Good digestion is the foundation of radiant health

Every cell in the body relies on the digestive system for its supply of essential minerals, nutrients and energy. These are derived mostly from the food we eat and the air we breathe. The cells of every tissue in the body also rely heavily on the digestive system for the management of cellular waste. When the body digests, assimilates and eliminates efficiently, your health flourishes. You have more energy, sharper brain function, better sleep and a renewed sense of youthfulness. Good digestion is the cornerstone of long-term health and vitality. Digestion is a three-part process: digestion, assimilation, and elimination. Digestion is the breaking down of ingested foods into smaller and smaller particles that the body can use. This starts in the mouth (with proper chewing), and then moves to the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Absorption is the process of distributing digested food to the cells through the blood. Elimination starts at the cell site as individual cells evacuate the byproducts of cellular function. Cellular waste enters the blood stream — passes through the liver, lungs, and kidneys — and is eliminated from the body through urine, feces and sweat.

These three components — digestion, absorption and elimination — form a interdependent loop. If there is malfunction at one level, the whole system is adversely affected. For example, if elimination of waste is compromised due to constipation, then assimilation of vital nutrients will diminish as well. This causes a back up of waste at the cell site, which reduces the volume of nutrients that the cell can absorb. Constipation doesn’t just affect the colon, it affects the whole body. Cells easily become clogged with toxic waste and therefore malnourished. This can happen to brain cells, thyroid cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells. Systemic balance at every level of human physiology is dependent on good digestion.

This is one reason we talk about the Vital Center as the hub of all Nine Spheres of life. Wherever you go, there your belly is. And when all is well in your Vital Center, it shows in every aspect of your life.

Simply put, to digest is to thrive.

Unfortunately, digestive-related health ailments, such as acid reflux, gas and bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease are extremely common. In addition, there are many frequent illnesses related to malfunction of the digestive system: arthritis, hypertension, low back pain, chronic fatigue, brain fog, chronic yeast infections, and sexual dysfunction.

A large portion of the Radiant Awakening self-care and self-healing practices specifically benefit digestion and elimination. Here are a few examples of essential daily self-care for the improved digestive health:

•  Drink 20 oz (620ml) of plain warm water upon waking.
•  Practice at least 20 minutes of gentle movement before breakfast.
•  Practice at least 5 – 10 minutes of abdominal self-massage daily.
•  Eat a whole food plant-based diet.
•  Reduce your intake of wheat, dairy and meat.
•  Stop eating all highly processed foods, especially sugar and flour!
•  Eat only until you are 80% full.
•  Finish your last meal 3 hours before bed (don’t snack in the evening).

Most people see results fairly quickly after starting a self-care practice. However, consistency and patience are key. It takes about 100 days to fully transform the way that your digestive system functions. After you complete 100 days of healing, keep going with the program. Practice the exercise 3 - 4 times per week. Self-care is a life-long habit. Think long-term. By supporting optimal digestion, you are securing a foundation of health and vitality for years to come.

My Digestive Power DVD teaches you easy-to-learn postures, movements, and breathing exercises that will improve your digestion radically, along with 15 must-know secrets for superior digestive health. If you suffer from constipation, acid reflux, gas and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other common digestive challenge, this program is for you.