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Hey all! I’ve been getting a lot of questions from people asking for tips on what it takes to have a healthy digestive system?  There’s an epidemic of digestive problems in this country. Shocked? I bet not.  More than 40 percent of Americans complain of digestive issues.  

That’s about 104.7 million doctor visits a year!  



Our digestive system is at the center of our health and we need to give it lots of TLC because it does so much for us.  It not only digests our food but it’s also the #bigboss of our immune system.  It regulates our metabolism and makes all needed vitamins for us.  

Read on for my healthy digestive system tips below. 

1. CHEW YOUR FOOD
This is very basic but most people do not chew their food properly.  Do not complicate things by eating on the run and never gulp down your food.  Slow down and savor your meals to allow your saliva to break down the food particles.  Saliva contains lots of digestive enzymes (see tip 7).

2. REDUCE PROCESSED FOODS
These “food-like” products are extremely challenging on your gut.  Your body has to work overtime to supply enough energy and nutrients in order to break down and metabolize these processed foods.  This robs your body of nutrients instead of supplying nutrients.  

3. DON’T OVEREAT
This tip is extremely important for achieving a healthy digestive system.  Overeating any food is taxing on digestion.  It requires the body to use a lot of energy to break down the food. Additionally, it forces the body to suck up too many vital nutrients all at once.  Therefore, only eat until you are three-quarters full.  It’s okay to walk away a bit hungry than a bit too full!

4. EAT YOUR FIBER
Fiber is very important for a healthy digestive system.  It makes your stool soft and bulky enough to pick up bad bacteria as it makes its way through the colon.  Soluble fiber helps absorb toxins and unneeded cholesterol while insoluble fiber hastens elimination.  So, make sure to get both!

5. ADD PROBIOTICS  
Good bacteria is needed to strengthen our digestive system because it helps reduce constipation, bloating and chronic inflammation.  So, purchase a high-quality probiotic supplement and also eat raw fermented foods such as plain Greek yogurt, raw sauerkraut, kombucha and coconut kefir.

6. BOOST STOMACH ACID
This is another great tip for maintaining a healthy digestive system because low stomach acid is a common problem for digestive health.  Dealing with frequent heartburn, belching, and gas can be signs of low stomach acid.  Even things like fatigue and headaches could be a result of low stomach acid.  Try to gently boost stomach acid by drinking lemon water and adding raw fermented apple cider vinegar to your water daily.

7.  BRING ON DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
If you eat a lot of protein, dairy, and carbs, your digestive system will benefit from digestive enzymes.  Grab a formula that contains lipase for breaking down fats, amylases for breaking down carbs and protease for protein breakdown.  Raw and sprouted foods also contain lots of natural enzymes.  

For more health tips check out this post on my favorite zero-calorie sugar replacement.