You Are What You Absorb (Not Just What You Eat)

To say that we are what we eat isn’t completely accurate…
We are what we can break down, digest, and absorb.

And weak digestion is incredibly common.

You might notice it as:
✔️ bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea

But it can also show up as:
✔️ fatigue, stubborn weight, skin issues, allergies, food sensitivities, and conditions like IBS, IBD, or diverticulitis

So even if you’re eating well, your body might not be getting what it needs.

4 Simple, Effective Ways to Improve Digestion Naturally

1. Don’t Eat When You’re Stressed

When your body is in “fight or flight” mode, digestion takes a back seat.

Stress actually reduces the secretion of stomach acid, which is essential for breaking down food.

Even a short pause before eating can help shift your body into a “rest and digest” state—where digestion can actually happen.

Think of it this way: slowing down, taking a breath, turning off distractions and devices, even appreciating the smell and look of your food… all prime your system to digest.

2. Chew… Then Chew Some More

Digestion starts in the mouth—both mechanically and chemically.

When we rush through meals, we skip a critical step and put more strain on the rest of the digestive process.

A simple habit that makes a big difference:
Put your utensils down between bites and fully chew what’s in your mouth before taking another bite.

Aim for at least 20–25 chews per bite.
It sounds basic, but it works.

3. Add Fermented Foods

Fermented foods have been part of traditional diets for thousands of years—and for good reason.

They:

Increase enzyme activity
Improve nutrient availability
Provide beneficial bacteria that support digestion

Think: sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, miso, kombucha. Get some great recipes below👇

Even a small amount with meals can make a noticeable difference.

4. Support Stomach Acid

Your stomach is meant to be highly acidic.

That acidity plays a key role in:

Preventing heartburn and reflux
Breaking down protein so your body can use it
Absorbing minerals (low stomach acid = poor absorption)
Protecting against bacteria and pathogens
Moving food efficiently through your system

When stomach acid is too low, food sits longer than it should—leading to gas, bloating, and even heartburn or reflux.

If you struggle with heartburn or have been prescribed antacid medication, I highly suggest reading more about this topic HERE

A couple of ways to support stomach acid (alongside the habits above):

Try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water before meals
Consider a quality digestive enzyme with HCl
Limit highly processed or chemicalized foods

A Final Note on Digestion and Weight

Poor digestion can absolutely contribute to ongoing hunger and weight struggles.

If your body isn’t properly breaking down and absorbing nutrients, it will keep asking for more—by signaling hunger.

Supporting digestion, along with eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, often leads to noticeable shifts in:

Energy
Cravings
Overall well-being

Reach out if your digestion needs support

Equipment

blender

Ingredients

1 clove of garlic
½ cup sauerkraut naturally fermented, unpasteurized
¼ cup of plain milk kefir
¼ cup of olive oil
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar raw, unpasteurized
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tsp raw honey to taste
Pinch of sea salt to taste
Pepper

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
This recipe scales well; make a double batch and have enough for the whole week.
Keeps in the fridge for one to two weeks

You Are What You Absorb: 4 Simple Ways to Improve Digestion Naturally

You Are What You Absorb (Not Just What You Eat)