There is a well-known saying ‘we are what we eat’, I however disagree with it because I believe that ‘we are what we digest’. Just because an orange you ate had 50 milligrams of Vitamin C in it, does not mean it will all get absorbed during the digestion.
The absorption of nutrients are dependent on a whole host of factors, here are some of the ones you can begin to incorporate in your daily life.
HOW WELL THE FOOD IS CHEWED.
The importance of chewing is something that I have written about before; Click here Chewing plays an important role in digestion, and provides your body with nutrients and energy.
The process of digestion starts in your mouth with the salivary glands that contain enzymes, which begins the digestion process. In fact chewing is the only part of digestion that you have control over, the rest of digestion steps are chemical and involuntary. If the food is not broken down properly in the mouth the entire process breaks down.
Over the years due to leading mega busy lives, you get into the habit of hovering your food down quickly, it is also possible to get in the habit of eating slowly, and enjoying your food, the hardest part is remembering to do it. Ask your family to remind you to eat slowly or if it helps write it on an index card and have the card on the table where you eat as a reminder.
THE INTAKE OF LIQUIDS WITH FOOD.
It is advisable not to drink water or liquids with food, because if water or drinks are consumed with food it dilutes the stomach acids. It is better not to drink water 20 to 30 minutes before and after a meal. Small amount of wine is okay as it has a more acidic PH then water, however the key word is moderation.
TEA AND COFFEE
Drinking tea or coffee on a regular basis has an effect on every major system of your body especially your nervous system, as it’s a stimulant. It also has an adverse effect on your digestion as it reduces the amount of digestive juices and especially interferes with the absorption of vital minerals and vitamins. Most tea bags contain chemicals to help bring out the colour of the tea more quickly, similarly instant coffee is made using chemicals, and these chemicals are also used in decaffeinated tea and coffee. Tea and coffee also act as diuretics causing the loss of minerals. No wonder they are known as anti-nutrients.
ONE EASY TO DO TIP:
One way to stimulate stomach acids is to have half a lemon juice or one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a small amount of water 10 to 20 minutes before eating. It is better to start with smaller amounts if you are not used to consuming either and slowly build it over a couple of weeks. This will help to wake your stomach acids before you eat allowing for better absorption of nutrients from your food.
Loading tweets...