Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are a few helpful suggestions from Dr. Leigh Connealy for this Holiday Season!!

   1. Digestion begins in the mouth. Chew your food at least 20 to 30 times. Saliva contains digestie enzymes that start breaking down food so our bodies can access nutrients.
   2. Hold the beverages. Only sip room-temperature, clean, filtered water, but forget about guzzling ice cold drinks. Drinking while eating dilutes digestive acids.
   3. Eat less more often. Big meals that force too much food into the stomach challenge our digestive systems. It also overwhelms your body with sharp increases in blood sugar, requiring the pancreas to produce more insulin. So eat a little now and a little later.
   4. Don't sleep on it. Eating too much close to bedtime is a big no-no, especially those with digestive problems. Lying down makes it easy for stomach secretions to travel up into the esophagus, where they can damage tissue.
   5. Avoid food triggers. Most people know their "trigger" foods. Be careful of rich, fatty foods and chocolate (sorry ladies). Most spicy dishes, citrus fruits and juices, and caffeine. Dr. Connealy says, "If you got a painful shock every time you opened a particular door, would you keep opening it?" Something to think about.
   6. Power up digestion with probiotics. Digestive disorders respond fairly quickly to the appropriate supplements. Dr. Connealy recommends a probiotic supplement containing at least 10 billion live organisms. But talk to your doctor and see what they suggest.
   7. Meet MELATONIN: Digestive Superstar! I had no idea!! Melatonin is not only good for jet-lag and insomnia, it is also good for the digestion. Research shows that melatonin protects against indigestion, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, lesions in the esophagus and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Connealy suggests 1mg for women and 3mg for men. Best taken at night. You'll find you sleep better, too.
   8. Supportive supplements: digestive enzymes are excellent to ease gastrointestinal symptoms. These enzymes are helpful for treating lactose intolerance to pancreatic insufficiency. Find one that targets your specific digestive issue and follow the dosage instructions. Others to consider with this are aloe vera, licorice root, mastic gum, slippery elm, okra leaf, and fenugreek. All sold in health food stores.

Here's a healthy Tender Tummy Smoothie shared by Dr. Connealy:

Ingredients:
2-to-3 chamomile tea bags
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup low-fat milk (may substitute almond or rice milk)
1 ripe organic banana
1 cup cubed papaya
1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Directions:
Pour boiling water over chamomile tea bags and allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags and let tea cool a bit. Blend milk or milk substitute, banana, papaya, ginger, and tea until thoroughly mixed. ENJOY!

There you have it!! Here's to your health!!

The Lord heals your diseases,, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14