Beat the Burn

Why Anti-Inflammatory Foods Matter for Digestive Health

Anti-inflammatory foods have gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. Inflammation is at the root of many digestive issues, and finding ways to manage it through diet can lead to a healthier gut and more comfortable digestion. But why is inflammation such a big deal when it comes to digestion?

Simply put, the foods we eat can either exacerbate or reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eating the right foods can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and ease discomfort without relying on medications. One common digestive issue that many people face is heartburn, which can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are natural, anti-inflammatory foods that can help soothe the digestive system and keep heartburn at bay.

Understanding Heartburn and Digestive Discomfort

Heartburn, or acid indigestion, occurs when gastric juices back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This condition affects millions of Americans regularly, and it can often lead to discomfort after meals, especially after eating spicy or fatty foods. While medications can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root causes of the problem. Fortunately, there are ways to ease digestive discomfort naturally by choosing foods that are gentle on the digestive system and reduce inflammation.

Foods to Ease Digestive Discomfort

What you eat plays a significant role in managing heartburn and other digestive issues. Here are a few anti-inflammatory foods that can help ease digestive discomfort:

• Ginger, A Time-Tested Remedy: Enjoyable in both sweet and savory preparations, ginger has long been regarded as a remedy to an array of digestive upsets including heartburn. Fresh ginger is delicious, nutritious and pairs notably with some other tasty foods also known to relieve heartburn such as apples and almonds. You can also rely on ginger to detox your system. Living Juice's Fresh Start is a quick and delicious way to get your daily organic ginger! 
• Pineapple, A Tropical Digestive Aid: Research suggests that the enzyme bromelain, found in pineapple, helps avoid problematic levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In order to reap the benefits, drinking a glass ofpineapple juice after meals is recommended.
• Licorice, The Natural Soother: Not to say that you should run out and buy a pack of Twizzlers, but licorice in its natural herbal form (deglycyrrhizinated) is known to stimulate the release of mucus in the stomach, protecting against painful acids.
• Slippery Elm Bark, The Gentle Healer: The main ingredient in many herbal throat lozenges, slippery elm bark, like licorice, will increase mucus production.
• Aloe Vera, More Than Just Skin Care: While classically associated with easing your skin after too many hours in the sun, aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties can also ease the heat in your chest.

The Role of Smoking in Digestive Health

If you needed another reason to quit smoking, consider this: Smoking significantly contributes to heartburn and other digestive issues. The toxins in cigarettes increase acid production in the stomach, and smoking also weakens the muscle that helps keep stomach acids contained. This makes it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn and other digestive discomforts. Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your digestive health.

Stress Reduction: A Key Component of Digestive Wellness

Stress is another trigger for digestive issues and inflammation, including heartburn. Stress can actually lead to increase stomach acid production, worsening symptoms of heartburn. Methods of relaxation and stress reduction such as meditation, yoga, controlled breathing, and movement therapy can help. Of the most enjoyable methods of relaxation, massage therapy can also be of assistance. Spinal nerves have a close connection with the digestive organs so treatments that cater to the spinal cord can promote healthy digestion. Regular massages may help alleviate stress-induced digestive issues, including acid reflux.

The Importance of Food Combinations and Eating Order 

With all of the thought you put into which foods to eat to avoid heartburn, you may be overlooking the fact that the combination of your foods is just as crucial. The enzymes your body requires to break foods down, as well as the rate at which they break down varies among foods. Mixing different types of foods or eating them in the wrong order may cause digestive upset and deter your body from receiving optimal nutrients.

Protein requires the most digestive enzymes and therefore should always be eaten first. While starchy foods such as grains and potatoes do not digest particularly well when consumed in the same meal as proteins like chicken, if you do eat them in the same sitting try to eat the starch after you’ve eaten the protein. Many people choose to begin with salad but it is more sequentially efficient to eat greens after the protein and starch since they digest more rapidly. With a few adjustments made to your diet and a commitment to a healthy wellness routine you will be on your way to digestive wellness and overall improved health.