Suggestions to Aid Digestion

Chew food thoroughly. Most people eat too fast and swallow air with their food; this causes digestive stress leading to poor absorption of nutrients, digestive problems like gas and bloating, and possible growth of harmful yeast and bacteria in the digestive tract (toxic bowel).

Drink warm liquid before meals. Drinking warm water with lemon, broth, tea or soup before a meal will prepare digestive tract for digestion.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, refined sugars and flours and other irritants. These will all cause digestive stress depleting vitamins and minerals vital for enzyme activity, and deplete stomach acid.

Increase consumption of fresh vegetables. Increasing intake of high fiber and low glycemic fruits and nonstarchy vegetables with high fiber and water content, especially raw, will help digestion and increase bowel transit time.

Avoid ice water as it suppresses circulation to the digestive tract.

Take digestive supplements as needed. For example, many people require hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, and/or gallbladder support to promote healthy digestion. You may want to try a little cider vinegar or lemon water first to see if this helps.