Tips for Better Digestion

Digestion is the process were our food is broken down so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to cells throughout the body to providing nourishment and energy. If your digestive system is not functioning at its best, this could lead to a suppressed immune system. Improving digestion is one of the most important steps you can take in improving your health.

Integrate these tips into your day-to-day activity to help improve your digestive function.

Stay Hydrated.  Drinking enough water keeps your intestines smooth and flexible and helps keep the food you eat moving through your intestines.

Get Your Magnesium.   Improved digestion. Muscles within the digestive tract, including the intestinal wall, are relaxed by magnesium, which improves digestion, as well as counterbalances stomach acid and advances stools through the intestines. General relaxation.

Take Probiotics.  Taking probiotics have been found to play a positive role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, weight loss, detoxification and prevention of urinary tract infections.

Increase Fiber Intake.  Eating fiber-rich foods helps move the contents of the large intestine along more quickly and helps to soften the stool by absorbing water.

Get Moving.  The sedentary modern lifestyle puts a kink in the digestive process and makes normal digestion more difficult. Regular exercise helps keep foods moving through your digestive system, reducing constipation and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Reduce Stress.  Stress can cause your digestive system to shut down due to the “flight or fight” response. This increases the incidence of constipation. Stress can also lead to increased heart burn

Take Your Time.  Eat in a relaxed environment and focus on eating. Slow down and focus on chewing your food. Notice the flavours of each bite and be mindful of what and how much you are consuming. Slowing down allows your body to register when you have eaten all that you need and helps to avoid overeating.

Remove Food Sensitivities.  Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease have been linked to IgG food reactions. Research has shown that elimination of IgG reactive foods can alleviate IBS symptoms.

Talk to your healthcare professional about other lifestyle changes and testing options available to you to help prevent and alleviate your digestive issues.

If you have any questions feel free to email Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Your Personal Army

Your Personal Army

Strengthen your army by making sure you have a powerful king to lead the way.

Every castle, no matter how strong in structure, needs an army of soldiers to help protect and defend it from an invasion.

In this epic battle, the soldiers’ duty is to warn the castle of impending attack and to commence in fighting off the enemy forces. Without these mighty soldiers, the castle and its hosts can fall prey to the invaders.

Protecting Your Castle

This same experience is also true to the health of your body and your immune system.

If your body (the castle) doesn't have a healthy immune system (army of soldiers), your body becomes the host for various germs and microbes that can become an infection or disease.

The immune system is responsible for keeping these germs at bay. When an unwelcome virus or bacteria enter your body, your immune system goes to work, sending out healthy cells to fight back. One example of these healthy cells is the phagocyte.

Phagocyte is from the Greek word phagein, which means, “to eat” or “devour.” Phagocytes protect the body by attacking the germs and bacteria and eating them up. If all goes according to plan, your body comes out victorious and healthy! This happens millions of times each day without a conscious thought from you–if your nervous system is performing as it should.

Your Nervous System Is King

Who sends out the soldiers to attack?

That would be the king and those who work closely with him. Without a healthy nervous system orchestrating every cell, tissue, gland and system of your body, you’ll be more susceptible to invading armies of germs.

Strengthen your army by making sure you have a powerful king to lead the way. Likewise, strengthen your immune system by receiving regular chiropractic care for optimal nervous system health!

Family First Chiropractic is accepting new patients. Call us at 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, AB. www.family1stchiro.ca