How to improve your digestive system. 12 Proven Strategies to Enhance Your Digestive Health and Overall Wellness
How can you improve your digestive system naturally. What are the most effective ways to boost digestive health. Which lifestyle changes can significantly impact your gut health. Why is maintaining a healthy digestive system crucial for overall well-being.
The Importance of a Healthy Digestive System
Your digestive system plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It’s responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body. When your digestive system functions optimally, it can have a positive impact on various aspects of your life, including energy levels, mood, and immune function.
Many people underestimate the significance of digestive health, but neglecting it can lead to a range of issues that affect your quality of life. By making simple lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits, you can significantly improve your digestive health and, in turn, enhance your overall wellness.
Nourishing Your Gut with Fruits and Vegetables
One of the most effective ways to support your digestive system is by incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet. These nutrient-dense foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote digestive health and protect against various diseases.
How do fruits and vegetables benefit your digestive system. Fiber, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables, aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Additionally, the antioxidants present in these foods have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties, particularly in relation to digestive cancers.
- Aim for a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Include both raw and cooked options to maximize nutrient intake
- Experiment with different preparation methods to keep meals interesting
The Power of Whole Grains and Nuts for Digestive Health
Whole grains and nuts are excellent sources of dietary fiber, essential nutrients, and beneficial compounds that support digestive health. Unlike refined grains, whole grains retain their bran and germ layers, which contain valuable nutrients often lost during processing.
Why are whole grains superior to refined grains for digestive health. Whole grains provide more fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. They also contain prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
- Choose brown rice instead of white rice
- Opt for whole wheat bread and pasta
- Include oats, barley, and quinoa in your diet
- Snack on a variety of nuts for added fiber and nutrients
Limiting Red and Processed Meats for Better Digestion
While protein is an essential part of a balanced diet, excessive consumption of red and processed meats can have negative effects on digestive health. These types of meat have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other digestive issues.
How does reducing red and processed meat intake benefit your digestive system. By limiting these meats, you reduce your exposure to potentially harmful compounds and decrease the risk of inflammation in the digestive tract. This can lead to improved digestion and a lower risk of digestive disorders.
- Limit red meat consumption to 2-3 servings per week
- Choose lean poultry and fish as healthier protein alternatives
- Incorporate plant-based protein sources like legumes and tofu
- When consuming red meat, opt for grass-fed and organic options when possible
The Impact of Added Sugars on Digestive Health
Excessive consumption of added sugars can wreak havoc on your digestive system. These sugars, often hidden in processed foods, can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria and promote inflammation throughout the body, including the digestive tract.
How does reducing added sugar intake improve digestive health. By limiting added sugars, you help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. This can lead to improved digestion, reduced bloating, and better overall gut health.
- Read food labels carefully to identify hidden sources of added sugars
- Choose whole fruits instead of fruit juices or sweetened fruit products
- Opt for unsweetened versions of foods like yogurt and oatmeal
- Gradually reduce sugar in your coffee or tea to adjust your palate
Healthy Cooking Methods for Optimal Digestion
The way you prepare your food can have a significant impact on its digestive properties and overall healthfulness. While fried and heavily grilled foods may be tasty, they can be difficult to digest and may contain harmful compounds.
Which cooking methods are best for promoting digestive health. Gentler cooking methods like steaming, poaching, and braising help preserve nutrients and make foods easier to digest. These methods also avoid the formation of potentially harmful compounds associated with high-heat cooking.
- Steam vegetables to retain their nutrients and improve digestibility
- Use slow cooking methods like braising for tougher cuts of meat
- Try poaching fish and eggs for a gentle, easily digestible preparation
- Experiment with one-pot meals that combine various healthy cooking methods
The Role of Probiotics in Supporting Digestive Health
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. These microorganisms help keep harmful bacteria in check, support proper digestion, and contribute to overall digestive health.
