The Healthiest Way to Supplement our Body

Nov. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Most of us are too busy to pay attention to how and what we are eating. We’re often grabbing a quick bite to eat, eating on the run, eating at our desks while working, eating in our cars or eating in front of the TV. All these ways of eating are what I would call “stressful” eating not mindful eating.  When under stress either, physical or emotional, our digestive system shuts down.  Our autonomic nervous system, which regulates bodily functions, consists of our sympathetic and parasympathetic system.  Our sympathetic system is activated in times of fight or flight and basically shuts down our digestive system. All our bodily resources are diverted to handling the stressor. Our adrenal glands will secrete adrenalin and noradrenaline as well as cortisol in response to immediate or prolonged stress. This raises blood sugar so that our cells can produce the required energy to fight the perceived invader.  Our heart rate and blood pressure will also go up.  On the other hand our parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digestion.  In this state both our heart rate and blood pressure slows down and our body is busy building and repairing.

Unfortunately when our digestive system is not working properly our health will be compromised.  A properly functioning digestive system is critical for many reasons such as the proper digestion of proteins which provide the building blocks to build hormones such as insulin and thyroxine, neurotransmitter, such as melatonin, dopamine and serotonin, required for brain health and antibodies to help fight infections.  A properly functioning digestive system is also required for the absorption of nutrients especially iron, B12 and calcium. Deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals can lead to anemia, fatigue and osteoporosis.  Our ability to metabolize fats and fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E & K, will also be compromised. A compromised digestive system will impact the secretion of bile (responsible for breaking down fats) from the gall bladder and the secretion of digestive enzymes, such as lipase, protease and amylase, from the pancreas leading to nutritional deficiencies.

When eating in a stressful manner we probably aren’t chewing our food properly either.  Chewing is the first step in the digestive process along with the secretion of saliva which contains the enzyme amylase that breaks down starches.  Chewing our food properly can eliminate approximately 90% of food related allergies and sensitivities.  When our food isn’t chewed properly there is a greater chance that our immune system will react to these large protein molecules leading to a variety of food sensitivity symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, cramping, aches & pains, brain fog etc.  If our intestinal lining is compromised in any way, such as in the case with leaky gut, these “undigested” protein molecules may cause an immune response leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, Hashimotos thyroid disease and others.  So you can see “how” you eat can have a huge impact on your health.

TIPS ON MINDFUL EATING:

Ø  Do not eat when you are stressed that includes not eating on the run or in the car or while you are working on a deadline at work.

Ø  Slow down and take the time to chew your food properly and pay attention to what you are feeding your body. Think about where the food came from and ask yourself will this food nourish my mind, body and soul. Also, as a bonus chewing your food properly and eating slower may result in weight loss. Studies have shown that obese individuals tend to eat quicker, eat more at one sitting and do not chew their food properly.

Ø  During family dinners play soft music or light a candle to set a mellow mood and to unwind from a hectic day. Do not discuss any stressful topics that could end up in an argument.  This is not only bad for your emotional health but also your digestive health.

Ø  To support proper digestion do not drink with meals but drink a glass of filtered water 20 to 30 minutes before each meal. Some people claim that this may also result in weight loss.

Ø  To support intestinal health eliminate or at least limit processed refined foods that contain added sugars and focus on natural whole foods like vegetables, good quality meats, eggs, legumes and whole grains.  Also, if possible purchase good quality meats raised without the use of added hormones or antibiotics.  If you’re purchasing packaged meats read labels carefully as meat and dairy products coming from the US will have added growth hormones and antibiotics.

Ø  If possible purchase local produce to support local farmers and eat according to what is in-season.

Ø  When purchasing meats ask the butcher where the meat is coming from and if the animals were raised responsibly and ethically.  A good quality butcher will have the answers for you.

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