LOVE YOUR STOMACH!!!
Last but not least, because when you don't love your belly, there is much discomfort and unhappiness ahead!!! Your digestive system is very important because it transforms the food you eat into the energy you need to live.
Digestion starts with your first bite. In your mouth, your teeth and saliva begin to break down food so that it can be swallowed. From the mouth, food passes through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. The stomach is a sac which acts as the mixer and grinder for food, resulting in a paste or liquid consistency when it leaves. After the stomach, food passes to the small intestine, large intestine (colon) and the rectum, before passing through the anus.
1. Manage stress.
Stress disrupts digestion meaning you digest slower (weight gain) or faster (diarrhea, nutritional deficit). Stress causes ulcers and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. One solution is to avoid eating when you're feeling very anxious, stressed or unhappy. It also helps your digestion if you avoid arguing at the dinner table!
2. Eat properly.
Don’t rush your food. Take the time to eat slow. Try putting your fork down between bites and chew each mouthful well. Don’t overeat. Reduce the size of your portions at mealtimes, or try eating four to five small meals instead of three large ones. Eat regularly and try not to skip meals. Avoid eating a big meal just before you go to bed. Eat your last meal at least two to three hours before lying down. Make sure you have plenty to drink which helps food work through.
3. Daily probiotics
Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms --such as bacteria and viruses)
Probiotics balance bacteria in the gut which is disrupted by antibiotics, lactose intolerance, disease causing yeast and bacteria, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and even tooth decay.
Probiotics are found in yogurt, or daily individual shots. I drink a product called "Good Belly" that comes as a juice loaded with healthy bacteria.
To end, it goes without saying (but you can count on me to say it), your stomach is happiest when you load it with healthy, good quality meals. Eating fatty, highly processed, animal heavy, sugar coated, chemical soaked, acidic, unnatural "foods" isn't going to leave ANY part of your body smiling!!
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