digesting our food before we even take a bite?!

Our body has a complex and powerful system of enzymes – from our mouth, to our stomach, and into our small intestine. These are responsible for breaking down the food we eat into tiny, absorbable molecules that provide our body with the macro and micro nutrients that it needs.

All these organs need to be working in harmony, and optimally, for us to have tip top digestive function. 

The enzymes in our mouths are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. Our stomach has a bigger job. It has to have the right amount of acid to kill any bacteria or nasties in our food, break down protein, AND start absorbing some key nutrients.

Further down we need the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and small intestine lining to secrete further enzymes. These break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins so we can absorb them for use in the body. Our skin, nails, hormones, hair, blood, cells—in fact every part of our body —are created using these nutrients. If we’re not getting enough of them, or we’re not able to digest and absorb our food well, then we tend to find imbalances in the body.

If we’re not fully digesting and absorbing all of the food we eat, it can mean that some gets left behind in the gut to be fermented by our gut bacteria. 

Ever had bloating and gas a couple of hours after eating? This is a common sign of food being fermented in parts of your gut where it shouldn’t be. 

Other obvious and common symptoms of digestive imbalances are reflux, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhoea. 

Less obvious signs and symptoms of imbalances in your digestive system include;

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Chronic fatigue 

• Diabetes

• Brain fog

• Depression and anxiety

• Hormonal imbalances

• Recurrent infections/low immunity

• Obesity 

Do any of these statements sound like you?

• I see undigested foods in my stool and/or have pale, grey, fatty stools

• I get indigestion, bloating, flatulence, burping, or coughing after meals 

• I get reflux, a burning sensation in my throat, and/or cough a lot during/after eating, or in bed 

• I have very limited time to eat. I often skip meals, snack, eat quickly on the go, and don’t relax after eating 

• I take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole) for reflux and/or antacids for indigestion

• I have a diagnosis or family history of one/some of: IBS, lactose intolerance, reflux (GERD) gastritis, heartburn, ulcers, hiatus hernia, gallbladder disease, gallstones, gallbladder removal, coeliac, IBD, hyperthyroid, pancreatitis 

• I’ve lost weight or have difficulty maintaining weight 

• I’ve had a test from doctor/practitioner show one/some of: low stomach acid, H. pylori infection, low enzymes and bile production, high faecal fats, food allergies or intolerances, nutrient deficiencies e.g., B12, iron

If any of these ring true, it most likely means your digestive system needs some TLC and re-balancing!

Here are three actions you can take today to support your digestive health:

1. Take 5 deep breaths before eating each meal – this puts your nervous system into ‘rest & digest’ mode and stimulates your digestive organs to release those fabulous digestive enzymes. Meaning they’re ready to get to work on breaking down food as it moves through your gut

2. Try to eat 3 meals a day and reduce snacking – this reduces strain on our digestive system, allowing it to take a break and replenish digestive enzymes before the next meal comes. If we’re constantly grazing, our gut doesn’t get a chance to have a break!

3. Eat your last meal of the day a minimum of 3 hours before bed – this will guarantee a better night’s sleep, but also supports your gut to do all of its hard work before having the night off. When we’re asleep is when our body does its repair work (and there’s a lot to get done!). So if we eat late, we divert the ability of our gut to focus on rest and repair, and instead require it to digest our last meal of the day.

Supporting your digestive health for the long term means finding and addressing the ROOT CAUSES to your symptoms and using natural interventions to correct imbalances in your gut. For clients wanting to do this, I recommend my 12-week personalised consultation package. We’ll do a deep dive into all your body’s systems to find the root causes of the health problems you’re experiencing, based on your unique medical history and lifestyle.

If you’d like to have a free 15-minute call to explore this, click the button below.