Digestion: The First Step to Gut Health

Oral Health

Your gut health starts in your mouth. Surprised? Let’s imagine you’re a little lax with oral care—brushing most days and flossing a few times a week. Now think about a day when you brushed once and skipped flossing. Recall all the foods you ate: were they processed, sugary, or rich in carbohydrates? That residue clings to your teeth, gums, and tongue, feeding bacteria, viruses, and yeast in your oral microbiome. You swallow all of that, sending it straight to your gut. See the connection?

Here’s how to support your oral health for better digestion:

• Brush 2x (or more!) Daily: This clears food debris and residue, preventing cavities and starving opportunistic bugs that thrive on sugar and processed foods.

• Floss Daily: Debris between your teeth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Flossing not only removes this debris but also stimulates your gums, reducing the risk of gum disease.

• Ditch Conventional Mouthwash: Skip the Listerine! “Kills 99.9% of germs” means obliterating good bacteria too. Instead, try rinsing with salt water or check out my natural mouth rinse recipe.

• Choose Toothpaste Wisely: Many toothpastes are loaded with sweeteners that can trigger sugar cravings. Opt for a tooth powder or a less sweet paste to avoid setting yourself up for a pastry or sugary cereal binge.

Chewing

Chewing might not be Instagram-worthy, but it’s critical for digestion and gut health. Your stomach is prepared to handle liquid, not chunks of kale or chicken. Once upon a time, humans lingered over meals. Today? It’s all about eating on the go. Let’s slow down:

• Chew Your Food: Use your 28-32 teeth (thank you, evolution!) to tear and grind your food. Aim to chew each bite 20-30 times until it’s liquid before swallowing.

• Close Your Mouth: Burping or gas after meals? If you’re shoveling food with an open mouth, you’re also swallowing air. Your mom was right: chew with your mouth closed.

• Step Away from Screens: Eating while glued to your phone or laptop is a recipe for distraction, faster eating, and stress—all digestion killers. Engage with a friend or enjoy some people-watching instead.

• Take a Moment: Before diving in, prepare your body for food. Try a few box breaths or express gratitude. Shifting into “rest and digest” mode ensures your stomach is ready to do its job, reducing gas, bloating, and burping.

Focusing on digestion is the foundation of gut health. These small but effective changes can make a big impact, setting you up for success as we kick off Gut Health Month in the Un-Perfect Collective. Get ready to feel the difference—from your first bite to your last chew.