How Stomach Acid Fuels Your Gut Health

The Power of pH: How Stomach Acid Fuels Your Gut Health

When it comes to health, stomach acidity probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But what if I told you this unsung hero of your digestive system does more than just break down food? From helping your body absorb vital nutrients to acting as a powerful shield against harmful invaders, stomach acid plays a critical role in keeping you healthy. Let’s dive into why maintaining the right balance of acidity is essential and how it might be the missing piece to unlocking better digestion, stronger immunity, and overall well being. 

The Role of Stomach Acidity

Most people don’t attribute issues like anxiety, hormonal imbalances, or digestive troubles to stomach acidity. However, stomach acids play a vital role beyond breaking down food. Here’s why they’re essential:

  • Nutrient Absorption: Stomach acids facilitate the absorption of important nutrients, ensuring that your cells receive what they need to function optimally.
  • Regulating Digestive Enzymes: Proper acidity levels help regulate enzymes that manage various digestive processes.
  • Defense Against Pathogens: Stomach acids are one of your body’s primary defenses against harmful bacteria, pathogens, allergens, and toxins. By killing or deactivating these invaders, they prevent infections.

The Importance of pH Levels

The pH level is a measure of acidity or basicity of a liquid. For stomach acid, a normal pH level ranges from 1.5 to 3.5. To put this into perspective, battery acid has a pH level of 1. This acidity is crucial because:

  • It aids in extracting nutrients from the food you consume.
  • It ensures your stomach operates efficiently by neutralizing pathogens that could lead to illness.

Factors That Affect Stomach Acidity

Several factors can alter your stomach’s acidity, leading to either low or high acidity levels:

Causes of Low Acidity

  • Prolonged Use of Antacids: These can reduce stomach acid over time.
  • Significant Stress: Chronic stress can impair digestion and lower acidity.
  • Eating Too Quickly: This can lead to improper digestion and lower acid levels.
  • Food Sensitivities and High Sugar Intake: Both can disrupt normal acidity levels.

Symptoms of Low Acidity

  • Bloating
  • Iron deficiencies
  • Headaches
  • Increased susceptibility to bacterial and yeast overgrowth

Causes of High Acidity

  • Overconsumption of Coffee and Alcohol: These can increase stomach acid production.
  • Processed Foods and Carbonated Sodas: These items can disrupt acid balance.
  • Smoking and Certain Medications: Both can contribute to elevated acidity levels.

Symptoms of High Acidity

  • Heartburn immediately after eating
  • Burping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensation of food being stuck in the throat

Maintaining Proper Stomach Acidity

To ensure your stomach acidity remains at a healthy level, consider the following tips:

  • Monitor your intake of acidic foods and beverages.
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise.
  • Eat mindfully, taking time to chew and savor your food.
  • Be aware of any food sensitivities and adjust your diet accordingly.

Understanding and maintaining proper stomach acidity is crucial for your overall health. By keeping these factors in mind, you can support your digestive system and enhance your body’s natural defenses. Stay informed and proactive in managing your health!

salt and vinegar chips

Salt & Vinegar No-Tatoe Chips

Prep Time: 35min
Cook Time: 12min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. radishes, thinly sliced (using a mandoline or knife)
  • 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well) 
  • Vegetable broth or water (for spritzing)
  • Zoe pink salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Soak Radishes: Place thinly sliced radishes in a bowl and cover with vinegar. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor and reduce bitterness. 
  • Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain and pat the radishes dry with a paper towel.
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Season Radishes: In a bowl, lightly spritz the drained radish slices with vegetable broth or water. Sprinkle with Zoe pink salt and freshly cracked black pepper, mixing until evenly coated. 
  • Arrange in Air Fryer: Lay the radish slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. 
  • Air Fry: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning

 

 

 

 

 

goal blog photo

Ready, Set, Goal: Crush the New Year with Soul, Spirit, and Body in Harmony

Ahh, the time is here! The season of sparkly lights, warm mugs of cocoa, and, yes, those infamous New Year’s resolutions. “New Year, New You!” we chant. It’s fun and exciting to jump on the resolution bandwagon. But let’s be real for a second, how many times have we set a big goal on January 1st, only to have it fade into the background by February? (Guilty as charged, right?)

