Digestive problems are rampant in today’s ‘hurry up and eat’ pace. Ulcers, irritable bowel, hiatal hernia, acid reflux, are just a few of the problems Americans put up with on a daily basis.
The body has an autonomic nervous system which helps us survive. It is divided into two distinct parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. We have some control over the sympathetic system but we have no control over the parasympathetic system.
When we hear a loud noise, our hearts pound from the shock. We can’t control that our heart races but we can turn around, observe that what caused the noise was that the cat knocked a book off the end table. That allows us to tell ourselves, “calm down, it’s all right, it was just the cat” and we can regain control of that pounding heart. This sympathetic system is also known as the “fight or flight system” and is a primary survival mechanism.
The parasympathetic system controls how we digest our food, causes us to breathe, makes us fall asleep and controls other functions we barely think about. This system is also known as “rest and digest”. Although “rest and digest” is important for survival, it takes second place to “fight or flight”. What’s more important, digesting that cheeseburger or running away from Leo the Lion? (This is not a trick question.) Fight or flight overrides rest and digest and they do not function simultaneously.
We can only make digestive enzymes when the fight or flight response if turned off and we are in rest and digest mode. So when was the last time you created a quiet, safe, stress-free environment in which to have a relaxing meal? Most Americans eat on the run or watch the gruesome evening news while yelling at the kids to calm down! Do you think you are making enzymes?
Another thing to consider is that you might be eating foods that are specifically difficult for you to digest based on your blood type. For example, Type Os can’t digest dairy, Type Bs can’t digest corn, and Type As can’t digest meat efficiently. (The wrong foods can actually cause joint or respiratory problems and more but we’ll save that for another hint.)
What is the answer? Take time to relax when you eat and supplement with Food Enzymes or Proactazyme to give your digestive system the help it needs. Over acidity is sometimes the problem and when it is, take a scoopful of Coral Calcium Powder to neutralize the acid. However, most people do not have enough acid, especially to digest proteins. Stomach Comfort tablets are handy and chewable for occasional acidity.
Remember your grandmother told you to take a walk after a big meal? She was right. It helps to move the contents of the stomach along its digestive way so the acid used in digestion can’t back up into the esophagus. Certainly, do not lie down for at least an hour or two after eating a full meal. Lobelia Essence is a liquid that can be used to gently massage a hiatal hernia.
Eating meals should be a nurturing experience where you take in nutrients for your body to do its job easily. You owe it to yourself to provide calm, relaxing environment to rebuild your body. Of course, always start with real, not processed foods!
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