What Does Digestion Have to Do with It?

      Are you low in energy? Do you suffer from irritability or depression?  Do you have food allergies or osteoporosis?  All of these and more can be related to poor digestion! I was not surprised to see a Fox News survey that showed 74% of Americans have some type of digestion problem.
     One of the key causes of poor digestion is a low level of hydrochloric acid (HCL).  Having studied digestion thoroughly for both my Master's degree and certification as a Digestive Health Specialist, I can tell you it is true.  I know that most people take antacids for things like heartburn and reflux because they think they have too much acid, but they actually don't have enough, especially if they are over 50.  The truth is that stomach acid is very important and yet much of our diet and lifestyle interferes with the production of HCL.
     Why do we need it? Our stomach acid production is triggered when we eat because our stomach needs to have a certain level of acidity to activate enzymes which break down proteins as well as to absorb many nutrients like B12, iron, and calcium.  HCL helps destroy any harmful bacteria that get in our system (such as H. Pylori which can cause ulcers).  When it is low we also increase our risk for stomach cancer and intestinal parasites.
     Why do so many of us not make enough? The world we live in today is not good for our stomachs! Stress is the first thing that will hinder digestion.  Eating on the run, not chewing, chronic over eating, and eating devitalized food all can take their toll.  We put so much processed, refined junk in our bodies that are filled with chemicals, pesticides, preservatives and other artificial ingredients that over time our digestion is greatly hindered.  We are designed for food made in nature - REAL food like fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, fish, etc. We also take many medications that hinder HCL production.  These include all the antacid drugs, birth control pills, antibiotics, high amounts of sugar/refined carbohydrates, excess coffee, alcohol and marijuana use.

     What can we do to IMPROVE our digestion?

1. Slow down your pace of life!  DE-STRESS!  Make meal time a sacred time of relaxation and enjoyment.  
2. Include living food with every meal.  Living food is fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables.  Think SALAD! Food that is raw still has its digestive enzymes intact and will aid in digesting.
3. Stop eating before you are full.  It takes a LOT of energy, HCL and enzymes to digest a big meal.  
4. Chew your food till it becomes liquid.  I know this is challenging, but at least make an effort.
5. Consider taking Betaine Hydrochloride tablets with your meal.  Contact me if you'd like  more information. HLS@nancyparlette.com 
6. Begin drinking a glass of water with 1/4 to 1/2 of a lemon or lime squeezed in it with your meals. This will help stimulate HCL production. 
7. Before meals or anytime you have discomfort, try drinking a 1/4 cup of warm water with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in it.  Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is the best.

GREEN Smoothies

In honor of  St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share with you the power of GREEN smoothies.  Everyone needs more greens in their diet becaue they are so full of minerals.  From colds to cancer, greens are powerful healers.  Greens consist of the leaves of plants such as lettuces, spinach, collards, kale, chard, dandelion, arugula, watercress, parsley, sorrell, cilantro, etc. The problem, however, is that most of us don't LIKE the taste of greens! No need to fear! Using a blender to combine lucious ripe fruit with the greens, you can create amazing, delicous, antioxidant rich smoothies to enjoy every day.
What do Green Smoothies do for you?  They -

• boost your immune system, helping to preventing and heal disease
• improve digestion and elimination (who wants to be constipated?)
• support weight loss
• boost your mental and physical performance
• reduce cravings
• support your liver and kidneys
• balance your body pH to help reduce aches and pains
• increase energy and focus
• hydrate your cells creating clearer and smoother skin

How do we make a Green smoothie?
You start with a blender. (Depending on it's strength you may find you need to put the greens in at the beginning with the liquid rather than at the end.)  Have your greens and fruit washed and ready to go. In the blender you will put:

• 1 cup of either water,  juice, or nondairy milk
• 1 medium banana; the riper the sweeter. (You can use frozen ones too.)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen fruit (frozen makes it thicker so you may need more liquid)
• 1 scoop of plant based protein powder (optional).  I like to use Juice Plus Complete Powder.
• 1 handful (about 1 cup) of  torn up fresh or frozen greens (spinach, kale, chard, or frozen wheat grass cubes). The more you make these the more greens you are able to add.
• some people find if they need more sweetness they can add a pitted Medjool date.  I also sometimes add a dash of cinnamon or other spice.

Put the lid on the blender and start low and then go to high and blend it until it is smooth, but not so long that it gets warm.  Depending on the blender, you may need to stop and push down the greens to get them all mixed in.  This will make about 16 ounces.  You can easily double or triple the recipe depending on how many hungry people you have standing by.  Below are a few of my recipes.  There are more in my book, The Busy Mom's 10 Minute Guide to a Healthy Happy Family.

Pineapple Escape 
1 cup water or coconut water
1 tip of fresh ginger (1/2 tsp)
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup strawberries
1 cup spinach leaves
1 scoop vanilla powder

 Berry Yummy

   1 Banana
   ½ cup strawberries (or 1/3 cup raspberries)
    1 hand size piece of Romaine or spinach
    1 cup water, soy, rice milk, or coconut water
  

 Minty Melon Medley

  1 cup water

     1 or 2 sprigs of fresh mint
     1 cup chunks of cantaloupe
     1 scoop of protein powder
     1 cup spinach

    Peanut Butter Sip
     2 cups water
     2 Tb all natural smooth peanut butter
     1 banana
     1 cup berries of choice
     1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
     1 cup torn kale leaves (stem removed)
   
DISCLAIMER:  The information in these pages is presented for educational purposes only. The publication of this information is not intended as medical advice nor does it constitute the practice of medicine.  Any changes you make in your diet or lifestyle due to this information is your personal privilege and your responsibility to discuss with your health care provider.