Your Foundation for Enjoying a Healthy Lifestyle (Part 1)

While working as a pharmacist, and now as a Health Coach I am asked about many health solutions, ranging from:

• gluten and food allergies
• indigestion, bloating, tummy pain
• how to lose or gain weight
• how to increase energy
• how to control sugar craving
• which detox system is most effective
• how to stay healthy

… Along with remedies for painful and annoying symptoms.

However, there is an overlooked player in the game of diseases that needs to be addressed if you want to enjoy healthy living.

First, let me ask you…

Have you ever stopped to think about what happens to your food after you chew and swallow it?

What about your drinks (smoothies, slushes, wine) once you swallow it?

As soon as you put anything in your mouth, hundreds of biochemical reactions come alive in your brain cells, the digestive system, the elimination systems, the nervous system, etc.

These amazing fundamental reactions are set off automatically, like a domino effect, without you having to do anything. These reactions are just the beginning of the vital process of digestion.

Your digestive system (shown in the diagram above) is uniquely created to perform its specialised function of absorbing the nutrients and providing the energy you need to survive. Plus packaging the waste products for elimination.

The digestive system has six primary functions:

• Ingestion
• Secretion
• Mixing and movement
• Digestion
• Assimilation
• Excretion

Digestion is a multi-faceted balancing act that occurs naturally in your body, and you are an essential part of this process. The digestive system and the related functions have a direct effect on all aspects of your health. So to start your whole health journey, you need to be aware of the steps involved.

For a busy person, this can be impossible. To make it easy for you, I’ll ask a few questions to see if you are coping with your digestive issues:

• Have you ever eaten a so-called “healthy meal” and then suffered from an upset tummy?
• Do you suffer from bloating, stomach pain, belching, acid reflux, or a burning sensation before, during or after your meals?
• Do you like to eat while you work, read or walk?
• Do you like to watch TV, Google, text or use Facebook while eating?

Did you answer “YES” to any of the questions above?

In my experience, most people answer “yes” to the questions above.

This is because we live in a much busier world than we would like to.

So, take a deep breath… and let’s take charge of your digestion, one small step at a time.

You may have spent a lot of money on all sorts of solutions to calm your digestive complaints, but unless you get back to the basics of good eating habits, you will continue to suffer the recurring symptoms.

Healthy Eating Habits at Every Meal…

1. You’ve heard this before, and it’s still true today… eat a healthy balanced meal
2. Wash your hands before eating.
3. Say a prayer of thanks to God. Thanking is gratitude in action. Best of all, saying a prayer will give you the peace of contentedness in your life.
4. Take a few deep breaths before you take the first bite, especially if you have been rushed off your feet all day.
5. Eat your meals with family, colleagues, or friends. Not with the TV, “smart” phone, iPad, newspaper or book.
6. Chew your food thoroughly until food feels mushy in your mouth. If you chew your food properly, it will improve digestion and nutrient absorption, and maintain a healthy weight.
7. Don’t drink while eating. This advice is the best practice according to scientific research. You may sip a warm drink if you’re in the habit of drinking with meals. Drink fluids half an hour before a meal and one to two hours after a meal.
8. Savour every flavour! Don’t give your V.I.B. (Very Important Bite) treatment to your favourite food – such as chocolate. Treasure the flavour in every bite. Think about what you are eating, be present.

Health Tip – Finally, I cannot stress this one enough… it is the key to enjoying a healthy body:

A healthy balanced meal is essential, but the role of your digestive system is vital in your journey to create whole health and vibrant life.

Join me in part two for more mindful concepts you need to practise so you can live well as long as you live!

Reminder… It’s time to nurture yourself and enjoy a vibrant life.

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to know how I can help you take back control of your health and well-being, then Click here.

Christila Chandra here wishing you endless energy, good health and stress-free days.

I hope our paths cross again soon.