Healthy digestion is one of the keys to a healthy body. In fact, scientists have stated that 80 percent of your immune system is inside of your gut. There are a number of things that you can do in order to improve your digestion.
1- Don’t Dilute Your Stomach Acid
Drinking water is essential for your health. However, you do not want to drink too much water. If you consume too much water, then you can dilute the enzymes and acid in your stomach. It can also be harder for you to digest your food if you drink too much water prior to a meal. In order to keep your gut bacteria in balance, you should add a lemon to your water. Lemon water is great for your digestive health.
2- Eat More Vegetables
Vegetables should make up the bulk off your diet. They provide you with the nutrients that you need to stay healthy. Vegetables also have fiber, which is one of the nutrients that helps keep your gut healthy. Your system will be able to run more efficiently if you get the recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
In addition to eating vegetables, you can also get fiber from oats and whole grains. Many people are able to improve their gut healthy by adopting a plant-based diet.
3- Eat a Salad Before Your Meal
Many of us already have a salad before we eat our main meal. However, if you are not currently eating a salad before your meal, then you should definitely consider doing so. A salad stimulates an action known as peristalsis. This is the churning action of the intestines and stomach.
4- Eat Plenty of Probiotic-Rich and Prebiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics are typically one of the first things that come to mind when people think of improving gut health. There are supplements available, but it is best for you to try to get your probiotics from the foods that you eat. It is also a good idea to check with your doctor before you take any supplement. Probiotic supplements have not been well-studied, so no one knows whether they are just as good as foods.
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi are a great source of probiotics. You can also eat yogurt. Prebiotics are just as important as probiotics. They are a type of fiber that your body cannot digest. Brussels Sprouts, bananas and garlic are some of the foods that have prebiotics.
5- Stress Less and Eat Slower
We live in a fast-paced society. That is why we rush to do everything. We even rush during meal time. However, it is best for you to eat your meals slowly. When you eat slow, it gives your body more time to digest food. You should also sit down while you are eating.
When you are relaxed, your body shifts into the parasympathetic mode. This increases blood flow to the digestive region. Additionally, you should keep your stress level down. Stress can cause digestive issues. It can also worsen any existing digestive issue that you have.
6- Reduce Your Intake of Alcohol and Junk Food
Alcohol can have a negative effect on your gut health. That is why if you are a drinker, then you will need to limit your intake of it. Men should not have more than two alcoholic beverages per day. Women should only have one.
Your gut does not like processed and sugary food. The Standard American Diet is one of the top causes of gut issues. Pizza, candy, chips and soft drinks are some of the worst foods for your gut. You should replace them with healthier choices.