How do probiotics improve digestive function. Probiotics help break down food, produce essential vitamins, and support the immune system within the gut. They also help maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which is crucial for proper nutrient absorption and preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
- Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your diet
- Try fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha for additional probiotic benefits
- Consider a high-quality probiotic supplement if dietary sources are limited
- Pair probiotics with prebiotic foods to support their growth and activity
The Importance of Hydration for Digestive Health
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Water plays a crucial role in various digestive processes, including breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and promoting regular bowel movements.
How does staying hydrated benefit your digestive system. Adequate hydration helps prevent constipation by keeping stools soft and easier to pass. It also supports the production of digestive juices and helps maintain the mucus lining of the intestines, which is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Aim for 4-6 cups of water per day, adjusting based on your individual needs
- Drink water between meals to avoid diluting digestive enzymes
- Consider herbal teas and infused water for variety
- Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status
Hydration Tips for Optimal Digestive Function
To maximize the benefits of hydration for your digestive system, consider the following tips:
- Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate after sleep
- Carry a reusable water bottle to encourage regular sipping throughout the day
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to contribute to your daily fluid intake
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can have a diuretic effect
- Increase water intake during hot weather or physical activity
The Connection Between Exercise and Digestive Health
Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for your overall health but also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
How does exercise improve digestive function. Physical activity helps food move through the digestive tract more efficiently, reducing the risk of constipation and bloating. It also increases blood flow to the digestive organs, supporting their optimal function and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily
- Take a short walk after meals to aid digestion
- Incorporate a mix of cardio and strength training exercises
- Try yoga or Pilates for gentle core-strengthening and stress reduction
Exercise Routines to Support Digestive Health
Consider incorporating the following exercises into your routine to support digestive health:
- Brisk walking or jogging to stimulate bowel movements
- Cycling to improve overall circulation and digestion
- Swimming for a low-impact, full-body workout
- Yoga poses like twists and forward bends to massage the digestive organs
- Strength training to support overall metabolic health
Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Optimal Digestion
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health, including digestive health. Excess body weight can put pressure on the digestive system and increase the risk of various digestive disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallstones.
How does maintaining a healthy weight benefit your digestive system. A healthy weight reduces the risk of conditions like GERD by decreasing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. It also lowers the risk of developing gallstones and certain digestive cancers, promoting overall digestive health and function.
- Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods
- Practice portion control to avoid overeating
- Engage in regular physical activity to support weight management
- Seek professional guidance for healthy weight loss if needed
Strategies for Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Consider the following strategies to support healthy weight management:
- Keep a food diary to track your eating habits and identify areas for improvement
- Use smaller plates to help control portion sizes
- Practice mindful eating by focusing on your meals without distractions
- Plan meals in advance to avoid impulsive food choices
- Find enjoyable physical activities to make exercise a sustainable habit
The Impact of Smoking on Digestive Health
Smoking is well-known for its detrimental effects on lung health, but it also significantly impacts digestive health. Tobacco use can increase the risk of various digestive disorders and exacerbate existing conditions.
How does quitting smoking improve digestive health. Smoking cessation can lead to a reduction in acid reflux symptoms, lower the risk of developing stomach ulcers, and decrease the likelihood of requiring surgery for gastrointestinal cancers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Seek support from healthcare professionals for smoking cessation
- Consider nicotine replacement therapy or medications to aid in quitting
- Join support groups or online communities for motivation and advice
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms to replace smoking habits
Resources for Quitting Smoking
If you’re looking to quit smoking, consider the following resources:
- Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support
- Visit Smokefree.gov for comprehensive information and resources
- Try smartphone apps designed to help track progress and provide motivation
- Explore local smoking cessation programs in your community
- Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying triggers
The Role of Sleep in Digestive Health
Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including digestive function. Sleep deprivation can disrupt various bodily processes, leading to digestive issues and increased inflammation in the gut.
