Digestion Absorption and Elimination - The Key to a Healthy Life

The three most important things when it comes to a healthy diet are well-functioning digestion absorption and elimination. All three are dependent on a good supply of water, vitamins and minerals, and fibre is vital for elimination.

Digestion

Digestion starts in your mouth when you chew your food. Chewing creates saliva in your mouth and saliva contains enzymes that help to break down the food, especially carbohydrates.

All food that we eat has to be broken down into very small particles before the nutrients in the food can be absorbed and used by our bodies. And to make this as easy as possible for your body, it’s important to take your time and chew your food really well.

Absorption

Our bodies produce a lot of different enzymes to help break down the food but to be able to do this, your body needs a vast variety of vitamins and minerals. If your diet lacks nutrients, then your body will have a problem producing enough enzymes, which will make it even harder for your body to absorb what little nutrients there is in the food you eat.

Apart from adding more healthy types of food to your diet, you can help your body by taking an enzyme supplement. Just make sure that the supplement contains enzymes that work on all three food groups – carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Elimination (of waste)

To put it bluntly, what goes in needs to come out without too much delay. It’s important to eat a fair amount of fibre rich food to get the remains of the food moving from the small intestine to the bowel and then out.

A good aid if you are experiencing constipation is psyllium husks. It has to be taken together with a lot of water though – simply stir a tablespoon of psyllium husks into a large glass of water and drink it. If you have medical problems, then talk to your doctor before trying this.

Fibre rich food tips

Oats, beans, lentils and raw vegetables are all rich in fibre as well as vitamins and minerals.

It’s a great idea to start your day with porridge (see Porridge Ideas). Or try my Bircher Muesli.

There are so many ways to add fibre rich beans, lentils and vegetables to your diet. Take a look at my Vegetarian, Soup and Salad recipes.

And finally - drink lots of water! Every single part of your body, every chemical reaction within, is dependent on a good supply of water.

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.” Franz Kafka

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