4 Practices that Support Digestion + Metabolism

1. Avoid cold foods and drinks
2. Make breakfast your friend
3. Finish food intake by 7pm + fasting
4. Add spice and fermented foods

Avoid Cold Foods + Drinks
It's easy to reach for iced drinks during the summer, however, during any season, cold food and drinks weaken digestion and slow metabolic functions. For example, iced water, cold smoothies, and salads straight from the fridge make our system work overtime; first having to warm up what we have ingested, putting the digestive process second and damaging what can be referred to as ‘digestive fire’. Neutral to hot foods and drinks allow the body to move straight into digestion, skipping the warming process and saving energy for optimal functioning.

Breakfast
Many skip breakfast and eat a heavy dinner late in the evening – a backward approach. Although skipping breakfast may produce weight loss results which can benefit some (when practiced for short and temporary periods), the digestive system should be the strongest in the morning from 7-9am, when in balance. Not eating during this time on a regular basis tells digestive processes they have no work to do, leading to sluggishness. If you are someone who has trouble eating in the morning, start with a couple of bites each day (such as a couple dates and nuts), working into a meal. You will notice over time an increase in your morning appetite, stabilized energy with less afternoon crash, steadier mood and mental activity, and stronger metabolism.

Food Intake by 7pm + Fasting
Our body needs fuel (food) during the day and less in the evening while we rest. Even with a well-balanced diet, many people may not feel their best and greatly benefit by simply adjusting their eating times. As the body’s yang wanes with the setting sun, eating late can lead to sluggish digestion and metabolism plus interfere with restorative processes that peak during sleep. Finishing food intake by 7pm, an age-old practice modernly referred to as a form of intermittent fasting, allows the body to enter deeper repair mode without the distraction of digestion – aiding metabolism, cell regeneration, blood quality, detoxification, immunity, organ and brain functions, and hormone balance. During the summer, when temperatures are warmer and the sun sets later, this eating window can be slightly extended without straining the body.

Fasting can vary from mild to advanced and serves multiple purposes, including resetting the system, detoxification, and as an intentional spiritual practice. Advanced fasting (dry fasting and extended fasts) are not suitable for everyone. Those with anorexic tendencies, eating disorders, severe nutrient deficiencies, diabetes, or major health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before starting a fasting regimen.

Spice + Fermented Foods
Spices in our food and concentrated ginger tea (boiled ginger root rather than store-bought tea bags) add a boost of power to our digestive functions, metabolism, and circulation, especially for those who feel tired after eating. It's recommended not to go overboard as too much heat in the body can cause imbalance in other areas leading to symptoms such as dryness, sleep disturbances, and impatience or anxiety. Fermented foods found across cultures, like European sauerkraut, Korean kimchi, and Ethiopian injera, benefit metabolism because they contain yang properties and are partially broken down during fermentation, making them easier to digest while supporting gut flora.

Digestion is central to health with food and lifestyle choices serving as primary medicines. A strong and balanced digestive system encourages sufficient nutrient extraction from food intake and supplements – supporting bone density, blood supply, muscle quality, mental state, energy levels, organ functions, immunity, hormonal balance, and longevity.