Let’s talk about digestion…preferably over lunch!

There’s almost no conversation I like more than one that involves the topic of digestion. Like every grown ass woman with a 4th grade sense of humor, I love talking about all of the things that happen in and around the gut. My fascination with digestion might have something to do with the fact that I’m an ultra runner, where the topic of digestion is never off limits or too gross or it could be that I simply never outgrew a good fart joke (or just the sheer hilarity of a loud, peculiar sounding fart in real life).

 

Whatever the reason, I was super jazzed when I got an invite to attend a fancy, schmancy luncheon at St. Jack hosted by Enzymedica to talk about digestive health and how enzymes play an important role in our overall health and well-being.

And the event did not disappoint.

I was not only surrounded by the finest foodie writers, bloggers, trainers and journalists in Portland…

we were also given an awesome kitchen tour and mussel demonstration by Chef Aaron Barnett (who’s both an amazing restauranteur and chef…not to mention an extremely funny guy). And while I don’t eat mussels, it was really interesting to watch a genius at work in his laboratory. 

 

After the kitchen tour and mussel demo (and yes, I’m talking mussels, not muscles…), we were seated for lunch and presented with an informative and interesting conversation about enzymes and their role in our digestive health.

But before I get into the nitty gritty of what I learned about enzyme health, let’s take a hot second to salivate over the food….because…it was DELICIOUS! And #sorrynotsorry, some gratuitous food  photos are a must.

While the majority of the table started with a salad and an Enzymedica Spectrum tablet or two (for those daring enough), I had to order the soup…because of the promise of a cheesy crouton (#breadcleanse y’all!). And besides I was 3 yoga classes deep and STARVING when I arrived. But who needs an excuse? Oh and of course  I popped that enzyme pill. If everyone else at the meal was going to be on some next level digestion train, you know I was all aboard…

And ok, back to the soup…it was the star of the meal. All you salad eaters are reading this and have major, major FOMO. And you should.

Next up, I had some sort of onion tarte -I’d say the best part about it was the soft boiled egg on top (so clutch) and it was good but as far as the meal goes, I’m still on team soup.

Last up was dessert – a mini little mason jar of chocolate pudding like deliciousness. I’m not big on puddings or pudding like things but this was REALLY GOOD. It was so good that I took mine to go – just like grandma taught me – I tucked that little pot of chocolate away in my bag and was back on my way to work (it didn’t last the 7 minute Uber ride…).

While we were chowing down on a delicious meal, we were having a conversation about digestive health with Amy Pereira, an Enzyme Educator for Enzymedica. And while it might seem weird to some people to be shoveling spoonfuls of creamy tomato soup in your mouth while talking to a group of mostly strangers about digestion, to me it just seemed awesome. No fart, bloat, poop reference was off the table.

And what I learned is that enzymes are where its at. Let’s back up.

If you weren’t already aware, the digestive system is the most important system of the body. You need oxygen and nutrients to supply the body’s cells on a regular basis. And since you’re not going to stop breathing at will, how you get nutrients to your cells…ie DIGESTION…is super interesting (not to mention important!).

If you’re reading this and yawning, you’re probably a super pooper – one of those people who poop a solid two times a day, like clockwork, every single day and are taking probiotics just to keep your edge. Yeah, yeah, we get it, you feel like your digestive system is on fleek – well, I say read anyway. The role of enzymes and your digestion is so super important that I’d be willing to bet even you digestion all-stars could use some enzymes in your diet.

And here’s why:

• Just like you need your Amazon Prime account to survive, your cells need you to deliver nutrients with good digestion. And if for some reason, your digestive system is compromised (like that time you ate 3 am street tacos in Mexico), your cells won’t get what they need…and this, my friends can lead to disease and even illness
• And here’s a shocker…GMOS and processed foods put strain on your digestive track. And even if you think you skip GMOS and processed foods entirely, the reality is that you probably don’t. Unless you’re growing and making every single thing you eat from scratch..Anyway, enzymes can help provide the support your body needs to ensure digestion, even in the hairiest of situations
• Digestive enzymes and those probiotics you’re probably already taking can also help combat cancer by keeping your digestive track on point
• You ordered the salad, good for you! But hey, you won’t even benefit from ordering a healthy meal unless you’re digesting those healthy foods. Whhaa…what? Yep. You can have all the best nutrition in the world and it won’t do you any good unless you’re properly digesting it. So why not support that shit (pun intended)  with digestive enzymes?
• Nerves, anxiety, stress can all compromise our digestive track. And you know it’s true. We’ve all been there – whether we’re so totally worked up and feel like we could crap our pants at any moment…or scared shitless…anyone? Again, here’s where a digestive enzyme could really aid us in healthy functions.

So there you have it. Enzymes are good for your digestion. And good digestion is good for your overall health, well-being and let’s face it, social life. Any questions? Ask your doctor, not me. 🙂

Stay sweaty friends!

XOXO

Jamie