It’s that time of the year again – it’s holiday time. The celebrations kick-off with Thanksgiving dinners with friends and family.
This is a special time in America to give thanks for all the wonderful things that we have in our lives – friends, family and “things” that we use every day.
If you aren’t celebrating with family or friends this holiday season, spend some time volunteering at a food bank, an animal shelter, or a retirement center – our human family includes all life – we are merely part of one big tribe at the end of the day.
One of the special traditions about Thanksgiving is having a meal together – a BIG meal. This is a tradition that actually precedes America’s first Thanksgiving celebration – people around the world enjoy many meals together and have gathered around the kitchen table for centuries. There’s no television, no iPads, no Facebook or TikTok – friends and family share meals, they laugh, exchange stories, honor their elders and dream about their children’s futures.
The abundance of home-cooked food adds to the celebration, but holiday celebrations can result in indigestion and sugar-highs.
No matter what you eat during the holidays, here are some simple tips to stay ahead of stomach issues or a jittery sugar buzz – it all starts with enzymes.
Enzymes are the “substances that make life possible.” No vitamin, mineral, or hormone can function without the presence of enzymes.
Enzymes and Hangovers
Enzymes help remedy digestive problems and are crucial in the elimination of toxins from your body. If not eliminated properly, toxins build and worsen after eating too much sugar, drinking alcohol, or overeating.
An enzyme can help you avoid a morning hangover.
Here are two important enzymes that you should know about – plant enzymes and pancreatic enzymes.
These enzymes can improve digestion and aid in the absorption of your nutrients. They are found naturally in healthy whole foods.
Enzymes literally “build” your body using proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without the aid of enzymes, your body cannot properly utilize any nutrients that you eat. And, plant enzymes stimulate your digestive system.
Pancreatic enzymes work in both the digestive system and with your immune system. With proper digestion, which includes efficient elimination, many illnesses can be prevented.
Especially after a big celebration.
Chew Chew Chew
You MUST chew your food well. Proper chewing helps food enzymes begin immediate digestion in your mouth.
If you don’t chew properly, the nutrients in your food aren’t released, especially cellulase. Cellulase is lacking in most packaged foods because of processing. Some supermarkets and salad bars spray fresh fruits and vegetables with chemicals that destroy the cellulase enzyme. Carryout and fast foods contain no cellulase.
Your body manufactures approximately 20 different digestive enzymes on its own. These enzymes digest protein, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats.
The best thing to do is eat your enzymes, but for holiday parties and get-togethers, I recommend taking an enzyme supplement with you to take after a big meal.
Digest In Stages
When you eat, you digest your food in stages.
Digestion begins in your mouth. This is one reason why you shouldn’t drink during a meal; the fluid washes away the initial digestive enzymes.
Digestion then moves into the stomach, and finally passes through the small intestine.
During each stage of digestion, specific enzymes break down the different types of foods that you have eaten.
This digestive process remains miraculously balanced throughout your body. At each point along the way, a different degree of acidity determines which enzymes function and which other enzymes are not needed.
Your body knows exactly what to do and when to do it, given the right tools – tools such as natural foods that are saturated with enzymes, or an enzyme supplement when you are at special events or holiday parties.
Avoid All Diet Sweeteners
The solution to overeating is NOT turning to the diet sweeteners. Avoid using even the smallest amount because you know how toxic diet sweeteners are. Stevia is the exception.
If you are not the cook, people bringing dishes to parties or even your host will use them, especially in desserts. It’s not rude to quietly ask if the diet sweeteners were used in a dish, but you can typically taste them immediately, and then you simply dispose of the dish or dessert when no one is watching.
It might be awkward, but don’t eat or drink any diet sweeteners – you’ll regret it in the morning.
Try these basic tips to enjoy holiday celebrations and over-eating. Eat small bites and smaller helpings, moderate your alcohol and sweets, and have a Happy Holidays!
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If you want to learn more about healthy living and disease prevention, contact me at janethull.com. Remember that you are never alone when you are looking for good health!
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. The FDA may not have evaluated some of the statements. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding supplements or making any changes to your dietary program.
Before taking vitamins, consult your doctor; pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking can affect how your body responds to multivitamins.
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