So, you read my last two emails and you’ve started eating nutrient-dense foods…but can your body digest them properly?

Digestion is such an important foundation to health. Our cells are dependent on our digestive system to provide the nutrients they need for structure and function. An improperly functioning digestive system can be an underlying driver of other major health concerns that may not even seem related to digestion at first glance.

Digestion starts in our brain

The sight and smell of food causes our brain to trigger salivary glands in our mouth to secrete saliva. Saliva contains digestive enzymes and is an important component to start the digestion process. The brain also increases blood flow to our digestive system so our blood is nearby to pick up nutrients as they come in from our food. Our brain is also responsible for increasing insulin release, secreting gastric juices, monitoring hunger and satiety, and controlling the peristaltic movement of the muscles and the organs of the digestive tract.

Mindset around food is so important!

Eating when distracted, negative thoughts around our food, and/or rushing through meals all work against the brain to carry out its important functions in the digestive process. Adapting to a stress response, big or small, is priority for our brain and nervous system, it will deal with a spike in cortisol or adrenaline before secreting proper amounts of stomach acid (or any of the other functions I mentioned above). Without proper amounts of stomach acid, our food doesn't get broken down, nutrients don't get released into our bloodstream, and our cells don't receive the nutrients and energy they need to operate and our health overtime is compromised.

The Bellis Wellness Commandments of Digestion!!

1. Cook at home as much as possible - Not only can you control what ingredients you're eating at home, but interacting with your food - chopping up veggies, smelling a simmering broth - is the first step of digestion.
2. Sit down and eat without distractions - Give yourself the time and space to taste, chew, and enjoy your food. Avoid eating while watching tv, driving, or standing up.
3. Take a couple deep breaths before your first bite - slow down and make sure you are in a parasympathetic state before eating. Prayer or a gratitude practice can be super beneficial and bring a positive mindset to your mealtimes.
4. Chew your food - don't put more strain on your stomach by making it break down huge chunks of steak. Take small bites and chew until your food is a baby food consistently. Our teeth are in our mouth, not our stomach for a reason!
5. Put your fork down between bites - don't take another bite until you finish and swallow your previous bite. Sounds obvious, right? It's harder than it sounds.
6. Avoid drinking water with your meal - Water, especially iced water, will dilute stomach acid and put out your “digestive fire.” This can actually hinder the digestive process so instead of gulping down a glass of water with your meals, try for juice or milk instead.

Notice I haven’t mentioned any part of the digestive system past the stomach. Most of our digestive dysfunction originates in the upper half of our body: our brain, mouth, and stomach.

Practice these tips for a month and see if it makes a difference in how you feel! If you're still stuck or struggling, book a session with me and I'll help you figure out what's holding you back and get you on a path to healing.

Stay tuned for more digestion related topics coming soon...!

With gratitude,

Blair Bellis, NTP