Digestion, how to optimise nutrient assimilation.

Digestion and Nutrient Assimilation:

Every system within the body relies on quality digestion. Human stomach pH should be 1.4 This is highly acidic to break down meat and bone. Today a lot of people do not produce enough hydrochloric acid for digestion. This can result in a number of things.

1) Poor digestion of the proteins and amino acids that run the fifty thousand functions in the body. Regulation of mood, maintenance and repair of cells organs, bones and tissues.

2) Poor absorption of key minerals. Calcium magnesium phosphorus boron iron and zinc

3) poor digestion stops Vit B12 assimilation which is essential for neurological health.

4) Poorly digested food in the stomach can wreak havoc in the digestional tract. Bloating, reflux, irritation and inflammation eventually lead to leaky gut syndrome.

5) More vulnerable to parasites and food borne illnesses.

The way we process and cook our food ( denature our food) the less Hydrochloric acid our stomachs make. Gluten from grains, heavily processed soy protein, and pasteurized milk products all contribute to problematic digestion due to a lack of hydrochloric acid.

It is produced in the presence of proteins and is inhibited by the presence of starch and sugars. High carbohydrate diets that are combined with low protein intakes are a common cause of low hydrochloric acid.

Vitamin B1, zinc, and vitamin C are all needed for Hydrochloric acid production. Overeating at mealtimes, inappropriate food combinations, excess alcohol consumption, and chronic stress, anxiety and over arousal at mealtimes can contribute to ineffective digestion.

Our bodies are the most amazing machines when given the correct diet. If we can learn to  lower our stress levels with meditation, rest, and  relaxation, our digestion can support a healthy body and mind. Giving us the ability to live long and pain free.

With this awareness we can make the appropriate steps to correct the imbalances we may have in our gut, simply.

Below are the steps you need to take to keep your body producing hydrochloric acid for good functional digestion:

1. Take time out and rest, relax and be calm at mealtimes
2. Chew, chew, chew
3. Consume high quality protein, not soy, cooked as minimally as possible and consume small to moderate amounts at mealtimes.
4. Avoid mixing proteins and carbohydrates at the same time.
5. Consider using fermented dairy and veg at mealtimes: sauerkraut, kimchi
6. Do not fear saturated fats.
7. Avoid Soy! (Soy contains enzyme inhibitors that will eventually ruin your ability to digest and absorb protein).
8. Use a well sourced unrefined salt.

 If we could all be aware of what foods we are eating, and choose ones that give us great digestion, ones that contribute to the amount of good stomach acid in our guts, we will be healthier and happier. Isn't that what we are here for?? An amazing life experience with great health.