Strategies for Healthy Digestion

Where does digestion start?
- In the brain
- We respond to thinking about food, smelling and seeing food
Digestion is very much affected by our environment when we eat
The state of our Nervous system can affect our ability to digest our food
- Parasympathetic
  - Rest and digest
  - Increased saliva
  - Intestinal movement
  - Release of bile and digestive enzymes
- Sympathetic
  - Fight or flight
  - Digestion is not high priority. Intestinal motility stops
  - Increased blood sugar
What can you do to promote parasympathetic while eating?
- Avoid multitasking and screens
- Take the time to sit and eat with your food on a plate!
- Take some deep breaths before eating. Give thanks, say a prayer, etc
- Connect with your food
  - While cooking
  - Take in the colors, smells etc
- Chew your food
- Slow down
Gut flora and the microbiome also affect digestion
- Probiotics
- Reducing stress
- Eating lots of colors and flavors
- Increase fiber through beans, whole grains and vegetables
- Fermented foods