As health enthusiasts we spend a large portion of our time consumed by what we are consuming; latest diet trends, “super foods”, juicing vs. eating our vegetables, the list goes on. But just as what goes up must come down, what goes in must come out. That’s right, in this post I am focusing on one of the most important aspects of our overall wellness that seldom gets the attention it deserves, digestive health.
Anyone who has ever suffered in this department knows the eat more fiber, drink more water, get more exercise prescription just doesn’t cut it. I recently reached out to a colon health expert for a fresh perspective and came away with tips that helped me see a direct correlation between our eating habits and our body’s ability to process food and how we feel physically as a result of the two.
Protein is essential to our health, however the source and amount of protein we consume can occasionally do us more harm than good when it comes to digestive processes. While everyone’s protein needs differ, reducing animal proteins especially from red meat can help those who have digestive issue or struggle with low energy on a daily basis. Think of it this way, if you had to eat a piece of fish, poultry, or red meat with only a fork which would you be able to consume? Fish is the obvious answer and the answer is the same as to what is the most gentle on your digestive system to process, requiring the least amount of energy.
Consuming an animal protein three times a day or more is extremely taxing on the digestive system and depletes energy stores in the process as our body requires more energy to break down the food. I am not advocating giving up animal protein, however if you feel you struggle in this area try eating less protein from animal sources, add more fish to your diet, and be sure to chew your meat thoroughly to see how this affects your digestion and energy levels. If you feel you need animal protein regularly, experiment with ground versions that have already been partially broken down and will enhance your body’s ability to digest.
Anyone who has ever suffered in this department knows the eat more fiber, drink more water, get more exercise prescription just doesn’t cut it. I recently reached out to a colon health expert for a fresh perspective and came away with tips that helped me see a direct correlation between our eating habits and our body’s ability to process food and how we feel physically as a result of the two.
Protein is essential to our health, however the source and amount of protein we consume can occasionally do us more harm than good when it comes to digestive processes. While everyone’s protein needs differ, reducing animal proteins especially from red meat can help those who have digestive issue or struggle with low energy on a daily basis. Think of it this way, if you had to eat a piece of fish, poultry, or red meat with only a fork which would you be able to consume? Fish is the obvious answer and the answer is the same as to what is the most gentle on your digestive system to process, requiring the least amount of energy.
Consuming an animal protein three times a day or more is extremely taxing on the digestive system and depletes energy stores in the process as our body requires more energy to break down the food. I am not advocating giving up animal protein, however if you feel you struggle in this area try eating less protein from animal sources, add more fish to your diet, and be sure to chew your meat thoroughly to see how this affects your digestion and energy levels. If you feel you need animal protein regularly, experiment with ground versions that have already been partially broken down and will enhance your body’s ability to digest.
Another way to aid our bodies in the digestion process is to add healthy fats that promote movement. Avocados, an excellent source of healthy fats, are versatile and can be incorporated into any meal of the day while also being a soft consistency and therefore easily digested. Experimenting with different oils such as flax or sesame oil for cooking is another way to “grease” up the system, helping our bodies to eliminate what doesn’t need to linger. Drinking aloe vera or incorporating it into your diet through a shake or homemade salad dressing can also help keep things moving.
As important as it is to eat a well balanced diet that feeds our needs as individuals with varying body types and activity levels, we also need to pay attention to how our bodies process these foods. If your system isn’t functioning regularly, it is possible even the healthiest of eaters aren’t absorbing the nutrients from the food they are consuming. Nobody likes sitting in traffic, it often brings out the worst in us. Similarly your body does not like to be backed up and can respond by decreasing energy, increasing irritability, depression, anxiety and other undesirable side effects. As always listen to your body and be sure to nourish it properly so that you can live with the most energy and vitality possible!
As important as it is to eat a well balanced diet that feeds our needs as individuals with varying body types and activity levels, we also need to pay attention to how our bodies process these foods. If your system isn’t functioning regularly, it is possible even the healthiest of eaters aren’t absorbing the nutrients from the food they are consuming. Nobody likes sitting in traffic, it often brings out the worst in us. Similarly your body does not like to be backed up and can respond by decreasing energy, increasing irritability, depression, anxiety and other undesirable side effects. As always listen to your body and be sure to nourish it properly so that you can live with the most energy and vitality possible!