Digestion problems – whether it is heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea – are problems that everyone will experience at one point or another in their lives. These problems can be caused by a virus or bacteria, by pregnancy, or by unwise lifestyle choices like being sedentary or not getting enough fiber in diet.
However, the good news is that there are many ways in which digestion can be treated naturally and without having to rely on over-the-counter or prescription medications, which often just mask symptoms without really dealing with the underlying problem. Below are the top ways to improve digestion naturally.
Drink More Water!
Most people simply do not get enough water to help the digestion process go smoothly. Making sure to drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily will help ensure that the digestion is efficient and that problems like constipation are avoided.
Avoid Triggers
Most people have triggers, foods that – for them – can bring on a bout of heartburn, diarrhea or other form of digestive distress. Find those triggers and then avoid them as much as possible. While it varies greatly from one person to another, common triggers include spicy foods, bananas, chocolate, alcohol, coffee and high-fat foods.
Get Probiotics in the Diet
Supplementing with probiotics and/or eating fermented or pro-biotic rich foods is another good way to naturally improve digestion. Probiotic supplements in capsule or liquid form as well as foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles or pickled vegetables, sauerkraut or kimchee are all excellent choices to help with this.
Move It!
An active lifestyle speeds up the physical process of digestion, a process called peristalsis, where muscles all along the digestive tract push food through while chemicals in the body break it down into the nutrients that are needed by the body. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can slow this process down and cause constipation and other digestive issues.
Review Medications
There are many medications that can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and other digestive problems. If this is an issue, review mediations with a doctor to see if any of them might be the culprit. If a certain medication is causing a digestive problem, see if it can be replaced.
Add Fiber
Eating more fiber-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes is another great way to improve digestion naturally. Fiber bulks food up as it moves through the digestive tract and greatly reduces the chances of constipation, bloating and discomfort.
In short, the above tips are simple and do not require any special equipment or preparation. They are mostly minor changes a person can make in their dietary habits and overall lifestyle. However, especially if someone follows them consistently, then over time they can make a big impact on those with digestive problems and get the gastrointestinal tract working efficiently once more.
Sources: wellnessmama.com, bodyandsoul.com.au, everydayhealth.com
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