Remaining healthy has to do with what you consume and the care you take of your body. To feel and look your best, including an adequate digestive system, take the time to consider your lifestyles choices and how you can change them for the better.
The digestive system is crucial for your body’s functioning because it is how your body gets the nutrients it needs to operate properly. If you don’t take care of your digestive system, many problems can occur that will impact every aspect of your life. Below is a list of nine tips to improve your digestive system’s functioning resulting in better health overall.
1. High Fiber Diet
A diet that includes ample fiber, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, helps with digestion. Fiber in the diet helps your body move food through the digestive tract making you less likely to get constipated or develop other digestion related conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fiber rich foods are generally healthier for you, a diet rich in fibrous foods can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Your weight has an impact on your overall health and digestion.
2. Insoluble and Soluble Fiber
The importance of fiber in the diet has been discussed, however, there are two types of fiber that are equally as important. Insoluble fiber cannot be digested by the human body, whereas soluble fiber draws in water during digestion.
Both are needed for adequate digestion, too much or too little of either can negatively impact your body. Insoluble fiber is found in vegetables and whole grain, good sources of soluble fiber is nuts, seeds and legumes.
3. Avoid High Fat Foods
Foods that are high in fat slow down the digestion process which can cause complications. That being said, fat is still a necessary component to a person’s diet. To prevent excessive slowing of the digestion process, pair high fat foods with high fiber foods.
Meat is a common food that can be high in fat but is necessary to consume for a complete diet. Choose low fat meats, like skinless chicken and pork loin, because you will still get the protein you need without slowing down digestion.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics are the healthy, natural bacteria in your digestive system. Combatting effects related to poor diet and stress, enhanced nutrient absorption, and strengthened immune system are all related to the consumption of probiotics.
Yogurt, kefir and other fermented foods are rich in probiotics and should be consumed frequently as a part of your diet to promote healthy digestion.
5. Scheduled Eating Times
Eating meals and snacks at the same time on a daily basis helps keep your digestive tract in check. Make an effort to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at the same time everyday.
6. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water is associated with many benefits, including a healthy digestive system. Water, in conjunction with fiber consumption, helps the digestion process go much smoother.
7. Exercise
Regular physical activity helps move food through your digestive system. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight for your body is part of taking care of your digestive system.
8. Stress Management
Too much stress can cause your body to go into overdrive which has an impact on your digestive system. Take the time to participate in activities that help you de-stress.
9. Eliminate Bad Habits
Alcohol, coffee and cigarettes negatively impact all aspects of your body. The proper functioning of your digestive tract is compromised when any of these substance are consumed. Try to minimize or eliminate these substances from your diet and daily life.
