Surprise! Your stomach is not your entire abdomen. It is actually an organ that is tucked up on the left side of your torso. When it is empty, it is only about the size of your fist. The esophagus or food tube drains into the stomach and digestion begins. The stomach is shaped like a funnel and as food enters, it functions like a holding tank of sorts. The stomach washes the food with gastric juices to allow the initial break down. It is an active organ, contracting and relaxing to create waves. This rhythm causes the food to break up so that it can enter the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). The stomach doesn’t do any sort of absorption of food nutrients, but it can absorb alcohol and aspirin.
It is important not to overload your stomach with large volume meals when you eat. This is one reason the stomach will stretch to a larger size. Eating sensible, healthy meals helps to maintain a healthy stomach. Eat food that your body needs. Giving it junk does not offer anything of quality to digest. Eat slowly and chew your food. This not only makes it easier to digest but it also stimulates the stomach juices to start their job. Eat mindfully. Do not just put food in your mouth. Eat real, whole foods that contain nutrition (not processed, boxed meals). And, yes, drink healthy fluids to help manage your hydration.
In my practice, I am interested in how your digestion is working. I will help you create healthy habits and identify areas that can be improved to enhance your digestion. I also utilize techniques that soothe and get digestion moving better. Scar tissue, stress, poor nutrition, illness, and poor postural habits can all affect how your digestion works.
Bring back balance to your stomach and overall health.
Learn more about your body.
CATCH UP ON ALL OUR PREVIOUS MEET YOUR BODY ARTICLES HERE:
Comments