We’ve all been guilty of eating on the go, inhaling our meals, or eating in front of screens. But did you know that the way we eat can greatly impact the health of our digestive system? Mindful eating is a simple yet powerful tool that can improve our digestion, support our immune system, and even improve our overall wellbeing. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the benefits of mindful eating and provide tips on how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Why is Mindful Eating Important for Digestion?
When we’re eating in a rush, or in a stressed state, our body is not in the optimal state for digestion. Digestion begins in the brain, and when we’re not fully present during a meal, we’re robbing our digestive system of the opportunity to get up to full speed before we put food in there. This can lead to indigestion, bloating, and other digestive issues.
On the other hand, when we’re in a relaxed state, our body is better equipped to digest our food properly. This is because digestion is a complex process that involves the release of digestive enzymes and hormones that are necessary for breaking down and absorbing our food. When we’re relaxed, our body is better able to produce these enzymes and hormones, which improves our overall digestion.
Side note, the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ is not *exactly* accurate – the truth is you are what you absorb. And that heavily depends on how well you digest!
One of the key things to consider when it comes to digestion is the state of mind and environment in which we consume our food. Eating while stressed, rushed, or on the go can greatly impact the way our body digests our food. To improve this, it’s important to create a relaxed and mindful environment before and during meals. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before eating, or even just sitting down at the table without distractions.
Tips for Mindful Eating and Better Digestion
- Slow Down: One of the most important aspects of mindful eating is to slow down and savour your food. This means chewing your food thoroughly, and taking the time to taste and enjoy your meal. Ideally you’d chew each mouthful the consistency of baby food!
- Eat in a Relaxed Environment: Eating in a relaxed environment can also help improve digestion. This means finding a quiet place to eat, and avoiding distractions such as screens or loud noises or anything that activates your thinking brain.
- Avoid Drinking Large Amounts of Water with Your Meals: Drinking large amounts of water with your meals can dilute your stomach acid and digestive juices, and promote gastric dumping (which could move your meal from the stomach to your small intestine before it’s ready). Instead, try to limit your water intake to no more than half a cup of water within 30 minutes of eating.
- Use Digestive Aids: To further support your digestion, consider using digestive aids such as apple cider vinegar, lemon, or bitter herbs like gentian 20-30 minutes before your meal. These can help stimulate digestion and improve your overall gut health. Digestive enzymes can offer further support if necessary – especially if you have a history of digestive issues or have had your gallbladder removed
It’s important to remember that the gut is connected to every other system in the body, and therefore taking steps to improve digestion can have positive effects on your overall health and well-being. Even making small changes, such as being more mindful when eating, can make a big difference in the long run. So next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to appreciate your food, and give your body the support it needs to digest it properly.
Need some extra support with your digestion? I created a mini eBook just for you. It’s a practical guide full of dos and don’ts for digestive happiness, and you can download it right here 👇🏼
