The digestive function is a very complicated process and if we are lacking in enzymes, this further complicates the process. Enzymes are responsible for carrying out virtually every metabolic function in our bodies; there are very delicate nutrients. We have about three thousand unique enzymes in our bodies that are involved in over seven thousand enzymatic reactions. Without enzymes we would cease to function. Some of these enzymes play a vital role in our digestive health.
Bee Pollen– is considered to be one of nature’s most complete foods. It contains nearly all the nutrients needed by humans and has a wide range of beneficial enzymes, such as amylase, catalase, cozymase, cytochrome, dehydrogenase, diaphorase, diastase, pectase and phosphatase. Bee pollen can be consumed in oatmeal, superfood snacks and smoothies. It has been known to cause allergic type reactions, so be aware of this when using bee pollen for the first time. Fermented Vegetables– are an excellent dietary source of many nutrients, including live enzymes that effectively improve the digestive process.
Fermented vegetables go great with any meal as a side dish or they can be eaten on their own. The fermentation of Sauerkraut, and Kimchi was developed centuries ago as a way of preserving vegetables for consumption through the winter months.
Papaya-papain is one of the proteolytic enzymes found in the Papaya fruit. This enzyme is a great aid in the digestive process. Papain has been said to be one of the most effective enzymes in breaking down meat and other proteins. Papain breaks down the proteins into amino acids that used in the growth and repair of the body. Papaya should be eaten about half an hour before a meal.
Pineapple– bromelain is one of the dozens of complex substances that are extracted from the stem and core of the fruit of the pineapple. The most studied of these components are protein digestive enzymes called cysteine proteinases. These enzymes do not only offer digestive benefits, but also assist with excessive inflammation, coagulation of the blood and certain types of tumor growth. Pineapple should be eaten about half an hour before a meal.
Avocados– are superfoods that are loaded with nutrients that support digestive health. Even though avocados are high in calories (117 calories are in1/2 cup of sliced avocados), they have many beneficial nutrients, such as healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and several other important nutrients that support digestive health. Here are 3 super nutrients found avocados that support good digestion.
Dietary Fiber– plays a major role in digestion, because as it passes through your digestive tract, it absorbs water to soften and loosen stool. This helps prevents constipation. The daily fiber for men and women are between 13 and 19 percent respectively, after consuming a cup of sliced avocados which contain 4.9 grams. Research shows that a diet high in fiber lowers the risk of diverticular disease, which is growth pockets found in the colon called diverticula.
Vitamin C– present in avocados promotes good digestion. Our digestive tract contains collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the human body and is a substance that holds the whole body together. In other words, collagen has tight bonds to provide tissue strength. This vitamin C helps produce enough collagen to maintain tissue strength in the intestinal walls. Having a diet rich in vitamin C offers other digestive benefits, including a lower risk of gastric cancer. • A cup of diced avocados offers 7.3mm of vitamin C, which makes up about 8 to 10 percent of the recommended daily intake for men and women respectively.
B-Complex Vitamins– adding avocados to your diet will increase your intake of the B-Complex vitamins. These nutrients support healthy digestion by, helping your cells extract fuel from your food. For instance, vitamin B-6 helps you metabolize protein, while pantothenic acid converts carbohydrates, fat and protein into energy. A cup of sliced avocados contains 188 micrograms of vitamin B-6 and 1.01 milligrams of pantothenic acid. These amounts represent 14 and 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin B-6 and pantothenic intake respectively. Other B-complex vitamins contained in avocado in smaller amounts are niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.
Blueberries– are known for their high antioxidant nutrients content. Antioxidants are well known for their potential benefits to the nervous system and to brain health. Blueberries also, support digestive health. They are a natural source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which help regulate your gastrointestinal tract, by just consuming a few handfuls daily. Research shows that eating wild berries can positively alter the balance of microbes in the gut; berries have prebiotic potential, which promotes the growth of good bacteria (probiotics) in the colon. These prebiotics and probiotics support and promote good healthy digestion.
