CW Vol 2 Ed. 26 - How You Eat Matters: Mastering Eating Hygiene
This week, we’re spotlighting a wellness habit that costs nothing—but can make a big difference in how your body feels after meals: eating hygiene. We talk a lot about what to eat, but how you eat plays a powerful role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even your mood and energy levels. Practicing eating hygiene helps your body shift into “rest and digest” mode—essential for efficient digestion and overall well-being.
Why Eating Hygiene Matters
Eating in a stressed or distracted state shuts down digestion. Your body needs calm, not cortisol, to do its best work.
Practicing eating hygiene can help:
✅ Reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.
✅ Improve energy and nutrient uptake.
✅ Stabilize blood sugar.
✅ Minimize post-meal fatigue and food cravings.
Even the healthiest meals can leave you feeling off if eaten in a rushed or chaotic state. A few small shifts in your routine can turn every meal into a digestive win.
🌿 Spotlight: The Power of Bitters
Want to give your digestion an extra boost? Bitters might be your secret weapon. What are Bitters?
Bitters are plant compounds that have a naturally bitter taste—and they’re incredibly effective at stimulating digestion. When you taste something bitter, your body ramps up production of stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes. This “wake-up call” can improve how well you break down and absorb food.
Benefits of Bitters:
Stimulate stomach acid and bile flow
Reduce bloating and indigestion
Support liver and gallbladder health
Help regulate appetite and blood sugar
How to Get Bitters Naturally:
You don’t need a supplement to get started—just add a few of these foods to your routine:
🥬 Dandelion greens – Great raw in salads
🥦 Arugula – Peppery and bitter, excellent with lemon and olive oil
🍊 Citrus peel (zest) – Add to teas or dressings
🫒 Green olives – A savory snack rich in healthy fats
Start your meal with a small bitter salad—arugula, radicchio, and dandelion greens with a vinaigrette made from lemon juice and olive oil. It’s tasty and functional!
🍽️ Eating Hygiene in Action
Before Your Meal:
Pause for 3–5 deep breaths. This simple ritual signals to your nervous system that it’s safe to enter “rest and digest” mode.
Smell your food. Engaging your senses kicks off enzyme production before the first bite.
Express gratitude. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—even a moment of thanks helps calm your mind and promote presence.
During Your Meal:
Sit down and minimize distractions. Step away from your desk, put your phone down, and turn off the TV. Multitasking at meals can confuse your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Chew your food thoroughly. Chewing 20–30 times per bite may feel awkward at first, but it gives your digestive system a head start and helps reduce bloating.
Set your fork down between bites. This naturally slows your pace and gives your body time to signal fullness.
Avoid drinking large amounts of water with meals. Too much liquid can dilute your digestive juices. A few sips are fine—save most fluids for before or after eating.
Eat until you're satisfied—not stuffed. Slowing down helps you notice satiety signals before you’ve overeaten.
After Your Meal:
Stay seated for 5–10 minutes. Rushing back to work or chores can interrupt digestion before it begins. Let your body do its job!
Take a short walk or stretch. Gentle movement can support healthy blood sugar and digestion.
Track how you feel. Notice bloating, energy levels, or cravings—your body’s feedback helps you make better food and lifestyle decisions moving forward.
View this Newsletter and The Power of Eating Hygiene information sheet for a deeper dive here!
6/25/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 10 - Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy: The Power of Mineral Salts for Detox & Immunity
Why Mineral Salts?
Mineral salts, such as Celtic sea salt and pink Himalayan salt, are unrefined salts rich in essential minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Unlike regular table salt, which is heavily processed and stripped of its natural minerals, these salts retain their nutrient profile, offering numerous health benefits. According to leading functional health practitioners, minerals play a crucial role in biochemical processes that regulate energy, hydration, and immune resilience.
Flush Out Toxins & Feel Well
Did you know that mineral salts can help your body naturally detox? They work behind the scenes to keep fluid and electrolyte levels in check, which supports kidney function and flushes out unwanted toxins. Plus, they help fire up digestive enzymes, promoting smoother digestion and gut health (New Directions Aromatics). Dr. Hyman emphasizes that maintaining proper mineral levels supports liver detox pathways, helping the body cleanse itself more effectively.
Hydrate Like a Pro
We all know hydration is key, but did you know that mineral salts can make it even more effective? These essential minerals improve how our bodies absorb and use water, keeping our cells hydrated and functioning optimally. That means better energy, improved focus, and a stronger immune system (Dr. Axe). According to insights from The Huberman Lab Podcast, electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium are critical for everything from mental clarity to endurance and immunity.
Supercharge Your Immune System
A well-hydrated and balanced body is naturally more resistant to colds, flu, and other seasonal bugs. Mineral salts help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, making it easier for your body to fight off infections (Dr. Berg). Chris Kresser highlights how the right mineral balance keeps the immune system strong and adaptive, helping us recover faster and stay healthy longer.
Easy Ways to Add Mineral Salts to Your Routine
Upgrade Your Cooking: Swap out processed table salt for mineral-rich options like Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan salt to add flavor and essential nutrients to your meals. Increase iodine levels elsewhere if you do (for example: eggs, oysters, Greek yogurt and cod fish)!
Level Up Your Hydration: Stir a pinch of mineral salt into your water to enhance absorption and maintain steady energy throughout the day.
Relax & Recharge: Soak in a warm bath with mineral salts like Dead Sea salt to ease muscle tension, detoxify your skin, and unwind after a long day.
Remember, no medical advice here, just tips for a healthier lifestyle! Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen.
For a deeper dive and links to resources, click here.
3/5/2025