In order for our body to function at its best, we need a range of nutrients. A mixed and healthy diet can allow us to get these nutrients, however, there is more that we can do to ensure these nutrients take effects. One of the major steps we can take is to improve nutrient absorption – this is the amount of nutrients we absorb from each food. Much of this has to do with the digestive system and the way in which we mix foods together when eating. Here are just five examples of ways in which you can boost your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Drink more water
Staying hydrated is one of the most essential things we can do for our digestive system. Water helps our blood to flow more freely around the body, which allows nutrients to be more easily transported to the right organs. Consider upping your intake of water if you feel you’re getting enough – signs such as hard stools, frequent headaches, and a dry mouth are clear indicators that you’re not getting enough water.
Pair vitamins with healthy fats
Don’t listen to people that claim all calories are bad. Fats are needed in our diet for a variety of reasons and one is to help vitamins such as A, D, and E to be more easily absorbed. Of course, this should be in the form of healthy fats. Take a salad as an example – adding an oil dressing, nuts, avocado or seeds could help the vitamins in this salad to get absorbed.
Consume more probiotics
Probiotics are sources of healthy bacteria, which are needed by the gut to help break down food more easily and hence absorb more nutrients. They are common in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. It’s also possible to buy probiotics in supplement form.
Try bioperine supplements
A bioperine supplement could also help to boost nutrient absorption. Extracted from black pepper fruits, bioperine naturally increases the metabolism in order to break down food faster and more easily. It can be useful when taking other raw supplements such as turmeric powder for joint pain – usually, our body would only absorb a small amount of this turmeric, but when consumed with bioperine it allows us to get the best out of this supplement, making it a more effective pain killer.
Go on an alcohol/caffeine detox
Caffeine and alcohol can inhibit our ability to absorb nutrients. They can reduce the amount of digestive enzymes in our body and damage the lining of our stomach and intestines. Taking a break could help your gut repair itself and get back to a healthy state. This could include an alcohol free month or a no caffeine month.
As you can see, it’s pretty easy to start getting more nutrients from your food and thus, feeling better and even less hungry!