How does adequate sleep benefit your digestive system. Sufficient sleep helps regulate hormones involved in appetite control and metabolism. It also allows the body time to repair and regenerate digestive tissues, supporting optimal gut function and reducing the risk of digestive disorders.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep
- Avoid large meals and stimulating activities close to bedtime
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
To enhance your sleep quality and support digestive health, consider the following tips:
- Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
- Limit exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bedtime
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to sleep
- Engage in regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime
Managing Stress for Better Digestive Health
Chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on digestive health. It can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms and exacerbate existing digestive disorders. Implementing effective stress management techniques is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
How does stress reduction improve digestive function. Reducing stress helps regulate the gut-brain axis, which plays a crucial role in digestive health. It can alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reduce inflammation in the gut, and promote overall digestive wellness.
- Practice mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Engage in regular physical activity to help manage stress levels
- Try deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation
- Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for long-term stress management
Stress-Reduction Techniques for Digestive Health
Incorporate these stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine to support digestive health:
- Start your day with a short meditation or breathing exercise
- Take regular breaks throughout the day to practice mindfulness
- Engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation
- Connect with friends and family for social support
- Consider trying yoga or tai chi for combined physical and mental benefits
By implementing these 12 strategies to improve your digestive health, you can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Remember that small, consistent changes can lead to substantial improvements over time. If you experience persistent digestive issues despite making lifestyle changes, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
12 Ways to Improve your Digestive Health
Your digestive system is working nonstop to fuel every cell in your body and efficiently remove the waste. Neglecting your digestive system can have adverse effects that influence every part of your life. Your diet and other lifestyle choices greatly impact your digestive health and are often areas where small changes can have a big impact.
Here are some ways that lifestyle choices can improve your digestive health.
1. Eat fruits and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits contain healthy nutrients and fiber to support your digestive system and overall health. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables have cancer-fighting properties, and fiber lowers your risk of constipation.
Good choices are: a variety of fruits and vegetables in every color
2. Choose whole grains and nuts
Whole grains still have the dietary fiber, iron, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients lost when grains are refined to make processed foods like white flour, white bread, crackers, and pastries. Fiber lowers your risk of constipation, and some whole grains support your good gut bacteria.
Good choices are: brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, whole wheat products, barley
3. Limit red and processed meats
Processed meats usually have an unhealthy amount of sodium, fat, and nitrates linked to colon cancer. Red meat has been linked with cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues.
Good choices are: chicken, fish, legumes, and limiting red meat to 2-3 servings per week
4. Limit added sugars
Too much sugar can upset the balance of good bacteria and cause inflammation. Added sugars are found in many products, especially baked goods, ice cream, and desserts. They are also added to many processed foods, even when you wouldn’t expect it – like pasta sauces, salad dressings, and soups.
Good choices are: fruits for a sweet treat, unprocessed whole foods
5. Cook healthier
Healthy eating isn’t only about your food choices, it’s also about how you prepare them. Fried and grilled foods are tasty treats but have a downside. Fried foods have unhealthy fats, while high-temperature grilling can create carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).
Good choices are: steaming, stewing, poaching, braising, boiling, or microwaving
6. Eat foods with probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep bad bacteria in check and nourish your gut for healthy digestion.
Good choices are: yogurt, kimchee, raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, and sauerkraut
7. Stay Hydrated
If you get constipated, you may not be drinking enough. Drinking water helps prevent constipation and supports healthy bowel function. How much water you need per day depends on many factors like your size, activity level, and health. In general, adults need 4-6 cups of water per day.
Good choices are: water, green tea, black coffee, fat-free milk, fresh-squeezed juice
8. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps food move through your digestive system faster, reducing the risk of nausea, bloating, constipation. Regular exercise can also improve the symptoms of constipation and inflammatory bowel disease.