Here’s the thing: There’s a HUGE difference between simply setting goals and being goal oriented. And we’re going to chat about how to take your goals from fleeting dreams to fabulous realities with your soul, spirit, and body in the mix.

What’s the Difference?

  • Setting goals: It’s the act of writing down a specific thing you want to achieve. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I’m going to run a 5k.”
  • Being goal-oriented: This takes it to the next level. It means actively working toward those goals every day—celebrating wins, learning from stumbles, and keeping that drive alive.

So, how do we go from goal setting to goal crushing? Let’s break it down!

4 Steps to Becoming a Goal-Oriented Rockstar

Step 1: Choose a Specific Goal (Be Realistic)

Pick something you can actually accomplish! Dream big, yes, but keep it manageable. Instead of saying, “I want to lose all the weight I’ve ever gained,” try, “I want to lose 10 pounds over the next 3 months by eating healthy and staying active.”

Step 2: Align Your Goal with Your Vision and Values

Ask yourself: Why do I want this? When your goal lines up with your deeper “why,” it’s easier to stay motivated. For example, if your vision is to feel stronger and more energetic for your family, remind yourself of that every time you’re tempted to skip a healthy habit. 

Step 3: Track Your Progress (Hold Yourself Accountable)

Tracking is your BFF. Write down your progress in a journal, use a fitness app, or create a fun chart you can hang on your fridge. If your goal is to eat more nourishing meals, snap photos of your plate or keep a food diary. Seeing progress (no matter how small) fuels your fire!

Step 4: Celebrate Progress

Pop the confetti and do a happy dance when you hit milestones. Celebrating doesn’t mean stopping; It means recognizing how far you’ve come. Maybe you treat yourself to a new workout outfit or take a relaxing self care day. Small wins deserve big smiles!

An Example in Action

Let’s say your goal is to move your body more.

  • Goal Setter Mindset: You write, “I want to exercise more in 2024.”
  • Goal-Oriented Mindset: You say, “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk 3 times a week.” Then you:
    • Add walking time to your calendar like an important meeting.
    • Find a buddy to walk with and make it fun
    • Track your steps and reward yourself with a new playlist when you hit a streak.
    • Celebrate when you’ve walked consistently for a month and feel AMAZING!

The Perfect Time to Start? NOW!

You don’t have to wait until January 1st to change your mindset and become goal oriented. Start small today. Take one action step. Drink a glass of water, go for a quick stretch, or write down a single goal that excites you. The key is consistency and keeping your soul, spirit, and body in balance.

2025 is YOUR year, but why not get a head start? Let’s make the magic happen together!

creating-a-support-group

Creating a support group!

Don’t Tackle Your Health & Wellness Goals Alone
Why having a support system is essential

We are influenced by the people we spend time with. Our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes are significantly shaped by the people we surround ourselves with. Think about who you spend the most time with and how they impact your ability to reach your goals, especially when it comes to your health and wellness goals?

Adopting new lifestyle changes can be a challenge, which is why it’s important to have a strong and positive support system in your corner, cheering you on. Research shows that having family and friends who are supportive of your healthy eating and exercise goals improves your long-term weight-loss success.

It’s easy to get discouraged if your spouse, family, or close friends do not support the positive changes you’re trying to make for reasons that may include them not wanting to make similar changes or feelings of jealousy because you’re losing weight and look great. While this is disappointing, do not let their negativity affect you. Your dedication and progress may eventually influence them to join you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Many clients notice that it’s easier to stay on track by spending time with people who are focused on a healthy lifestyle. As you begin new activities, try to connect with new friends. Having someone to talk with and share your feelings of frustration and accomplishments is not only therapeutic but motivating.

Don’t tackle your goals alone. Our health coaches are also here to help you on your journey and to provide the support and knowledge you need to achieve your health and wellness goals.

zoe-meditation

Meditation

Finding Spiritual Alignment through Meditation

Those who are spiritually aligned know that their dreams are within their grasp and know what they need to do to achieve them. If you’re wondering, How can I be spiritually aligned?, one of the best ways is through meditation.

