The digestive system plays a major role in our overall health, it brings nutrients which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Unfortunately, when we neglect our digestive health, we will start experiencing digestive problems such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Here are 7 tips to help improve your digestion:
Eat Plenty of Fiber
High-fiber diet that is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes can improve your digestion. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, it absorbs water, and adds bulk to stool, which can decrease constipation and help maintain bowel health.
Change Your Diet
Reducing the amount of processed food that are high in refined carbs and saturated fat, can contribute to better digestive health. Eating plenty of fiber, healthy fat and lean protein can improve your digestion and protect you against digestive diseases.
Increase Probiotics in Your Diet
At the right levels, probiotics improve digestion, promote nutrient absorption and lower PH level in the colon, which might help stool move faster and can decrease constipation. The most common foods that naturally contain probiotics are are yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, and some cheeses.
Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is important for your digestion. Water helps break down food, softens stool, and prevent constipation. Increase your water intake by drinking non-caffeinated beverages and eating fruits and vegetables that have high-water content such as cucumber, spinach, tomato, oranges and watermelon.
Limit Artificial Sweeteners
Try to limit sweeteners intake as they might change the balance of bacteria in your gut. However, there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners cause digestive problems, more studies are needed to determine their effects on our digestive system.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can cause digestive issues such as IBS, ulcers, constipation and diarrhea. Reducing stress can help improve symptoms.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise may promote digestion and reduce symptoms of constipation as it increases blood flow to the digestive system, which will make it work more effectively.
Finally, ditching bad habits health quest, diet and lifestyle changes may help improve your digestion and relieve uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
