5 Tips for Healthier Gut and Digestion

5 Tips for a Healthier Gut and Digestion

Hello Lovelies!!

Lately, I have been on a mission to optimize my digestion!  I have learned a lot so far in the process and these have been my favorite discoveries on my journey so far…ENJOY!

1. Chew your food – I am totally guilty of NOT chewing my food. I love eating and I tend to be a super-fast eater and it is so easy to not think twice about it! But not chewing your food is not good for your body as you end up having full chunks of food in your stomach. Your stomach is not meant to “chew” your food.  Try it yourself! Next time you eat I challenge you to chew each bite at least 20 times.
2. Drink Lemon Water in the Morning – This is a great morning tonic. The number of benefits that lemon water provides to your body is overwhelming!!  See the list below!!!  I mean doesn’t that list just make you want to start drinking a cup of hot lemon water now?? I started drinking lemon water primarily for extra hydration and to boost my digestion!  My favorite concoction is hot water with lemon, then I add a tsp of raw honey and some sprinkles of cinnamon! MM Doesn’t that sound heavenly??  It really is!
3. Chia Seeds – Chia Seeds are packed full of energy and a great way to start the day! They are high in omega-3, fiber, and protein!  They are also PACKED full of antioxidants and minerals.   These are my favorite little buggers for adding extra fiber to my diet.  Chia seeds are soo cool when they absorb a liquid they turn into this gel-like substance that slides around!  Because they act like this they make great egg substitutes too!  For breakfast I love eating my chia seed puddings.  Here is my favorite recipe!

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding:
1 serving is about 300 calories

¾ cup almond milk (no carrageenan)
½ cup plain greek yogurt
¾ cup mixed berries
1 tsp vanilla
3 TBSP of chia seeds

Add raw honey or your favorite sweetener if desired.

 Throw everything into a glass jar and shake up!! Let sit for about 10-20 minutes.  I typically prepare a bunch of these in advance and store in my fridge.

4. Ginger – Ginger is very soothing on the stomach and aids digestion by helping food absorption. I love adding lots of fresh ginger to my home-cooked meals.  It gives it a nice kick and who doesn’t like flavor?  Ginger also helps with nausea and motion sickness which is why Ginger Ale is popular to drink when your stomach feels upset.  Studies have shown that ginger acts in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.
5. Probiotics – I love probiotics. Probiotics help keep your immune system strong. We need good bacteria to keep a strong working gut!  One reason we have such poor guts is because Antiobiotics are so prevalent in today’s world.  Don’t get me wrong antibiotics can be great, but antibiotics wipe out all bacteria both good and bad.  So it is important to replenish that bacteria by taking probiotics.  As someone who was on antiobiotics long-term for my skin, I find it VERY important to make sure I am eating plenty of probiotic foods and supplement.  Some of my favorite ways to add probiotics to my diet: drinking kombucha, sparkling probiotic drinks, and or supplement with a probiotic in powder form.  (click here to see my FAVORITE probiotic supplement)  I usually mix in my probiotics in natural apple sauce and top with cinnamon! MM  Other ideas for probiotics include: fermented veggies ( sauerkraut and pickles), yogurt, miso soup, etc.

And the finale…Dun dun dun….to combine the three of the healthy digestion tips above, I share with you one of my favorite drinks!! 

SpArKlInG Probiotic – Lemon Ginger! Yep PROBIOTICS + GINGER + LEMON = Healing Gut Tonic

So I will admit I was deathly afraid to try this…I only bought it because there were not any other flavors…haha
But it is soo delish!! Seriously!!  It tastes like a light ginger ale or lemon pop.  It is so soothing on the stomach.  I swear it boosts my endorphins and relaxes my stomach so I just feel plain good.    I have also tried the Kale Apple flavor which is much sweeter and extremely delish as well.  I DARE you to try one!

So which one of these tips are you going to add to daily routine?? Which one intrigues you the most?? Share your favorite healthy gut tip!! Post a comment below! I would LOVE to hear!

XOXO,

Chelsea Jolene