100º Soup

When we eat foods and drink beverages, they are converted in the stomach into a soupy mixture with digestive juices at 100°F just above normal body temperature. At that temperature, the enzymes and acids break down the food efficiently.

When we eat or drink foods that are cold, they must be warmed up by the body to 100°F. That takes a fair amount of energy. While the ingested materials are being warmed up, the stomach, and it’s digestive juices function inefficiently. The more we consume at cool temperature, the more energy it takes to warm it up and the less efficient the digestion. On the other hand, if food is consumed warm, (near 100°F) it is digested efficiently and our bodies need not expend unnecessary energy warming it up. 

Foods that are inadequately digested enter the intestines and cannot be easily absorbed. Therefore we miss out on some other nutrients, and the undigested food is used by the intestinal bacteria, producing gas, bloating and intestinal cramping. Diarrhea will be worsened by these conditions.

 BE MINDFUL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1/ Avoid very cold foods and beverages: be especially careful, about iced beverages, ice cream, and the like.

2/ Whenever possible, allow fresh foods to warm to room temperature, and cook foods, (and eat them while still warm if possible).

3/ When taking herbs, use warm water or tea to swallow them or follow up with some warm beverage.

A warm soup is an ideal way to get nourishment. It is already predigested by the cooking process, and it needs minimal digestive activity to make it absorbable. There are some ingredients that can be included to further warm up a meal: such as garlic, ginger, and green onions.