Good choices are: taking a walk after meals or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily
9. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your chances of developing GERD, gallstones, some digestive cancers, and more. Following suggestions for a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Good choices are: healthy weight loss if needed, healthy food, regular exercise
10. Don’t smoke
You know smoking is bad for your lungs, but you might be surprised to find that it’s also bad for your digestive system. Smoking has been found to significantly increase your risk of developing acid reflux, and quitting has been shown to improve symptoms. Research has also found a link between smoking and stomach ulcers and an increased need for surgery for gastrointestinal cancers and ulcerative colitis.
Good choices are: talk to your doctor about help for quitting, or visit Smokefree.gov for information and help
11. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep affects every body system, including the digestive system. Sleep deprivation may lead to inflammation in the bowel, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Good choice is: aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep per night
12. Reduce stress
Long-term stress negatively affects your overall health and is linked to diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and ulcers. Managing your stress through stress management techniques can benefit your digestion.
Good choices are: yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, therapy
Everybody experiences digestive problems at some point. They can be uncomfortable, difficult to talk about, and disruptive to your day-to-day activities. While many intestinal problems can be improved by making certain lifestyle changes, some require a visit to a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you have digestive issues that are not corrected with lifestyle changes or are getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor.
Don’t let digestive problems linger – schedule an appointment today!
Request Appointment
Related:
- How to Eat a Colorful Diet to Improve Colon Health
- 9 Symptoms that Indicate Poor Digestive Health
- Get Moving: 6 Ways Exercise Improves Gastrointestinal Health
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Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More
Medically Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on January 28, 2023
To get the 20-35 grams of fiber your body needs each day, choose plant foods like cherries, grapes, crunchy bell peppers, beans, whole grains, and nuts. These help with digestion and constipation and are also good for your heart and blood sugar. Because they fill you up, you’ll eat less, which also helps if you’re watching your weight.
Chewing tells your body to make saliva, which balances the acid tied to the problem. Peppermint or spearmint can irritate, so pick another flavor. Skip this remedy if it causes you to swallow air, which can make you belch and feel bloated.
If you lose even a little extra weight, especially around your belly, it can ease the discomfort of heartburn, gas, and belching. Your doctor can help you make a smart diet and exercise plan to reach your weight loss goal.
A great way to help prevent indigestion, bloating, heartburn, and other digestive health problems is to eat smaller meals more often. Slow down, too. It takes time to start to feel full. You’ll be less likely to eat more than you planned.
Fluids help your body get rid of waste and stay regular. You can sip water, juices, tea, and other beverages. They are also in foods, so you may not need to down 8 glasses of water a day. Your doctor or a dietitian can tell you how much you should drink and the best types to choose.
Exercise may help with most minor digestive problems, from bloating to constipation. Physical activity helps your body’s digestive system move things along and let go of waste. It also curbs stress, which can trigger many digestive problems.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria. They are in some yogurts, juices, snacks, and supplements. Research shows they may help if you have diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But scientists don’t yet know which probiotics help which conditions and how much you need. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Ever have an upset stomach due to nerves? Your brain and digestive system are connected. Stress can worsen problems like IBS and ulcers. Make it a priority to be active, get enough sleep, meditate, and relax.
Stay away from or limit foods that bother you. Some people have problems with gassy foods like beans and sodas, or fatty items like fried foods and cheese. For others, acidic foods such as citrus, coffee, tea, and tomatoes can spell trouble.
Smoking weakens the valve at the end of the esophagus (the tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach). That can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. It also makes some cancers more likely. And it’s more common for smokers than for other people to get ulcers and Crohn’s disease. It often takes several tries to quit smoking for good. Keep at it! Ask your doctor for help.
If you drink, limit yourself to one drink a day if you’re a woman, or two if you’re a man. Too many drinks too often can contribute to heartburn, diarrhea, liver problems, and cancer of the esophagus.
You want to keep air out of your stomach. So slow your pace. Don’t gulp your food or drinks. Chew each bite and enjoy it! Avoid gum and hard candy if they make you swallow air.
