Hi friends – happy Friday and happy May Day! Did you check your email this morning for today’s special Nutrition Nut Newsletter email post? If not, no worries as I’m sharing it with you all on the blog today. To receive future email posts from me, be sure to subscribe here.
Good morning & happy May!
Thank you for being here this morning. April got away from me without sending a single Nutrition Nut Newsletter, so we are overdo for a special email post – wouldn’t you say?
As a Health Coach and corporate wellness professional, I’m supposed to be an expert in all things health and wellness. I should be in perfectly good health 24/7, right!? Hate to break it to you, but I’m human, too, and there’s no such thing as “perfect health.” #inmydreams
One thing I’ve struggled with for the past couple of years is my digestion. Through my college education (and at IIN!), I’ve learned about the complexity of the digestive system and the importance of caring for our own pieces of metabolic machinery – did you know that our GI tract houses the majority of our immunity?
As my interest in settling my tummy troubles has grown along with my passion for the subject, I’ve discovered a few things that have helped to create a bit more harmony on the inside.
5 Things I’ve Done to Enhance My Digestion
1. Hot coffee in the morning (versus iced coffee)*
2. Eating a few forkfuls of raw sauerkraut before a meal
3. Drinking diluted raw/unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
4. Drinking kombucha on a weekly basis
5. Increasing warm/hot foods in my diet vs. cold, raw foods (especially in the winter)
*I’ve also worked with an acupuncturist off and on, including taking Chinese herb supplements.
What do 3 of the 5 things have in common!? Probiotics of course – those uber healthful, good bacteria that keep our guts and immune systems strong and efficient.
When my digestion is off, it typically throws me for a loop as I often get stuck in that unattainable “perfect health” mindset mentioned above.
While I feel like my digestive system is a constant work in progress (by the way, let’s give it some recognition for the hard job it does!), these few things have made my tummy a happier camper. Healthy tummy = happy mind.
Do you struggle with irregular/upset digestion?
What remedies have helped you with maintaining a healthy digestive system?
Of Possible Interest: Food Sensitivities 101
Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
with love – Hillary
quick {cinnamon} quinoa ‘cakes.
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PB, banana, honey, and…
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my college kitchen.
I’m very passionate about digestive health, so I loved this post! I do a “shot” of ACV first thing in the morning & sometimes before bed. I also make sure kombucha is a weekly drink & to take my probiotics!
What is the benefit of hot versus iced coffee and eating more warm/hot foods?
Some theories (including Chinese medicine) believe that cold/raw foods slow down the digestive process. “Warm foods are like a green light for the digestive system and allow fluids to flow more easily through. It’s one reason coffee and tea can both benefit digestion, along with warm lemon water in the morning.” — source: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/warm-foods-and-drinks-that-benefit-digestion/
Thanks!
These are great tips, Hillary! It’s crazy what a large part our digestive system plays in our overall health. I’ve eaten yogurt every morning for years and if I skip a week, I notice a huge difference in how I feel. But I’m trying to experiment with other (non-animal sources) of probiotics so I loved hearing more about your routine!
I try to avoid eating beans every day and it helps :). Not sure if I notice any difference if I drink ACV, but 500 mg of a magnesium supplement each night with a glass of water works wonders!