Key points

1. The digestive process starts with the first smell and first glance of the food you’re partaking in. Your brain sends signals to the limbic system to release salivary enzymes such as amylase. So sitting down and having a moment with your food can promote early secretions of enzymes that will help you break down your food.

2. The stomach has a certain capacity and ability to handle gas and fluid. When you eat portions consider that the stomach is just a little bit over the size of your fist. Be mindful of giving it more than it can handle.

3. The stomach need adequate time to produce the appropriate chemical processes to break down food. A quick rushed meal will promote inadequate digestion of food. Whereas a well-paced meal in a relaxed environment can help the enzymatic process be fully complete.

4. Grazing behavior meaning eating every 1 to 3 hours can disrupt the household cleaning of your gut and small intestine which is called the inter-digestive process or migrating motor complex. Attempt to wait 3 to 5 hours between meals to allow the migrating motor complex to clear the small intestine.

Hacks for good digestion

1. 30 minutes before consider having a room temperature glass of lemon water or some ginger tea.

2. A good brand of digestive bitters before eating is also helpful.

3. Slow down and take time for reflection and gratitude while you sit down and eat. Think about the origins of the food that you are eating and all the hands that were involved in bringing it to your table. Gratitude and reflection is known to trigger a parasympathetic state in the brain which is adequate for eating.

4. If you have suffered from some type of digestive disorder take digestive enzymes with each meal to help facilitate good digestion. Discuss adequate dosing with your provider