Anyone ever shared with you how critical chewing is to health?
Seems funny that I just learned the significance of relaxed & thorough chewing recently (like in the last decade). Now that I know, it’s still one of the more challenging aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Old habits die hard.
It’s also one of the health strategies I lovingly remind my clients of, frequently. Old habits die hard.
I encourage you to look at how you chew. Here are some of the benefits of masticating your foods ‘til they’re almost liquid; they are significant:
1. the saliva produced by chewing softens & lubricates foods so you don’t choke (you already knew this one)
2. the first of many digestive enzymes (think of these as scissors that break down food particles) are introduced in the mouth & starches start to break down (critical for extracting nutrients)
3. saliva also helps absorb nitrates from greens (needed for cardiovascular function including ED, or non-ED)
4. reduces gas & bloating (be sure to look at talking with your mouth full when dealing with these conditions & the more extreme & often elusive, SIBO)
5. prolonged poor chewing can lead to leaky gut where your intestinal barrier is compromised and food particles/bacteria/viruses leak into your blood stream! This causes myriad downstream consequences, none of which are positive.
6. Chewing also allows time for your brain to catch up with your belly and signal satiety; bottom line: you may eat less & enjoy a thinner physique!
So, the next time you sit down (yes, sitting is important too!) to munch on some nourishing food, take time to relax, savor, and try to enjoy every bite.
You’ll enjoy better digestion, weight loss & overall vitality as a result.
I’d love to hear if you notice any changes as a result of these tips. Shoot me a note back: TheGutCoachCynthia@gmail.com
TOP 5 REASONS TO EAT FERMENTED FOODS
Besides their amazing taste and flavor profiles, fermented foods such as cultured veggies, kefir, yogurt, probiotic beverages, and sauerkraut + kimchi, cultured foods are one of the most important foods you can eat. Here are my top 5 reasons why:
Probiotics – probiotics or “life giving” bacteria are essential for smooth digestion which is the foundation for optimal vitality + longevity, immune, bone, brain, hormonal, and cardiovascular health.
Nutrient absorption – why eat if the foods you ingest aren’t going to actually nourish you? Fermented foods are teaming with enzymes, in addition to probiotics, which help you break down and utilize nutrients. Taking a bunch of supplements to help you with this? Try the right fermented foods instead.
Weight loss & satiety – many of my clients, from unsatisfied eaters to those in recovery, are delighted to see how their sense of taste and satiety returns after incorporating probiotic rich foods. This, along with efficient metabolism, results in weight loss.
Super inexpensive – knowing what to buy or, better, making your own fermented foods for a fraction of retail, can save you a ton on food and supplements. (I’ll teach you how.)
Detoxification – fermented foods have been shown to support the liver and the body’s detoxification pathways. In this polluted world, we need all the help we can to move toxins that can lead to cancer and affect overall body functions out.