Improve Digestion

If you experience bloating, burping or other digestion issues, there are some natural things you can try that may help. A good place to start is to figure out if you have a food sensitivity or allergy. Eating simple meals and keeping a food log may help you identify problem foods. A food log can also be a good way to maintain a healthy weight because you may not realize how much you are eating. Here are some other ways to improve your digestion.

Lemon Water

Your digestion starts in your mouth. The tart taste of the lemon will cause your body to start producing saliva and stomach acid. You can try a small glass of water (2-3 oz) containing 1-2 tbsp lemon juice 5 to 10 minutes before you eat to see if it helps. You want a small amount of water so that you don't dilute your stomach acid. A larger glass of lemon water is a good way to start your day because it helps rehyrdrate you and supplies you with vitamin C. But if you're eating within 5 to 10 minutes, it could actually make your digestion worse.

Bitters

Bitters work in the same way as lemon water in that they stimulate digestion. They have been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. They began being used more widely in the 1700s. There are many herbs that can be used, but you could try something as simple as a taste of food grade peppermint or ginger essential oil on your tongue. They are available commercially in liquid or capsule form. Some of the herbs that can be used in bitters may interfere with some medications and medical conditions, so it's recommended you check with your doctor before using.

Digestive Enyzmes

Your body produces digestive enzymes in the pancreas, small intestine and stomach. Your body uses them to breakdown fats, carbohydrates, and protein. As you age, your body produces fewer digestive enzymes. So taking them before meals may be of benefit. They are also helpful if you know that you have a hard time digesting a certain type of food. If that's the case, you can use a supplement that contains the enzyme to break down that food. For example, lactase is used by your body to break down dairy.

Raw Honey

Raw honey contains many beneficial compounds, including digestive enyzmes. High heat breaks down the digestive enzymes in honey. So if you are going to add it to your food or have some before a meal, don't heat it. You could make a salad dressing or a fresh room temperature sauce with raw honey.

Fermented Foods and Drinks

The process of fermentation helps good baceria grow and increases enzymes and other beneficial compounds. This is one of the reasons fermented foods are so popular with health conscious people. Examples of fermented foods and drinks are keifer, keifer water, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi. You can buy these commercially or make them yourself so that you have control of the entire process.

Did this help you? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.