2 ways to improve your digestion immediately

Having digestion issues is tough, I’ve been there. I’ve suffered from it since I was a child. 

When you’re not digesting your food well, your body’s attempts to do so takes up a lot of energy.It can be painful, embarrassing, and socially crippling. 

I’m going to share with you two simple, powerful habits that you can start today to improve your digestion. 

1. Hot water sip - it’s exactly what it sounds like. Taking two to three sips of hot water (as hot as you can stand it without burning your mouth) every 30 minutes keeps you hydrated and supports your digestion. When you sip hot water throughout the day, you keep yourself steadily hydrated, which means you won’t feel so parched you need to guzzle down water. Sipping water regularly allows your body to integrate it at a steady pace which means you won’t have to run to the bathroom so frequently because you aren’t flooding your system. 

Set yourself up for success. Preparing your hot water before you go to bed means you have water ready to go first thing in the morning. I boil water and fill my Hydroflask before bed. In the morning, it’s the perfect temperature for sipping. I sip on it during my morning practice and keep it next to me throughout the day. When I have an intense workout or go for a run, I drink room temperature water during and after, and then resume my hot water sips for the remainder of the day. 

To avoid waking up in the middle of the night for a trip to the bathroom, stop drinking water 2-3 hours before bedtime.

2. Focus on your meal, and chew your food. Maybe this is two, but they really go hand in hand. I’ve found when I do this, I can eat anything without issue. Even raw veggies, historically a challenge for me to digest. With that said, it can be a challenge at first because, if you’re anything like me, you were  trained to eat distracted. I can’t tell you how many meals I’ve eaten while driving, reading, in a meeting, or watching something - but the results are often the same: I eat too much, too fast, and I can feel it. When you sit to eat your meal and focus only on your meal, you can actually taste and enjoy it. You can appreciate the colors, texture and flavor. And you’ll feel satisfied faster because your attention is on what you’re eating. 

While you’re focusing on your meal, chew your food. Many experts recommend chewing each bite 32 times. Don’t feel like counting? Take a bite, put your fork down, and chew until it turns to  soup. You can even try this with your morning smoothie. Digestion starts in your mouth. Chewing gives your  saliva to break down the food, and it tells your stomach to prep the digestive enzymes to continue the process. 

With this practice, not only do you get to better enjoy your meal, you digest it more efficiently and have more energy. 

Digestive issues are often a result of feeling stuck. Want to learn more about how to get unstuck? Click here to download your free guide: The 5 ways to take your life back.