Nothing's easy if your digestion isn't.  Many people complain of digestion system discomfort - ranging from acid reflux and constipation to gas and bloating. Often, a focused shift to a whole foods diet can do wonders to clear up digestion discomfort.  Other times it's necessary to add in special supplements and superfoods to get back on track.

Here are a few basics for easy summer digestion: 

Ease up on summertime foods which disrupt the digestion system.  These include: ice cream, hot and spicy barbecue, junk food and excess alcohol. 

Take a daily probiotic supplement - Probiotic blends which contain multiple strains of beneficial bacteria are helpful for digestion for easing gas, constipation and diarrhea.  Good brands include Jarrowdophilus and Garden of Life's Primal Defense.

Increase your Fiber - Fiber is crucial for powerful, smooth digestion.  So, eat plenty of fiber-rich fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains.  Add ground flax seed to smoothies and salads for an extra boost for the digestion system.           

Cool down heart burn naturally .  Drink a few tablespoons of aloe vera juice once or twice a day to ease heart burn. Aloe vera is great for constipation as well.               

Calm a bubbling belly with kitchen herbs and spices.  Chew fennel and/or cumin seeds to ease gas and bloating and calm your digestion system.

Slow down.   Digestion starts before the food reaches your mouth.  Take the time to sit down for your meal.  Eat mindfully - pay attention to textures and flavors.  Chew food, especially carbohydrates, slowly and completely.  Slow, mindful eating is a good food digestion aid, which leads to smooth, easy digestion - and delightful satisfaction.

By Marian Buck-Murray MA HHC CNC Marian Buck-Murray is a Certified Nutritional Consultant, and Holistic Health Counselor.  She specializes in funk-busting foods and techniques to transform fatigue, immunity, digestion, overweight, and recovery from illness and surgery. For more information on digestion support visit: www.goodfoodsolutions.com