Meditation is used to release and settle your thoughts and emotions. It also relaxes your nervous system and helps your body unwind from stress. Spiritual meditation can help you realize who you really are, so you can let go of the past and embrace peace.

Do you wake up feeling like something is off?

Do you feel disconnected from yourself or others in a way you can’t quite put your finger on?

Do you find that your reality is not aligned with your heart’s desires?

You aren’t alone; meditation can help.

First, make time for yourself. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to sit quietly without any distractions. (Yes, I understand that this might be the most difficult step.)

Take slow, deep breaths, and release anything that is weighing you down with every exhale. Think of those negative thoughts, feelings, or even people as the air you’re releasing. You can even soak in a warm bath, listen to soothing music, or both at the same time.

If you need help getting into a meditation mindset, there are guided meditations you can find online through many reputable sources.

Giving up is no longer an option when you can connect with yourself and your purpose, and meditation is a great way to find inner peace.

Overcome obstacles. Note is written on a white sticker that hangs with a clothespin on a rope on a background of beige wall

Overcoming Obstacles

With life, comes unpredictability, and with unpredictability, comes barriers. Through our guidance, you’ll learn how to quickly jump these hurdles and move forward, carefree.
You’ll notice obstacles arising throughout your journey that can distract and pull you away from your goals. You can expect and anticipate these, and by doing so, you’ll soon shift your perspective so that these barriers are no longer roadblocks that require lengthy and complicated detours. Instead, think of these barriers as hurdles that we can learn to swiftly and skillfully avoid, without obstructing your journey. Maybe you’re a social eater, and you’re headed to a friend’s birthday party. Maybe you have a vacation coming up, and you know the buffet’s temptation will be too great. Or, maybe you eat habitually, and your obstacle is learning to break that habit. Regardless of what your barriers are, learning how to identify them is the first step in navigating around them.

These hurdles can be mental blocks, emotional situations, social events, the list goes on. To take the approach in identifying these things, think about situations that you know would bring about stress and would possibly hinder you from sticking to your typical schedule. It’s not unusual to find and experience multiple hurdles within this journey, but they don’t need to prevent your success.

Regardless of the specific problem, the tips and suggestions for jumping these hurdles are able to address multiple situations. These are also healthy and helpful lifelong strategies that can benefit you past your Zoe60 journey. Consider giving any, or all of these a try!

Feeling Snackish? – physical hunger rooted cravings may be one of the easiest obstacles to help yourself out with. For starters, try (specific amount of) apple cider vinegar. This is a natural appetite suppressant and will help immensely in subsiding your cravings. If you find that worked at first but are still hungry, allow yourself a shake! This is our craving crusher, and you don’t need to worry about one shake stalling your weight loss.

Social events – try planning meals around it, eating beforehand, and setting boundaries for yourself. Acknowledge your cravings, and try to understand them before you ignore and push them off. Trying to completely ignore your cravings leaves them looming over you and can lead to them seeming much more powerful and overwhelming than they need to be.

Vacations – speak with your coach, and your support system. Having an accountability partner to support you during your vacation might help you to stick to your routine.

Eating emotionally – assess where your hunger is coming from. Is it coming from stress, sadness, boredom, or any other emotion? Take 20 minutes and wait to see if your craving will pass, perhaps confide in your coach or accountability partner, or try distracting yourself with something new or entertaining!

Going to the buffet – head to the fruits and vegetables first and fill the plate mainly there! Next, move to your proteins, followed by seasonings, and leaving any additional sides to come last. This allows less room for these on your plate, and your stomach! pay attention to when your body is satisfied and full, not stuffed.

We are eager to let you know that your wellness coach along your journey is prepared and ready to help you through every step of your transformation. Your 15, 30, and 45 day follow ups with your coach are great opportunities for us to ask questions, and for you to bring up any concerns you have. However, your success is our happiness. By contacting your coach along your journey aside from the follow ups, we will be able to get ahead of any potential barrier and work with you through it!