Flax Seed– is known to have the highest magnesium content in the world. One of the biggest benefits from flax seed, maybe it’s nutrients to promote digestive health. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seed can help protect the lining of the digestive tract and maintain good gastro intestinal (GI) health. It also helps to lower gut inflammation. Flax seed is very high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which improves digestive health. This fiber helps clean waste from our digestive system, because it provides food for the friendly bacteria found in the gut. Flax seed nutritional facts- 1 ounce (3tpsp) serving of flax seed contains: • 6,338 mg of Omega – 3 (ALA) • 8 g of Fiber • 6 g of Proteins • 31 % of Vitamin B1 • 35 % of Manganese • 30 % of Magnesium • 19 % of Phosphorus • 10 % of Selenium Flax seed also have good amounts of vitamin B6, iron, potassium, copper and zinc.
Aloe Vera– the Aloe Vera plant has powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients that make it useful in soothing a number of digestive issues. It is also rich in enzymes and has anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. The juice from the aloe Vera plant can be helpful for acid reflux problems. The benefits derived from the aloe Vera are found in the inner gel of the plant. When consumed, this gel has been found to be helpful for, parasitic infection, candida infections and constipation. Chlorella– is a single cell fresh water algae superfood, loaded with nutrients. It contains all the; • B Vitamins • Beta-Carotene • Amino Acids • Vitamin C • Trace Minerals • And a high protein content. This is why it is often referred to as the near perfect food. Chlorella encourages healthy pH levels in the gut, which helps good bacteria to thrive. It helps with the detoxification of heavy metals, such as mercury. Chlorella is also rich in fiber, which helps to tone the lining of the intestines and keep you regular.
Conclusion It is really important that we maintain good digestive health, exercise and drink lots of water. The health industry recommends that we should drink at least 8 glasses (8oz) of water daily. The foods discussed in this article give us a focus as to the types of foods that can be consumed to maintained good digestive health.
1 Alkaline foods –Drink an alkaline promoting drink, for example, a simple combination of water with lemon or lime or a greens smoothie. Include oat meal as part of your breakfast. Alkaline foods serve as an offset to the acid producing foods like meat and carbs.
2.Digestive support –Incorporating a digestive enzyme product, like Fermented Greens Supreme Food, especially with cook foods, will help your body digest these foods much more efficiently. The enzymes in product will help you avoid digestive related issues, such as, acid reflux, heartburn, gas, bloating and constipation that occur when your body lacks the necessary enzymes to break down the foods that you eat.
3.Drink lots of water –Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is great for you digestive health and for your overall health in general. Adequate water in your digestive system helps to breakdown soluble fiber and fats. As a result, these substances flow through the digestive track much more easily. Also, since the adult human body is about 60% water and the brain, heart and lungs are composed of about 73% and 83% of water respectively, the need to be hydrated is very important. Water is “the liquid of life”.
4.A diet high in fiber –Eating a diet high in fiber, helps the food to flow through your digestive track easier, reducing the instance of constipation. A high fiber diet reduces the possibility of digestive conditions such as, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Maintaining a healthy body weight is an additional benefit of consuming a high fiber diet. Foods that are high in fiber are beans, oat cereals, Brussel sprouts, oranges and flaxseeds.
5.Exercise –You can improve your digestive health by simply doing sit-ups and crunches in the comfort of your own home. These exercises make the abdominal muscles stronger and consequently, the colon functions more efficiently. Walking can also improve your digestive track by increasing the blood flow to the colon and intestines.
6.Foods high in fat –Foods that are high in fat, generally slow down the digestive systems and increases the possibility of constipation. These foods should be consume in very small amounts and should be paired with high fiber foods to make it easier on your digestive system.
7.Schedule the times you eat –Eating at schedule times help your digestive system to function more efficiently. This gives your body time to properly digest the food before your next meal. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner about the same time every day is something to seriously consider.
8.Soluble and insoluble fiber –These two types of fiber are very important to the digestive system. Soluble fiber helps to prevent stool from being too soft or water. Sources of soluble fiber are flaxseed, oat bran cereal, nuts, seeds and legumes. Insoluble fiber, commonly known as “roughage” cannot be digested by the body, but adds bulk to the stool. Good sources of insoluble fiber are greens, whole peas, green beans, bell peppers, eggplant, celery and kernel corn.
9.Stress control –Meditation is a great way to reduce stress. Research shows, that when we are relax our digestive health is positively affected. Too much stress can cause your digestive system to work overtime.
One last thought
Taking these tips seriously can be a starting point to improving your digestive health. If your body is not digesting the food you eat properly, it really would not matter if you are eating the best foods. There would be no benefit to your body because of poor digestion. Make the necessary life style changes to improve your digestive health
