Wellness, Auto-Immune Disease, Anti-Aging, Gut
5 Mistakes That Are Wrecking Your Digestion!
Are you making one of these 5 digestion mistakes? If you are, it could be the reason behind your bloating, sluggish digestion, or mystery gut issues!
Most people don’t realize that the way they eat, chew, and even think about food can make or break digestion. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m breaking down The 5 C’s of Digestion—simple, often-overlooked corrections that can transform your gut health. And trust me, #5 is something you’re probably NOT doing—but it could make all the difference!
Oh, and before we dive in, let me ask you this… Do you ever actually look at your poop before flushing? Because you should, and I’m going to tell you why.
The 5 C’s of Digestion: Simple Fixes for a Happier Gut
✅ 1st C: CHOOSE – What you eat matters!
Your gut will struggle if you keep eating foods that don’t sit well with you—but it’s not always as simple as just avoiding them. Don’t get me wrong, Processed foods should always be eliminated, as they disrupt gut health, fuel inflammation, and weaken digestion.
However, not all natural foods that cause discomfort should be permanently avoided. Spicy and acidic foods, for example, aren’t inherently bad, but they can trigger symptoms in some people but may be well tolerated once gut healing takes place. If these foods cause issues, it’s important to figure out why rather than just eliminating them forever.
Gluten, on the other hand, is different. For most people struggling with gut issues, gluten contributes to inflammation and gut permeability. That’s why following a gluten-free diet is often necessary for healing. This isn’t about a short-term elimination—it’s about removing a known trigger that can sabotage gut repair.
Meanwhile, some food sensitivities stem from underlying gut imbalances rather than the food itself. That’s why elimination diets—like carnivore and low-FODMAP—can be useful tools to identify triggers while giving your gut a break. But the goal isn’t to avoid all whole foods forever. The goal is to heal your gut so you can tolerate more nourishing foods over time.
If certain foods are causing problems, don’t just cut them out forever—dig deeper into what’s really going on.
✅ 2nd C: CHEW - Because digestion starts in your mouth!
Most people don’t chew their food enough—and it’s wrecking their digestion.
🎯 Aim for 30 chews per bite, or better yet, think of liquefying your food before swallowing.
💡 A fun saying I learned from one of my mentors, Dr. Ricky Brar is: "Drink your solids and chew your liquids." This means chew your food until it’s basically liquid before swallowing, and even chew your smoothies and other liquids a bit before gulping them down to mix in your saliva where your digestive enzymes can start to break down your food so it can be absorbed by your body.
This is a tough one for me, I used to chew like a wood chipper, but I am a recovering scarfer.
✅ 3rd C: CHILL – Your nervous system controls digestion!
Digestion isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you eat. If you’re multitasking, stressed, or rushing through meals, your body stays in fight-or-flight mode, which shuts down digestion. This can lead to bloating, indigestion, and food sitting in your stomach like a brick.
Here’s why relaxing before eating matters:
✔ When you’re calm, blood flows to your digestive organs, allowing your stomach to produce more digestive enzymes and stomach acid to break down food properly.
✔ A relaxed nervous system improves gut motility, meaning food moves through your system smoothly—reducing bloating and constipation.
✔ Stress slows digestion and increases gut inflammation, making it harder to absorb nutrients.
Simple ways to CHILL before eating:
✔ Take a deep breath before your first bite.
✔ Avoid distractions—no scrolling, working, or watching stressful news.
✔ Set your fork down between bites to slow down and be present.
The more relaxed you are, the better your body digests food. If you’ve been eating in stress mode, this small shift could be a game-changer for your gut!
✅ 4th C: CHERISH - Yes, gratitude can improve digestion!
Your thoughts while eating matter. If you’re eating a salad while thinking, "Ugh, I hate this," your body responds differently than if you eat mindfully and with gratitude.
🙏 As a Christian, I like to pray over my food and give thanks. Studies even show that mindful eating improves digestion and nutrient absorption!
✅ 5th C: CHECK - That’s right, look before you flush!
Your stool is one of the best health reports your body gives you—if you’re paying attention!
💡 What should you check?
✔ Color:
Of course other factors can influence your poop color, like eating a bunch of watermelon or Twizzlers could also make it red.
✔ Consistency: (Use the Bristol Stool Chart!)
✔ Greasy, oily stool? Likely poor fat digestion from low stomach acid, bile, or pancreatic enzymes.
🔎 Part 2 of CHECK: Get your gut tested!
If you have ongoing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or IBS symptoms not responding to traditional techniques, you may have an infection, SIBO, or gut dysbiosis that needs deeper investigation.
Recap: The 5 C’s to Better Digestion
✅ CHOOSE: Eat foods that support your gut.
✅ CHEW: Break food down properly before swallowing.
✅ CHILL: Eat in a relaxed state for optimal digestion.
✅ CHERISH: Be grateful for your food—it improves digestion.
✅ CHECK: Your poop tells you what’s really going on inside your gut!
📌 Make some of these shifts, let me know which improved your digestion the most!
👉 Next Up: In my next article, we will explore if Your Breath Could Be Wrecking Your Digestion! Here’s How to Fix It!
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Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general knowledge and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. All viewers should consult their healthcare provider before starting any medical program or treatment. Any action you take upon the information that you find within this content is strictly at your own risk. Neither Dr. Krystal Carey nor Jackpot Wellness will be liable for any damages or losses in connection with the content on this YouTube Channel.
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