DIGESTION: 16 signs of gut imbalance & what to do about it
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ABSORB
You may have heard “you are what you eat", but it is more accurate to say “you are what you absorb.”
It's essential to eat a nutrient-dense, properly-prepared diet, but you must also break down and absorb the nutrients you consume!
Optimizing digestion is one of the most critical ways to support whole-body health.
A NORTH-TO-SOUTH PROCESS*
*should be optimized in this order
Digestion begins in the brain with the thought, sight, & smell of food.
In addition to chewing, saliva begins to break down food in your mouth.
HCl (hydrochloric acid) and pepsin further break down food in the stomach.
Your liver & gallbladder produce & release bile to break down fats.
The pancreas releases digestive enzymes to finish breaking down food in the small intestine.
Absorption occurs in the small intestine (and the immune system screens for invaders).
The large intestine is the final stage of digestion and home to trillions of microbes.
SIGNS OF GUT IMBALANCE
bloating, burping, gas
stomach pain
acid reflux/GERD
nausea
infrequent, hard, and/or loose stools
allergies/sinus pressure
autoimmune issues
mental health issues
acne and rashes
hormone imbalance
unhealthy weight gain
all health begins in the gut
IMPROVE DIGESTION
REST TO DIGEST
eat in a parasympathetic state of receiving when you are sitting down, not distracted, calm & relaxed
SUPPORT STOMACH ACID
try digestive bitters or a little apple cider vinegar or lemon in your water before eating (and avoid drinking a lot with meals)
EAT INTENTIONALLY
practice gratitude, take your time, chew each bite to a liquid, enjoy the colors, smell, texture, & flavor of your food
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References
NTA Student Guide. (2019). Nutritional Therapy Association.
Jones, D. S., Bland, J. S., & Quinn, S. (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine.