Age related decline in digestive function is an often overlooked factor in the degeneration of the body.

In order to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients from food and supplements, consider adding the following recommendations to your daily routine:

1. Mastication

Chewing food thoroughly is an important first step in the digestive process - one that many people often ignore.

By chewing each mouthful until it is a liquid mush before swallowing, you will increase your absorption of nutrients.

2. Betaine HCl

Betaine HCI helps to replace the loss of stomach acid production that can occur with aging, so you can continue digesting protein.  If you are over the age of forty, it’s a good idea to take 20-40 grain of Betaine HCI w/pepsin with each meal containing protein.

3. Digestive Enzymes

High-heat cooking and modern food processing techniques often destroy enzymes that are naturally present in foods.  These enzymes not only help to digest food, but also to control inflammation in the body.

By eating more raw foods and supplementing with a broad spectrum digestive enzyme (plant or animal based), you can help facilitate the breakdown and absorption of vital nutrients in your diet.

4. Probiotics

The human colon is populated by trillions of bacteria (flora) both good and bad.  It’s the good bacteria’s job to protect against disease causing organisms, produce many of the B vitamins, aid the immune system and help with fecal elimination from the colon.

Supplementing with probiotics at each meal and/or eating lacto-fermented foods such as Kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir will help to maintain a healthy colon and timely elimination of waste matter.

5. Fiber

Most nutritionists recommend that the average adult should consume 35-45 grams of fiber each day.  Fiber helps to add bulk to stools and sweep toxic waste matter through the colon for elimination.

Both the soluble and insoluble forms should be included in your meal plan from foods such as:

* Pears

* Figs

* Blueberries

* Apples w/skin

* Lentils

* Black beans

* Lima beans

* Peas

* Artichokes

* Brussels sprouts

* Ground flax seeds

6. Water

The human body is over 70 percent water and maintaining adequate hydration is essential for good digestion.  Water is needed to keep the mucosal lining of your digestive tract functioning properly and also to prevent stools from becoming dehydrated leading to constipation.

Drink 2-3 liters of fresh water daily in between meals to avoid diluting the digestive juices in your stomach.

7. Stress Reduction

Eating while stressed will impede proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients.  Since elimination is also impaired while stressed, chronic constipation can become problematic, as toxic waste builds up in your large intestine.

To minimize the impact of stress on your digestive system, adopt the following habits while eating:

* Do not watch the news or read the newspaper while eating.

* If you must watch T.V. while eating, choose something funny.

* Eat with someone whose company you enjoy.

* Listen to relaxing music.

* Take your time and enjoy each bite. 

The great Naturopathic physician Bernard Jensen was fond of saying, “Death begins in the colon.”  In today’s world of processed foods, fast paced eating and over-the-counter digestive aids, this saying holds true now more than ever.