Eating Hygiene is a simple way to promote optimal absorption of nutrients. Many of us have been told to chew and be mindful while we are eating. How many of us practice these principles?
Digestion starts in the mouth, with chewing.
To help promote health and wellbeing and get the most nutrients out of every meal practice these simple steps:
- Be mindful of your meal. Put down your technology or book, eat at the table instead of in front of the TV, or behind the steering wheel.
- Put down the fork between bites. Slow down and enjoy each bite.
- Chew, chew, chew! Chew until the food is completely broken down, this will allow for better absorption of the nutrients you are taking in. This is the only part of digestion that we can really control.
- Sit upright and tall while eating. This is not only good for digestion, but also for your spine and posture.
- Drink away from meals. Drinking during meals reduces stomach acid which is necessary for absorption and transportation of nutrients.
- Walk after your meal, even if it is only 5 or 10 minutes. This aids peristalsis.
REMEMBER YOUR STOMACH DOES NOT HAVE TEETH! CHEW YOUR FOOD WELL!
Being a nurse and a mom, I do know how difficult it can be to sit to eat and be mindful while eating. If you can even accomplish these goals one meal a day, you will reap positive rewards in your health.