Boost your digestive system
The digestive system is probably the most important organ system of our body. While we may actively take care of our cardiovascular, urinary tract, skin, and neurological systems, we need to keep in mind our digestive system too.
A healthy digestive system – Why?
Improper functioning of our digestive system is reflected bodily at multiple levels. Problems with digestion make it difficult for us to enjoy life to the fullest. For example, did you know that constipation can be a reason for you to never get completely rid of the pimple problem? Imagine going for dinner where all your favorite food is being served, but you cannot eat much because of bloating and gas? All these would not have occurred if you had your digestive system functioning in proper order! Here are a few tips on how to care for your digestive system!
Eat your fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables have an array of vitamins and minerals that can work wonders for your digestive health. Besides they have the highest amount of fibre in them that keeps your digestive system clean and fresh. Fibres enhance your bowel function, make you feel full without the calories, and prevent constipation and diverticulosis
Add a probiotic to your diet
Probiotic foods include yoghurt, soy, and several types of fermented food. Probiotic foods have the capacity to produce bacteria similar to the ones in our bodies. These bacteria help in the various functions of the digestive tract.
Reduce the fat and sugar in your diet
Fats and sugars are extremely harmful to the digestive system. They are responsible for stomach aches and constipation. One way to cut down on them is to avoid processed foods as they contain a lot of hidden fats and sugars.
Drink loads of water
A minimum of 2 liters of water daily with a high-fiber diet is the best thing you can give to your digestive health. This will surely improve the efficiency of your digestive system. People involved in physical labor and those who exercise a lot are recommended to increase the intake of water.
Eat small meals
The digestive system is just like any of us. We do not like to be overburdened with too much of work at a time, so does our digestive system. The way the system is designed, it can digest only small quantities of food at a time. Too much food will only cause heartburn, acidity, and reflux.
Keep eating every two hours
The digestive juices are constantly being created in our stomachs and intestines. It is vital that we give the system a chance to use these acidic juices by eating regularly. If you stay on an empty stomach for long periods of time, it will mean that all the digestive juices being produced is wasted. These acidic juices will only end up corroding the inner lining of your stomach and you will find yourself suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers!
Exercise regularly
What is good for the whole body is definitely good for your digestive system too. Regular exercise will help your digestive system in good functioning order. Remember to walk around a bit once you have had your meals. Sitting around or sleeping immediately after eating will only add to you bloating and acidity problem.
Beat the stress
A stressful life has been identified as a leading cause for gastric troubles like ulcers. Slow your pace and find time to do things that relax you, like yoga, meditation, reading, or listening to music. Besides overall health, these methods give a boost to the digestive health too.
Stop smoking
Nothing can be as harmful as smoking to your digestive health. When you smoke, the nicotine in the cigarette weakens the esophageal valve leading to reflux and acidity problems. Smokers are also known to suffer from gastric ulcers and Crohn’s disease in large numbers. A variety of digestive system cancers can be attributed to smoking!
Reduce your alcohol intake
Alcohol interferes with the acid secretion, stomach muscles, and nutrient absorption. Too many drinks can cause diarrhea, liver disorders, heartburn, and even esophageal cancers
Chew well to avoid bloating
When you eat mindlessly, you end up just gulping down the food without chewing it properly. This causes a lot of air to enter your system and leaves you feeling bloated and burping. To avoid this, concentrate on your food and chew it well.
Choose lean meats
Proteins are important for our body and one of their richest sources is meat. Meat comes with protein and unwanted fat that can make digestion a slow and difficult process. Therefore choose lean meat that contains only protein like fish or skinned poultry. What you eat and the quality of your digestive health are related. Following the simple steps that you just read will help make sure it’s always a happy relationship.
