Try these 10 tips for better digestive health:1. Eat a high-fiber diet. According to Maria Adams, RD, MPH, a nutrition consultant in Marblehead, Massachusetts, consuming a diet that's high in fiber and rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits can improve your digestive health. Adams says, adding that a high-fiber diet can also help you prevent or treat various digestive conditions, such as diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, it can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.2.
Get both insoluble and soluble fiber. It's important to consume both types of fiber, since they help your digestive system in different ways. Adams. "Soluble fiber draws in water and can help prevent stools that are too watery." Good sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains; get soluble fiber from oat bran, nuts, seeds, and legumes.3.
Limit foods that are high in fat. Adams. But since it's important to get some fat in your diet, Adams says that pairing fatty foods with high-fiber foods can make them easier on your digestive system.4. Choose lean meats. Protein is an essential part of a healthful diet, but fatty cuts of meat can lead to uncomfortable digestion.
When you eat meat, select lean cuts, such as pork loin and skinless poultry.5. Incorporate probiotics into your diet. Probiotics are the same kind of healthy bacteria naturally present in your digestive tract. Adams. In addition, probiotics can enhance nutrient absorption, may help break down lactose, strengthen your immune system, and possibly even help treat IBS. Adams recommends that people eat good sources of probiotics, such as low-fat yogurt or kefir, on a daily basis.6. Eat on schedule. Adams says that consuming your meals and snacks on a regular schedule can help keep your digestive system in top shape.
Aim to sit down for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks around the same time each day.7. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is good for your digestive health, according to Adams. Fiber pulls water into the colon to create softer, bulkier stools, allowing them to pass through more easily.8. Skip the bad habits: smoking, excessive caffeine, and alcohol.
Liquor, coffee, and cigarettes can interfere with the functioning of your digestive system, and lead to problems like stomach ulcers and heartburn.9. Exercise regularly. "Regular exercise helps keep foods moving through your digestive system, reducing constipation," says Adams. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is good for your digestive health.
Make it a point to work regular exercise into your weekly schedule.10. Manage stress. Too much stress or anxiety can cause your digestive system to go into overdrive, according to Adams. Find stress-reducing activities that you enjoy and practice them on a regular basis.What you eat and the quality of your digestive health are intertwined.
Following these 10 strategies will help make sure it’s always a happy relationship. The color, texture, and smell of human waste can offer important insight into your health. You are what you eat, but more importantly, your digestion reflects what you eat. Try out our superstar list of good foods for digestion. For a surefire way to manage weight, stock up on these filling foods so you'll be prepared when hunger strikes.
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