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Basic Nutrition
Digestion is the reason that nutrition works.
Without proper digestion the best of food is wasted. Digestion begins in the mouth:
•One job of the mouth is to that of breaking food into smaller pieces.
•Starch begins the digestive process in the mouth, where enzymes break it down into sugars.
•Stress, drinking with meals (especially iced drinks) and improper chewing impede proper digestion.
The next step is the Stomach:
• Proteins and fats begin their digestion in the stomach.
• Starches continue to be digested here if the conditions are proper.
• Minerals in foods are being prepared for absorption in the small intestines. It is the Hydrochloric acid in the stomach that does this job.
On to the Small Intestines:
• Pancreatic enzymes make protein and minerals available here.
• Most nutrient absorption occurs here, provided that the proper chemical reactions have occurred in previous steps.
• Bile from the liver and gallbladder enters here to digest fats.
Off to the Large Intestines:
• The large intestines are thought of most frequently as the waste collection area. However, the large intestines has the job of holding waste until enough water is reabsorbed to hydrate the body. Constipation is often a sign of dehydration.
• Elimination of waste makes room for absorption of nutrients
• The body has four exit doors for waste: Bowel, Kidneys, Lungs & Skin.
• All route of elimination of waste need proper hydration to function at peak performance.
Foods to limit or avoid for best health:
• Refined foods - White flour, white rice, refined grains of any sort.
• Refined Sugars - This can be refined sugar, fructose, honey or any other processed sweetener.
• ALLArtificial Sweeteners - Aspartame's (Nutri-Sweet) list of possible consequences include behavioral changes in children, headaches, dizziness, epileptic -like seizures, menstrual problems, and increased risk of cancer.
• Avoid Over cooked foods - At 122 degrees or more, enzymes that help digest foods are destroyed.
• Carbonated drinks - The hydrogen gas in soda as well as the increase phosphates leached minerals from the body, especially calcium.
• Tap Water… The list of chemicals and compounds found in tap water are too long to list. Click here to read more. (Insert link here)
• Caffeinated beverages - The caffeine is a major stress on the glandular system. It also makes the body acidic and promotes disease growth.
• Foods not labeled as Certified Organic.
Foods that benefit your body:
• Raw fruits and vegetables - Ideally lunch and dinner should be 1⁄2 veggies
• Whole grains
• Cold pressed vegetable oils
• Pure Water
• Fresh Juices (not to be confused with canned, frozen, or reconstituted)
• High fiber foods
• Meats from certified chemical free growers. Proper protein portion is the size of palm of your hand approximately 1" thick.
It is best to keep meals simple. The stomach has a hard time dealing with a large variety of foods at the same time. It is best to eat fruit alone and save rich sauces for special occasions.
Take time to enjoy your meals. Smell and taste the experience and know that whether the nutrient source is from supplements or food, it is what your body needs to live. Be grateful and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
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