A healthy digestive system is a crucial aspect of total body health, but it’s not always obvious what you can do to improve your digestive system. Taking a probiotic is a step in the right direction, but there are also some natural things you can do to improve your digestive health. In today’s blog, we share seven ways you can work to naturally improve your digestion.
How You Can Improve Your Digestive Health
Here’s a look at a number of ways that you can improve your digestive health.
- Choose Real Over Processed – Processed foods are often packed with trans fats, which can negatively affect our gut health and even lead to an increased likelihood of developing an inflammatory bowel condition. Choose “real” foods without a lot of refined carbohydrates or saturated fats.
- Hydrate – Staying hydrated helps your digestive system function properly, and it also helps to reduce your risk of constipation. Water and herbal teas are great ways to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Increase Fiber Intake – Soluble fiber absorbs water and can help you pass healthy stools, while insoluble fiber helps to clean the intestinal tract and keep everything moving along as it should. Vegetables, whole grains, nuts and oats are all good sources of fiber.
- Destress – While this may be easier said than done, working to reduce stress in your life can also help keep your digestive system working properly. When your body is stressed, it releases hormones that can negatively impact your digestive system, so find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Regular Exercise – Another great way to help regulate your digestive system is with regular exercise. Exercise helps push food through your digestive system, which in turn can help to prevent constipation.
- Chew and Slow Down – Thoroughly chewing your food and slowing down when you eat can also make the digestive process a little easier on your body. Your body doesn’t have to work as hard to break down food if it’s been chewed thoroughly, and slowing down can help avoid air intake that can lead to gas and bloating.
- Avoid Late Night Eating – Finally, don’t eat a big meal if you’re going to head to bed soon. Your body needs time to digest food, and it doesn’t want to be doing this when the rest of the body is trying to sleep. Sleeping on a full stomach can also increase your risk of acid reflux.
If you can do these seven things, you’ll be doing right by your digestive health. But if a problem develops or persists, pick up the phone and give Dr. Bhatti and his team a call today.
