Indeed, the position we adopt to eat is just as important for good digestion and general good health as the type of food chosen. Different postures influence the time food takes to pass through our system, some even sometimes improve nutrient absorption. Want to know more regarding the optimal positions that allow better digestion? This article is made for you ! We’ll explore some basic facts regarding the impact of posture on digestive processes, and provide helpful tips for everyone to improve their mealtime habits.
A healthy diet is not enough to maintain good digestive health.
According to a 2015 IPSOS survey, 53% of French people consume “on the go” to replace a meal if they are in a hurry. Although the French are the most inclined to appreciate having a meal with family and around a table, a precious concept that 90% admit without hesitation, it turns out that half do not respect it by obligation obviously! If taking the time to choose or prepare a healthy and complete meal to fill up on nutrients without thinking regarding how to enjoy it, believe us! today, you will definitely change your mind!
Indeed, the importance of nutrition lies not only in what we eat, but also how we consume our food which has a major effect on our health. If we take into account our posture when we eat, it can greatly influence our intestinal well-being. Poor posture can impede digestion, as the body functions as a container and the way it is held impacts its ability to hold and process what we consume.
While walking, leaning on a low table, standing, …. Bad postures that must be banned from now on!
When we eat while standing, walking or leaning over a low table, we are not always paying attention to the amount of food we are consuming. As a result, we risk over-consuming and taking in more calories than our body can properly process. Eating in this manner can also lead to poor digestion due to the lack of sedimentation that occurs when we are sitting comfortably and relaxed.
Also, it is difficult to chew properly when we eat in one of these positions because our jaw muscles are tight. Food particles are not completely broken down and enter the digestive system, causing indigestion and the formation of gas bubbles that cause unpleasant bloating. Also, poor posture during meals can prevent our stomach from digesting food properly by reducing its exposure time to enzymes and acids that aid digestion.
Finally, such postures during meals do not give us the opportunity to be attentive to what we eat and how much we ingest, which affects our ability to recognize hunger signals and appreciate our feeling of hunger. satisfaction.
What is the optimal position for proper digestion?
Sitting up straight, keeping the knees at the same level as the pelvis while eating, allows the digestive muscles to function optimally. This facilitates the circulation of food in the body and their good digestion. Additionally, better posture helps the stomach expand more easily, allowing it to accommodate larger amounts of food and digest it more efficiently. Taking the time to sit down and focus on good posture while eating can promote healthier digestion and ultimately improve overall health.
Good habits to adopt for better digestion.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well. This reduces the amount of work your stomach has to do to digest your food and helps you feel full faster.
- Avoid eating too close to bedtime. Research has shown that going to bed on a full stomach can lead to increased acid reflux and heartburn, as well as disrupted sleep patterns.
- Make sure each meal is balanced in terms of macronutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. A balanced meal provides the body with all the nutrients it needs for efficient digestion.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day; this helps regulate digestion by maintaining circulation in the gastrointestinal tract and removing toxins from the body through the kidneys and liver.
- Try adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet. They contain beneficial bacteria that help break down food particles, improve gut health, and reduce bloating following meals.
- Incorporate natural herbs like ginger or peppermint into your diet. Both have been used for centuries as natural remedies for digestive issues due to their anti-inflammatory properties and carminative effects that can help relieve discomfort caused by indigestion or gas pain.
- Avoid eating large meals all at once! Instead, divide portions into smaller meals throughout the day, which helps prevent overeating and promotes healthy digestion.
