Great Tips For Healthy Digestion (Part I)
Great Tips For Healthy Digestion (Part I)
Of all our bodily functions, we probably focus more on our digestive system than any other. I’m sure one reason for this is that we have plenty of opportunities to touch base with our digestive tract and take a reading. After all, you get signals from your digestive system all day long.
Get regular exercise
Exercise isn’t just for the muscles you can see—it’s good for the smooth muscles of your digestive tract, too.
Exercise stimulates the muscles to contract, which keeps things “moving along.”
Exercise is also a great stress-reducer, which makes it particularly good for those whose digestive systems act up when they get stressed out.
Take your time eating and eliminating
When you eat too fast, not only does it lessen the enjoyment of your meal, but you’re more likely to swallow air which can lead to gas and bloating. When you eat too quickly, you’re more likely to overeat since it takes your stomach about 20 minutes to tell your brain that you’re full. And that can lead to further digestive discomfort.
Lastly, when nature calls, be sure to listen. Too many people put off visits to the restroom if the urge to “go” strikes at an inconvenient time. Sure, the urge may pass, but if you put it off, you’re more likely to have trouble getting the job done.
Get some “good” bacteria
Your digestive system is home to thousands of strains of beneficial bacteria that help to break down foods that are resistant to normal digestion. This allows you to obtain more nutrients from your foods. The bacteria in your system also help to keep the growth of other potentially harmful bacteria at bay, thus promoting healthy digestion.
While the idea of consuming bacteria in your diet may not sound appealing, the probiotic bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods can promote digestive health. Aside from yogurt, you can pick up some of these “good” bacteria in other fermented soy products (miso, tempeh, kefir), as well as in pickled foods like cucumber pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.