A healthy gut is of vital importance to our overall health and well-being. Proper digestion is key to a healthy weight, radiant skin, high energy levels, and a flat belly.
Our modern standard or Western diet, however, is full of processed crap which our body can’t digest properly. As a result by-products of incomplete digested food clog up our gut and form the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses which push our friendly bacteria to the side. More debris and bacteria means less space left for the absorption of essential nutrients… and all this sticky debris also adds up to our weight.
So it is not only important to provide your body with wholesome food packed with healthy nutrients, but it is also important to keep your gut clean and unclogged so that it can absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.
Here are my 5 secrets to keeping my gut clean, while providing my body with the best nutrients.
1. Kick Start Your Day With Lemons
Lemons help your body to unclog the debris, hydrate your body, and kick-start digestion. The only thing you need to do, squeeze ½ (or a whole) lemon in 1 glass lukewarm water and drink first thing in the morning. If you feel bloated, gassy, constipated or experience any other digestive issues add 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar to maximize the effect and boost your gastrointestinal tract.
2. Fiber Up
Add more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet. Soluble fibers keep your bowels moving in the right directions and they bind and eliminate toxins, excess fat, and other waste materials from your gut.
The easiest way to sneak more greens and fruits into your diet is to start your day with a healing and nutrient-dense green smoothie for breakfast. They strengthen your immune system, detoxify your system, and help to manage your weight. Click here to download my FREE green smoothie eBook for tips, tricks, and super delicious recipes.
3. Up The Friendly Bacteria With Probiotics
Our body needs friendly gut bacteria to help break down the food we eat and get rid of undigested by-products. Unfortunately, many of us are short in these healthy bacteria. Probiotics or fermented food is the easiest way to strengthen and balance your gut flora. Here are a few examples: kefir, cultured coconut yogurt, kombucha, or fermented veggies.
ALSO READ: Probiotics 101
4. Chew Your Food
Chewing your food breaks it down into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest and absorb. Many digestive complaints can be solved by slowing down and chewing each mouthful at least 30 times. This may seem a lot, but once you get used to it you’ll see that you enjoy your food more, and most digestive issues will disappear.
5. Drink After Meals
When you drink a lot during your meal, your stomach acid gets diluted. This acid plays a vital role in our digestion. Diluting stomach acids too much results in slower or incomplete digestion. Also, drinks at room temperature are easier to process than cool drinks.
6. Spice Up Your Food
Spices are not only improving the flavor of your dish, but many herbs and spices also improve your digestive health. Experiment with the flavors you enjoy most. Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, peppermint, or cumin are only a few examples of belly-friendly and metabolism-boosting spices and herbs.
ALSO READ: 10 Healing Herbs To Grow In Your Survival Garden
What are your secrets to keeping your gut clean and bowels moving? Share your experiences with us in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
