5 Ways to Improve Your Digestive Health

Digestive health is crucial to overall well-being. When the digestive system functions properly, it absorbs nutrients and helps the other systems in your body work smoothly. There are several signs the body sends out when a person needs to improve digestive health. It may come in the form of discomfort having to do with gas, bloating, irregularity, and other ailments many complain about.

Tips for improving digestive health

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to avoid the hardening of stool, which is more difficult to pass. It’s especially important to drink fluids after exercise for this reason. When urine is a clear yellow, a person is adequately hydrated.

2. Regular exercise. Moving the body stimulates muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and has even proven to strengthen walls of the colon. Physical activity tremendously supports good functioning of the digestive system. It’s recommended to get 30 minutes of exercise a day, three to five days a week. Among some of the most suggested exercises are walking, cycling, swimming, climbing stairs, or working out on an elliptical machine.

3. Eat fiber. Fiber helps move everything smoothly in the digestive system. It slows digestion and absorption so compounds in foods such as glucose enter the bloodstream at a good pace to keep blood sugar at even levels. Fiber also helps stool pass quickly through your system without strain. Fiber is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, such a broccoli, beans, apples, and strawberries. Whole-grains are another great source of fiber, such as whole wheat bread, oats, and brown rice.

4. Avoid fatty foods. A lot of reasons exist as to why people should avoid fatty foods, with just one of them being bad for the waistline. These types of foods also slow the digestive system and cause inefficiency in terms of functioning. Replace junk food and other fats with lean meat, pork, chicken, and fish. Consume dairy products with reduced or no fat. Also replace butter and margarine with olive oil. Adding more fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to a diet improves digestive health.

5. Eat Yogurt. The gut has a large volume of bacteria and yogurt contains the healthy bacteria that help to maintain an improved digestive system. The best types of yogurt are comprised of “live” or “active cultures,” which are indicated on the label.

Maintaining a healthful digestive system is central to long-lasting health. Doctors at Pacific Women’s Center are eager to assist and educate people on how to sustain good habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They’re interested in guiding patients on the path to overall wellness. Get in touch with them today.