Top Ten Ways For Improving Digestion

1. Every morning before breakfast, freshly squeeze the juice of 1 - 2 lemons in 250ml - 500ml of spring or filtered water. This small but effective daily routine will help to cleanse the stomach of left over 'debris' and remove any excess acid.

2. Another daily drink taken late morning or sometime before lunch will complement the cleanse in 'Tip 1' . This can include 1tsp - 1 tbsp of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with 250ml - 500ml apple juice (freshly squeezed is even better). This drink will balance digestive juices, specifically for low or high levels of Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

3. Avoid cold drinks while eating. Food is digested more efficiently at around body temperature, therefore cold fluid can slow down the digestive processes. If you must drink while eating, try hot water or herbal teas. Caffeine can cause excess production of HCl so should be avoided, as should alcohol.

4. Have you ever heard of Swedish Bitters? The taste of bitter herbs, foods, juices etc, 20 - 30mins before eating will increase digestive function by encouraging the release of digestive enzymes, juices and acids.

5. Specific self massage and exercise techniques used as part of a daily routine will also contribute to better digestion.
'LIVER EXERCISE' - This exercise massages the Liver and Gall Bladder, tonifying and cleansing these organs. It helps cope with abdominal wind, and assists digestion. Place the heel of the right hand on the right side of the body under the rib cage, and just above the hip bone. The fingers should point straight across the body. Pressing firmly, move the hand slowly across the body to the middle of the abdomen; you should end up with the heel of the hand over the navel. Repeat this action 10-20 times.

'STOMACH EXERCISE' - This exercise is similar to the Liver Exercise, but is applied to the other side of the body. It benefits the digestion, the Spleen, and the Pancreas, as well as the Stomach. Method: Place the heel of the left hand between the rib cage and the left hip, with the fingers pointing across the body. Move the hand firmly and smoothly across to the centre of the body, until it is over the navel. Repeat 10-20 times.

6. Short term fasting is one way to allow the digestive system a well deserved break. However "first time fasters"should try it for a maximum of 24hrs.
Remember always to drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juice during your fast. Also plan your fasting for days when you will not be doing lots of hard physical work and can take plenty of rest.

7. CHEW, CHEW, CHEW... One of the most important mechanisms of digestion, yet more often than not, the most forgotten!

Chewing is the first stage of digestion. It not only physically breaks down foods, but signals the organs to secrete their digestive juices (pancreatic enzymes, stomach acids etc) in order to prepare for the incoming foods.

Naturopaths believe that you should try to chew your food until it is near to a liquid consistency.

8. 'Food Combining' can work well for many people. 'Food Combining' is not only for weight loss but can assist problems due to an imbalanced digestive system.
Briefly, food combining involves the 3 main types of food/fuel i.e. Carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, rice), Proteins (meats, dairy, nuts, soya) and Fats (cooking oils, avocados). It is considered that one should not mix these types of food within one particular meal. For example, eat either carbohydrates alone or proteins alone, together with (non starchy) vegetables or salad.

9. Colon Cleansing & Liver Cleansing through the use of herbs, foods and supplements will benefit the whole digestive system greatly. There are many companies and practitioners (Naturopathic) who recommend their own cleansing routines and you will find that many elements of the various routines will be similar.

Any method is good if it does the job! Colon Cleansing & Liver Cleansing are two of the most popular approaches to getting started with detox, and detox benefits every part of the body by helping the body remove toxins which otherwise slow down every organ and every body function. Counteract this tendency by using Colon Cleansing & Liver Cleansing.

10.  Listed below are herbs known to help with excess digestive juices & acids in conditions such as Hiatus Hernia and Stomach Ulcers: For example a great digestive tea can be made by comgined the excellent herbs Meadowsweet, Fennel, Comfrey and Peppermint.

Slippery Elm Tea is a very soothing herbal tea, with a consistency like thin porridge. It is blended with water and drunk hot. Slippery Elm is also available in capsules as Slippery Elm Capsules, if you prefer this. Slippery Elm is a fantastic herb to soothe the bowel if there is IBS or Colitis.

Bayberry and Wild Yam can also be used in drops (tincture or fluid extract) or as capsules or tablets. These herbs will help to soothe and heal an ulcerated or 'colicky' type of condition. Wild Yam is a great antispasmodic - it relaxes muscles in spasm. It is particularly helpful for the liver and also the bowel. It is also used by women to relax the uterus which can relieve pain during periods or menopause.

Digestive Capsules or Drops are available as well as teas. Generally, take these for 3-4 months for a course, though you should start to see benefits - eg reduced indigestion - after 2-3 weeks. If not, see a herbalist for advice. Licorice Tea is made in the same way as Ginger Tea.

Cardamom, Cloves, Fennel, Ginger and Cinnamon can all be made into a tea to be drunk after a meal. Simply place some seeds in half a pint or so of water in a non-aluminium pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let simmer for a few minutes. Strain and drink. If using fresh ginger, cut a few slices (a few mm thick) and do the same.