Modern lifestyles, improper dietary habits and eating junk food all place a huge strain on the digestive system. Problems with digestion can affect every other part of your body and bring down your quality of life. As the English author Samuel Johnson said, “He who does not mind his belly, will hardly mind anything else.” Caring for your digestion is not difficult. Here are a few simple ways to do it.
Eat A High Fiber Diet
Eating lots of vegetables, fruits and grains that are rich in fiber will enable food to move smoothly through the digestive system and reduce the strain on it. This also helps to prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hemorrhoids.
Eat The Right Balance Of Fiber
Insoluble fiber or roughage cannot be digested by the system and so it adds bulk to the stools, making a bowel movement easier. Soluble fiber absorbs excess water and keeps the stools from becoming too liquid. A balance of both types of fiber is important.
Control Fat Intake
The more fat in your diet, the slower the digestive process which results in constipation and other problems. However, some amount of fat intake is required for good health and energy. Balancing fatty foods with high fiber foods helps to control the fat intake.
Ensure Probiotic Intake
Not all bacteria are bad. Probiotics are a type of healthy bacteria that helps to support the digestive process, strengthen the immune system and accelerates the natural breakdown of food by the body.
Eat Lean Meat
Proteins are an essential part of a healthy diet and can be found in lentils, grains and vegetables. If you are a non-vegetarian, meat is a good source of protein. Avoid fatty cuts of meat that place an increased strain on the digestion and consume only lean cuts.
Drink Lots Of Water
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water has all kinds of health benefits, including on the digestive system. Water acts as a lubricant, enabling the smooth digestion of food and elimination of waste from the body.
Keep Regular Mealtimes
Eating your breakfast, lunch and dinner at as near as possible at the same time every day means that your body is provided nourishment at the right interval thereby preventing the digestion from being overloaded by sudden large food intakes and also by not allowing the stomach to remain empty for long periods, which results in acidity and other problems.
Get Enough Exercise
Exercise is usually looked on as a way to lose weight and not being overweight is good for overall health. More than this, exercise supports the digestive system and the movement of the body keeps pushing food through the digestive system, which enables good bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Reduce Stress
Mental stress and anxiety place a great strain on the digestive system and prevent it from functioning properly. It can cause all kinds of digestion-related medical conditions including the development of ulcers in the stomach. Make stress-reducing activities like Yoga a part of your daily schedule.
Avoid Bad Habits
Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and tea or coffee all interfere with the smooth functioning of the digestion. If the habits cannot be totally removed from your life, then very moderate consumption is the next best step.
Caring for your digestion has a positive impact on all aspects of your wellbeing. If you are suffering from a digestion-related medical condition or simply suffer from one or more of the common symptoms of digestive problems, contact Kauvery Hospital where the Gastroenterology Center of Excellence gives you access to the Best Gastroenterologist in Chennai, medical technology and treatment protocols to provide world-class treatment and care.
