Food Hygiene: Have you ever wondered why the exact same meal, eaten at different periods of time, can cause a wide range of symptoms or no symptoms at all? Unbeknownst to many, the state of our nervous system may directly impact our ability to digest and process food (ie Fight-Flight-Fright vs REST & DIGEST). One of the most important pieces of information I pass on to my patients revolves around the process of eating. This may be more important than the types of foods my patients consume at times.
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Here are several lifestyle modifications to improve digestion WITHOUT medications or supplements :
1.) Chew food in its entirety. (If that means chewing each bite of food 30 times until it turns to mush, DO IT! Or at least try).
2.) Do not eat “on-the-go” or when you’re in a rush. (Your body will not properly digest food).
3.) Eliminate or limit external stressors while consuming food (ie t.v, noisy environment, arguments or tense discussions etc).
4.) Try your best to cook your own food and add different spices that stimulate and prepare your body for digestion such as cumin, mustard seeds, and rosemary.
5.) Apple cider vinegar before meals may aid in digestion.
Author
Paresh Shelat ND, L.Ac
