Feeling constantly bloated, dealing with stomach cramps, or struggling with irregular bowel movements, are symptoms of poor digestive health. These can cause discomfort and affect your daily life in a negative way.
Digestion helps break down the food and drinks you consume into the essential nutrients your body needs to work well. Your body relies on proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to fuel itself, grow, and repair cells. The digestive system is responsible for breaking these nutrients into small parts for your body to absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), each part of your digestive system has a role in moving food and liquids through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and breaking them into smaller parts. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, and carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars. Once these foods are small enough, your body can absorb the nutrients and transport them to where they’re needed. The large intestine absorbs water, and the waste products of digestion become stool. Nerves and hormones also play key roles in controlling the digestive process.
Here are 6 ways to keep your digestive system strong:
Eat more fibre: Fibre-rich foods help to regulate bowel movements and keep your digestive system running smoothly. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are excellent sources of fibre.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking water throughout the day helps you to stay hydrated. It aids your body in digesting food more effectively and keeps your digestive system functioning well by preventing constipation.
Eat healthy: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A varied diet provides the essential nutrients your digestive system needs to function at its best.
Do not skip exercise: Exercise helps stimulate the natural contractions of your intestinal muscles. This promotes healthy digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
Watch your plate: Practice mindful eating by chewing your food thoroughly and eating slowly. This helps your digestive system break down food more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of indigestion and bloating.
Add probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut and can help improve digestion. Add probiotics to your diet, either through foods like yogurt and fermented foods or supplements.
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