Our digestive system does more than just break up food and give our bodies the nutrients and energy it needs. It is also responsible for keeping the rest of our body in working order. Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly is a great way to keep your body healthy. Also, getting plenty of sleep can help the body heal and repair. There are also things you can do and things you should not do to keep your digestive system functioning properly.
Stress – If you are highly-stressed, the connection from the brain to the gut can be affected. Obviously, stress cannot always be avoided, but having a great support system can help you when you encounter stressful situations. Also, determine successful ways to de-stress.
Walk – After you eat, engaging in gentle exercise can help with the digestive system. Taking a nightly stroll can help move food through the digestive tract and ease the chances of acid reflux or indigestion.
Reduce Gas – When you swallow air, it can cause gas by becoming trapped in the gut and this can be very uncomfortable. The habits that contribute to gas production are eating too quickly, chewing gum, and ingesting carbonated beverages. There are also certain foods like, broccoli, onions, apples, yogurt, and kidney beans that can create more gas than you would like in your digestive tract.
Probiotics – Having the good bacteria in your digestive system can help support a healthy tract. Fermented foods can help with this as well including, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and sourdough bread. Incorporating these in your diet can help fight any microorganisms that try to attack your digestive tract.
Fiber – Eating fiber is always a great option to improve digestion. It also helps with heart disease and the lowering of cholesterol. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, beans, and fruits and vegetables. You should also make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
Determine Food Allergies – If you are intolerant of certain foods, it may cause poor quality digestion. Some trigger foods can cause gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. Many food allergies are thought to be caused by an immune system that is weakened. A poor quality of bacteria in the gut can also lead to intolerances with certain foods. See a specialist to do testing on common trigger foods or keep a food diary to see when you tend to have discomfort.
Avoid antibiotics – Antibiotics are often prescribed for conditions that don’t require antibiotics. Do not use them more often than necessary, because they are killing the natural bacteria in your digestive system. Determine if there are any other alternative options that could help the issues you are having.
Don’t overclean – There are people who overclean and over-sanitize their homes and hands. If you are cleaning too much, your infants and your home will lack the gut microbes they need to stay safe. There is also an association with obesity and type 2 diabetes if your home is cleaned heavily with disinfectants.