Even a little extra in your diet can cause bloating. It can come from your salt shaker or from items like packaged snacks and cereal. Cut back and check food labels to see how much sodium is in a serving.
No one wants food poisoning — diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. So keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Use different utensils and cutting boards when you prepare fruits or vegetables and raw meats. Make sure that all of your dairy products have been pasteurized.
Some people find that their bodies can’t digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk. It makes them feel gassy. If that’s you, there are lactose-free products to choose from.
Make an appointment if your symptoms don’t go away, come back, or bother you. See your doctor right away if you are or could be pregnant. Also seek immediate medical help if your symptoms are severe or if you have a fever, problems swallowing or going to the bathroom, times when you choke, bloody or black vomit or stool, abdominal pain, or have lost weight and didn’t mean to. Your doctor will find the cause so that you can feel better ASAP.
IMAGES PROVIDED BY: 1) Brian Hagiwara/FoodPix 2) Fancy 3) Peter Dazeley/Photographers Choice 4) Imagesource 5) Spencer Jones/Food Pix 6) David Madison/Photographers Choice 7) iStockphoto 8) Barry Austin/Digital Vision 9) iStockphoto 10) Tetra Images 11) iStockphoto 12) DAJ 13) iStockphoto 14) Tim Platt/Iconica 15) Michael Rosenfeld/Photographers Choice 16) Tom Le Goff/Digital Vision
REFERENCES: University of Maryland Medical Center: “Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn. ” American College of Gastroenterology. American Dietetic Association. American Gastroenterology Association. Bode, C. Alcohol Health & Research World, 1997. FDA. Gerard E. Mullin, MD, associate professor of medicine, director of integrative GI nutrition services, Johns Hopkins Hospital. Harvard Medical School. Harvard Medical School Special Report, The Sensitive Gut. Harvard Medical School, 2005. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Medscape. National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, National Institutes of Health. New York Times. The Nemours Foundation. University of Maryland Medical Center. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FDA: “Sodium in Your Diet: Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Reduce Your Intake.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “What I need to know about gas.” Yoshida, Cynthia M. No More Digestive Problems, Bantam Books, 2004. |
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How to help, improve and establish good digestion – help and advice on improving and normalizing digestion
Co-author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.
Number of views: 3,745
Last updated: 12/20/2021
Average read time: 4 minutes
Reason that only the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines allows you to extract the necessary the body of the substance. Even with minor deviations in their work, the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients are disturbed. As a result, obvious symptoms of indigestion develop (heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, bloating, nausea).
If the stomach does not work properly, it should be treated with attention. We offer you to listen to some practical and easy-to-follow tips that will tell you how to improve digestion.
1. Observe the diet
Lead meals to a certain regime – the main thing to do to improve digestion. Breakfasts and lunches on the go and in a hurry, the lack of first hot meals in the diet are often the main culprits of problems with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Organize your diet so that meals always occur at the same time, 3-5 times a day. This approach will help in the normalization of digestion, as the gastrointestinal tract will “get used” to eating at a certain time and will be ready to produce the necessary enzymes by the appointed hour.
2. Reduce the amount of sweets
To improve the digestive processes, you should also give up sweets or reduce their amount in the diet to a minimum.
Sugar contained in sweets, cakes and pastries provokes fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the absorption of nutrients worsens, the balance of the intestinal microflora is disturbed, and symptoms develop that indicate that digestive assistance is needed. If bloating and increased flatulence began to be observed some time after eating sweets, it makes sense to talk about sweets as the main cause of trouble.
3. Avoid hazardous products
Another danger lurking at every turn is delicious and fragrant dishes and foods that you can’t refuse. But often the effect they have on the digestive system puts them in the category of undesirable and even forbidden foods if you have trouble digesting food.
