3 Top tips for healthy digestion

It may not get quite the same care as your heart, bones and overall wellbeing, but maintaining a healthy digestive system is just as important for your body.

Digestion is an important process where the foods we eat and broken down and absorbed by the body.  Essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, fats and other nutrients are then absorbed by our body and utilised by the appropriate systems to support energy, growth and repair.

Poor digestion can result in numerous health problems that can leave your body feeling, tired, sluggish and rundown.  This is usually as a result from a nutrient deficiency.  Here are out top 3 tips that can turn your digestive issues around and improve your digestive health.

1. Eat and maintain a healthy diet

Eating healthily is not just a balanced diet, it also requires consumption of foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrain or cereals.  Fibre consumption is essential for a healthy digestive system, fibre will encourage the passing of food through the digestive system and maintain the health of your bowels.

Limit your processed and refined food intake as well as limiting foods high in saturated fat and sugar.

Drink Plenty of Water

2. Eat moderately, slowly and regularly

Eating too fast or too much (overeating) can cause stress and havoc on your digestive system.  Make sure you take time to eat your meals as the digestive process starts at your mouth, not your stomach.  Chewing your food slowly and efficiently is essential to being the process of breaking down your food. Eating regularly helps prepare your body for meals and prevents overeating due to hunger. To avoid overindulging and feeling hunger pangs between meals, consider eating five to six smaller meals with snacks throughout the day, rather than three large meals a day.

3. Reduce and manage your stress levels

When you’re feeling nervous or stressed you might notice that sense of unease in your abdomen, this can be the effects of nerves on your digestive system.

In some people stress can change the digestion by slowing down the normal processes that cause bloating and constipation.  Take care of yourself and take care in situations that may cause stress.  Having a good sleep routine can help your body relax and improve your digestive health.

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