Digestion - General
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down large food molecules into smaller molecules that the body can use to nourish the cells. The full process, from the mouth through the stomach, small intestines, colon, and then eventual excretion of waste materials, can take 1-2 days. Every step of digestion is important for receiving maximum nutritional value from your food.
Chewing food thoroughly will help ensure that food is broken down fully, rather than passing through the body undigested. Drinking plenty of water every day helps break down food and flush waste materials from the body. Avoiding mucus-forming foods, such as dairy, gluten, sugar, and fried or fatty foods, will allow for better absorption of nutrients through the large and small intestines.
Beneficial Foods
| Burdock Root | Stimulates digestive juices and bile flow. |
| Coconut Oil | Beneficial for anyone with poor digestion. Requires fewer enzymes for digestion. Provides energy more quickly than other oils without taxing the liver and gall bladder. |
| Dandelion Greens | The root acts as an appetite stimulant, helps promote digestion and gastrointestinal health, encourages the growth of healthy bacteria, and alleviates flatulence. |
| Ginger | Relives gastrointestinal distress. Relieves nausea and vomiting including when related to motion sickness and pregnancy. |
| Leafy Greens - General | When eaten raw, leafy greens stimulate digestion and digestive enzymes. |
| Mango | Enzymes in raw mangoes improve digestion. |
| Onions | Prevent growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Increase flow of digestive juices. Help with nutrient absorption. |
| Papaya | Soothes the digestive tract and eases indigestion. Helps reduce flatulence. |
| Quinoa | Very easy to digest, especially in comparison to other grains. |
| Radishes | Dissolve mucus in the digestive tract, especially black radishes. Stimulate bile flow. |
| Stevia | Aids digestion. Reduces gas. |
| Strawberries | Used in traditional medicine to ease gastritis. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Fiber | Soluble fiber slows down the rate of digestion, allowing more nutrients to be absorbed. Insoluble fiber helps to remove waste from the colon. |
| Sulfur | Important for the proper production of bile fluid. Can alleviate gastro-intestinal upset. Discourages parasites. |
| Vitamin B3/Niacin | A deficiency can lead to poor digestion or appetite loss. |
| Vitamin E | Soothes the digestive tract. |