It never ceases to amaze me when people suffer with heartburn, gas or constipation and are desperate for relief, they look at everything EXCEPT what may be messing up their digestion.

They’ll pop purple pills, drink the “pink drink,” fly to the bathroom as laxatives are making their way through and even take antidepressants for heaven’s sake, but none of these does one bloody thing to correct the underlying problem.

Poor digestion!

But if you look at what’s ruining your digestion and help your body do what it’s supposed to, a whole new world of feeling great can open up for you!

So let’s take a look at…

What’s ruining YOUR digestion?

In the absence of a disease process going on somewhere along your food path, there are several potential factors that could be ruining your digestion and causing you misery:

Enzyme deficiency

Because of our typical modern diets of highly processed foods, many people have heavily taxed their systems and diminished their body's ability to produce adequate enzymes for digestion. 

Plus if you’ve had your gallbladder removed, pancreatic problems, gastric surgery or are over 50, you may also be facing enzyme challenges. 

How to help:  Eat more foods that are natural sources of enzymes (fresh fruits and vegetables); supplement with a broad-spectrum enzyme formula like Digestizol Max.

Stress

Digestion is a parasympathetic process, meaning your body must be in a relaxed, non-stressed state for it to be carried out properly.

But if you instead eat when your stress is high (such as when you're working, driving, emotionally upset, rushing, etc.) that can ruin your digestion.

How to help:  Be sure that your meal times are as relaxing and stress-free as possible, and take advantage of opportunities to keep your overall stress level low.   

You eat typical “balanced meals”

Our typical “balanced meals” containing a mish-mash of proteins, starches, vegetables and fruits are one of the leading causes of poor digestion!

Especially guilty is the protein-starch combination.  Proteins require an acid enzyme for initial breakdown in the stomach and starches begin to break down with alkaline enzymes from your saliva.  The presence of these opposing enzymes in your stomach together can cause these catalysts to neutralize each other…

And your digestion goes out the window!

How to help: Avoid the protein-starch meal combination.  Instead pair meats OR starches with veggies and a salad.  If you need additional guidance, Great Taste No Pain will tell you all you need to know, plus give you a collection of delicious recipes and meal planning suggestions.

This is how I single-handedly ended my IBS 25 years ago, by the way, and I have remained completely symptom- and medication-free since that time.

You inhale your food

If you resemble a Hoover vacuum cleaner when you eat, you’re cutting your own throat in terms of digestion.

First of all, starch digestion begins in your mouth, so the longer you chew, the better prepped the starches are to continue their digestive journey.

Plus chewing more helps foods to be broken down into smaller pieces, which makes it easier for your stomach and small intestine.

How to help:  SLOW DOWN.  Have a conversation when dining, chew thoroughly and put your fork down between every few bites.   

Imbalanced intestinal flora

When you have an intestinal environment that is comprised of at least 85 percent friendly bacteria and 15 percent or less harmful bacteria, your body can better carry out digestion, especially starches and fiber.

But many people have the exact opposite of what they should have!

That’s because many factors can disrupt your flora balance—environmental toxins, lack of sleep, smoking, sugar, medications, stress and drinking tap water.

If gas and bloating are your regular companions and/or you have a white coating on your tongue, trust me, you have a less-than-desirable flora balance.

How to help: Eat probiotic foods (like sauerkraut and yogurt); supplement with a top-quality, well-proven multi-strain probiotic formula like Super Shield.

Lazy bowel

Overuse of laxatives can make your bowel “lazy” to the point where you’re unable to have a bowel movement with them.

How to help: Your bowel can be retrained.  Concentrate on high-fiber foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water.  Super Shield can also help here too, as probiotics encourage more regular BMs.  In addition, get regular exercise, don’t ignore “the urge to go” and avoid using laxatives as much as you can. 

See what’s ruining YOUR digestion and put an end to it for good.

And when you do, please write and tell me how you’re feeling—I can’t wait to hear from you.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

The information in our articles are NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice.