Hakeem’s Corner: We Are What We Eat, and What We Digest
by Hakeema Raziya A. Mumin
The Importance of Healthy Digestion
It is reported in the Hadiths of the Holy Rasul (s.a.w.):
“The human being has never filled a container worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few bites to strengthen his back. If he must eat more, then let him allocate one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.”
Good health begins with a healthy digestive system. Unfortunately, the stomach is one of the most abused organs in the body. It was not designed to process excessive amounts of artificial foods, chemical additives, dyes, pesticides, and other unnatural substances. The digestion of wholesome, natural foods supports overall health and well-being.
In many cases, digestion is hindered because people eat and drink at the same time. This practice can dilute stomach acids and digestive enzymes, slowing the digestive process. Overeating is another common cause of digestive distress.
It is difficult to maintain good health if food is not being digested properly. The colon contains lymphatic vessels that play an important role in removing waste from the body. Diets high in heavily processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial food products can place additional strain on these systems. When food is not properly digested, the body may not efficiently utilize nutrients, and digestive discomfort can result.
For many people, eating has become more than a necessity—it has become a pastime, an adventure, or even an addiction. While the stomach is a remarkably resilient organ, it does have limits. Chemical additives, processed foods, and genetically modified foods can make digestion more difficult and disrupt the natural processes of the digestive tract. Too often, taste takes priority over long-term health consequences.
Poor digestion has been associated with numerous health complaints, including constipation, inflammation, allergies, and other chronic conditions. Many medications used to relieve digestive symptoms may provide temporary relief, but prolonged use can sometimes affect the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.
Antacids, for example, reduce stomach acid. However, stomach acid serves an important purpose: it helps break down food and supports proper digestion. Excessive use of antacids may interfere with the stomach’s natural digestive functions, potentially contributing to digestive imbalance and discomfort.
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common digestive complaint that can result from inadequate or improper digestive secretions. When the body’s natural digestive processes are disrupted, overall health may suffer. Because digestion affects nutrient absorption and bodily function, maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential.
Digestion begins in the mouth. Properly chewing food is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support digestion. Thorough chewing breaks food into smaller particles, making it easier for digestive enzymes to do their work.
Another common problem is overeating, which places excessive stress on the digestive system. One of the most harmful habits is eating and drinking excessively at the same time. This can dilute digestive acids and enzymes, potentially leading to stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and poor nutrient absorption. Drinking water approximately 15 minutes before a meal or 30 minutes after eating may help support digestion by allowing stomach acids to work more efficiently.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Allah Ta’ala has made fasting during daylight hours obligatory for Muslims. Fasting gives the digestive system an opportunity to rest and may provide both preventive and restorative benefits for the body.
Suggestions for Better Digestion (Insha’Allah)
- If you are able, consider following an all-fruit diet (preferably naturally grown fruits with seeds and without chemical treatments) for about five days. If you feel weak afterward, transition to lighter foods that are easy to digest for several days.
- After the fruit diet, consider a vegetable-based diet for five days, including soft vegetables, broths, and soups.
- Upon rising, drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or two tablespoons of lemon juice mixed in an 8-ounce glass of water.
- Drink one cup each of freshly juiced beets, spinach, and apples.
- Add one teaspoon of liquid chlorophyll, fresh mint sprigs, and a squeeze of lemon to a glass of water for a refreshing drink.
- Eat homemade yogurt and buttermilk regularly.
- Prepare homemade kimchi using cabbage, peppers, ginger, garlic, and carrots (omitting fish sauce if desired). Kimchi contains beneficial bacteria that support digestive health.
- Include ginger chutney in your diet.
- Drink coconut water regularly.
Herbs Traditionally Used to Support Digestion
Many herbs have traditionally been used to aid digestion, including:
Buckthorn bark, sarsaparilla root, anise seed, fennel, senna pods, jalap, peppermint, ginger, hyssop, chamomile, cayenne, bay leaves, bayberry, aloe, slippery elm, wild yam, ginseng, Dong Quai, papaya leaves, spearmint, and catnip.
Another important aspect of digestive health is understanding the foods you eat. Foods possess different qualities—they may be alkaline, acidic, sweet, cooling, warming, or neutral. Consistently consuming highly acidic foods may contribute to an imbalance within the body. Learning to include a balance of foods can promote overall wellness. When in doubt, many health practitioners recommend emphasizing more alkaline-forming foods as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Proper digestion is essential for good health. Eating probiotic foods such as homemade yogurt can help support beneficial gut bacteria. A conscious effort should be made to improve dietary habits. Excessive consumption of processed foods, chemical additives, and pesticide-laden produce may contribute to digestive concerns.
A simple, wholesome diet that is easy to digest can have a positive impact on your health and quality of life. Read food labels carefully, make informed choices, and eat when you are genuinely hungry rather than out of habit.
This timeless guidance from the Holy Rasul reminds us of the importance of moderation and self-discipline in maintaining both physical and spiritual well-being.
References;
- Medicine of the Prophet (s.a.w) by Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyya
- Hakim notes from our beloved Murshid Sheikh Syed Mubarak Ali Shah Gillani
- Herbs for Health by Dr. Otto Mausert
- Dr. Sebi Cook Book by Dr. Sebi
- Health Library.com
- African Holistic Health by Llaila O. Afrika