Your digestive system plays a crucial role on your health as it is the one responsible for breaking down the food that you eat into nutrients that are then absorbed by your body. If it becomes compromised because of your lifestyle and food choices, chances are, you will be susceptible to various health issues like constipation, fatigue, irritability, bloat, and the like.
Fortunately, keeping your digestion up and running smoothly is possible as long as you know what to do. If you are wondering how you will be able to maintain a healthy digestive system, try these steps out.
- Get soluble and insoluble fiber. It is important that you consume both soluble and insoluble fiber as these two can affect your digestion in different ways. Soluble fiber prevents your stool from becoming too watery by drawing water in. On the other hand, insoluble fiber, also referred to as roughage, isn’t really absorbed by your digestive system but rather it adds bulk to your stool for easy passage.
- Add probiotics. Our digestive system contains different bacteria which is why you need to make sure that there is a healthy balance in your gut. One way to ensure that healthy flora is present in your stomach is by adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are present in yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods.
- Opt for lean meats. Another way to keep your digestive system running smoothly is to choose lean meats. Lean meats are better compared to those with fat in them because they can deliver more proteins to your body that can aid your digestion. Choose healthy cuts the next time you buy food such as pork loin and skinless chicken breasts.
- Eat slowly. The problem with us nowadays is that we are too busy that we don’t even slow down when we’re eating. Shoveling food down your throat is not really a good idea as you are not giving your stomach the chance to digest the food. Taking your time to actually chew the food and eat small bites is one way to help your digestive system do its work. Plus, you’ll feel fuller faster without eating more than is necessary.
- Don’t forget to drink. Staying hydrated is necessary for your digestion which is why you should make it a point to drink up to 8 glasses of water per day or more depending on how active you are. Water helps in flushing out all the toxins from your body and it can also help make things easier for your digestive system too.
- Learn to meditate and relax. Stress does not affect your emotions only but it can also make your digestion worse. If you are constantly exposed to stressful situations, you shouldn’t be surprised if you suffer from an upset stomach. This is why it’s always a good thing to learn how to meditate and relax to so that your digestion will go back to functioning normally.
