Digestion
Absorption
In order to absorb all the great food that you eat, your body needs to be able to break it down and that requires enough, low stomach acid. In pH terms that means strong hydrochloric acid (HCl) between 1.5 and 3.5 pH in your stomach to allow your digestive system to do its work.
HCL is produced by cells in the lining of your stomach wall. Without enough acid or strong enough acid, enzymes cannot be activated, nutrients like B12, calcium, and iron cannot be absorbed and proteins cannot begin to be digested. Strong HCl also makes an unfavorable environment for pathogenic microorganisms that could be a problem when they enter the body through food.
There are some things that you can take to help increase HCl like apple cider vinegar, betaine HCl supplements, digestive bitters, manage stress, and ensure that you have adequate nutrients to produce proper stomach acid (like zinc and vitamin B12). And, do not drink water within 30 minutes of eating.
Digestion… From Beginning to End
Proper digestion and function are foundational for health. Digestion is a thoughtful, multi-step process, taking hours to days to complete, and should occur without pain or discomfort at any step. Thoroughly chew and taste your food, being mindful and relaxed. Swallowing should not be uncomfortable, require straining, or produce the reflex to cough or gag with each feeding. You should feel satiated and nourished after eating without feeling bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable. Your meals should offer macro and micronutrients that are absorbed, giving you energy, clarity, and strength throughout your day. And you should experience the elimination of waste products by having a complete bowel movement that is easy to pass every day. The next time you have a meal, reflect on how your diet makes you feel, from the time you begin preparation until it is eliminated.