Do you have digestive troubles but aren’t ready to visit the doc yet, let alone attempt any major changes in diet or fitness levels? Well, this post is for you!

During my last visit, the Naturopathic Doctor passed on the following pearls of digestive wisdom:

1. Eat sitting down. Ever hear of the flight or fight reaction of the sympathetic nervous system? Well, the phrase, “rest and digest” summarizes the parasympathetic system. When one of these systems is turned on, the other must be off. Sitting while you eat will allow your body to fully focus its energy on digesting the food, properly and quickly.
   
2. Eat consciously. The more things you do while you eat, like watch T.V., read and even talk, you’re diverting attention from this life-giving act. It’s amazing how much western society takes for granted things that come easy to us. If you pay a little homage to your food, guaranteed you’ll slow down and…
   
   
3. Chew food thoroughly (especially vegetables). Digestion is a fairly long and arduous process for the body. It takes about 10% of your total calories to digest and move food through your body for nutrient absorption. Starting at the mouth, you can help your body along if you use those chompers like they were meant to be used! So, I guess Ma was right again, huh? I remember her telling me to chew my food 32 times before swallowing.

What was your Mom’s magic number?

Want more digestive tips? About.com has an excellent article that expands and adds to the above list of ways to improve digestion .