Smoked meats, spices, fried and spicy foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, and foods containing caffeine can cause stomach heaviness and other discomfort. For good digestion, it is worth replacing fried foods with boiled or stewed ones, eating plenty of vegetables, raw or steamed.
4. Lead an active lifestyle
How to improve digestion and increase the overall tone of the body can be done through healthy activity. Thanks to feasible physical activity – walking, cycling, active games in the fresh air – the blood supply to all tissues improves, including the organs of the digestive system. This means that all functions of the gastrointestinal tract come into a more active state, nutrients are broken down and absorbed more efficiently, and in general, an improvement in digestive processes is observed.
5. Give up bad habits
Bad habits may look harmless enough, but exactly until the question arises: why did indigestion develop against the background of good nutrition and adherence to the regimen?
Everything is explained simply: the components of tobacco smoke and alcoholic beverages significantly disrupt the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, these substances have a toxic effect and, with regular smoking or the consumption of alcoholic beverages, lead to dysfunctions of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. As a result, the production of enzymes worsens, motility is disturbed, and indigestion can become a chronic condition. Giving up bad habits is another step that leads to better digestion.
What to do in case of indigestion
digestion
If the violations are temporary, not related
with diseases, then their cause may be household factors – stress,
malnutrition, smoking 2 . One of the most frequent
factors are
the so-called alimentary errors, that is, associated with food –
fatty, fried or very spicy foods, raw onions, nuts, chocolate,
alcohol, carbonated drinks. Eating “on the run” also affects, especially
if it is associated with a passion for fast food. Violations can cause
and overeating – a large amount of food is more difficult to digest. 1,2,5,12
Symptoms
Temporary (functional) symptoms
violations
digestion 1,2,5,12
Pain, burning or discomfort
feeling in the upper abdomen
Feeling full
in the stomach
Belching
Rapid satiety during meals
etc.
5 steps: what to do when
indigestion
Reduce symptoms
and to keep the GI tract working, the following steps may help.
1
1
1
Limit “bad” foods
become
cause of complaints, and exclude it from the diet. Stands with him
for a while
stop eating confectionery, sweet pastries, salty,
sharp
fatty, fried, smoked foods. Soda is not recommended, very
strong coffee and tea, sauces. It’s better to quit smoking
and use
alcohol – at least for the period of manifestation of violations
digestion 1 .
2
2
2
Stick to a diet
The menu should consist of dishes that maximize
spare the mucous membrane: boiled, stewed without additional fat, boiled
steamed, mashed soups. It is worth eating 5-6 times a day, small
portions.
This will help the digestive system work evenly, without
“overload” or long “hungry” pauses. 1,2,8
3
3
3
Increase physical activity
Digestive disorder and related
discomfort
lead to a decrease in motor activity 9 . It may
affect the general tone, mood, appetite, work, study
in children
and adults 10 .
A complex of morning or
hygienic gymnastics: do breathing exercises, more often
walk. 3
4
4
4
Reduce exposure to stressors
Stressors cause a response in the nervous system,
which regulates the work of the gastrointestinal tract. In response to stimuli, it increases
production of hormones: cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine. They,
into your
turn, affect the tone and secretion of the stomach and intestines and can
slow down intestinal motility and the production of digestive
enzymes.
This can lead to the appearance of symptoms of a disorder.
digestion. 2,3,7,11
5
5
5
Consult a specialist
associated not only with functional disorders, but also with the presence of
any diseases of the digestive tract. In this case, it is necessary on time
contact a specialist. Set the cause of the condition and assign
Only a doctor can provide suitable treatment.
If nevertheless violations
digestion associated with nutritional errors, help to cope
with them can drugs that promote
digestion 13 .
One of these drugs is Festal®. In his
the composition includes pancreatin (enzymes amylase, lipase, protease),
promoting the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, proteins 6 .
The second component, hemicellulase, is an enzyme that promotes
breakdown of plant fiber and reduction of gas formation
in the intestines 6 .