Three easy steps to a digestive tune-up

For many people (myself included), September feels like an ideal time to pick up new healthy habits. If you’re looking to tune up your digestive system this fall, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or time doing it. Keep it simple and budget-friendly with these three additions to your daily routine:

Drink warm lemon water every morning. 

I’ve tried and failed at sticking with this habit because I’m constantly in a rush in the morning. That said, I’m determined to get back on track with it in September. Lemon water is repeatedly touted as an important morning habit for good reason; digestively speaking, it jump-starts hydrochloric acid production and flushes out toxins. To save time, I pre-squeeze 2-3 lemons at a time and store in a glass jar in the fridge, then add about a tablespoon and half to my morning H2O.

Aim for a tablespoon or two of ground flaxseed a day.

I brushed off flax for a long time due to my preoccupation with chia and hemp seeds. But flax seeds are special because of their high soluble fibre content – the type of fibre that helps sensitive digestive systems and combats constipation. Opt for ground flaxseed (whole seeds mostly pass through the intestine undigested) and store in a small glass jar in the fridge so it’s easy to sprinkle on cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt and applesauce. It’s best to start with a tablespoon and work your way up so your system can adjust.

Drink a post-dinner peppermint tea.

I recently re-started this ritual and I’ve noticed a big difference in my digestion. Peppermint is know for alleviating gas, indigestion and heartburn, and for soothing the digestive tract. There’s also something calming about sitting and drinking tea after a meal. If you don’t like peppermint, chamomile and ginger are also excellent choices – and they’re the perfect thing to order after a large restaurant meal.

Not so tough, right? I’ll be trying to make these habits stick for smoother sailing on the digestive front this fall. I hope they help you, too!

Always consult your physician before starting a new diet or exercise program.