Gut health is SO important for healthy brain health, as well as mental health.
Everyone experiences digestive problems at some point, but when they become more common they can have a big effect on your daily life. There have also been several studies that show that your gut health is related to your mental health as well. So, what can you do to improve your digestive health?
Today, I’m sharing 5 tips to naturally improve your digestive health.
Your digestive system breaks down foods and liquids into their chemical components, meaning it breaks them down into carbohydrates, fats, proteins, etc. Then, the body can absorb it as nutrients and use it for energy or to build or repair cells.
If your digestive health is out of whack, it can cause everything from heartburn, ulcer, diverticulitis, gallstones and diarrhea to depression and anxiety.
So, what can you do to improve your digestive health to feel better day to day, but also to help prevent long term health issues?
1. Eat more fiber! A high-fiber diet has been linked to a reduced risk of digestive conditions, including ulcers, reflux, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and IBS. Eat things like, oat bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables and whole grains.
2. Eat healthy fats! Fat helps you feel satisfied after a meal and is needed for proper nutrient absorption. Also, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon.
3. Drink your H20! Low fluid intake is a common cause of constipation. You should be drinking half of your bodyweight in water daily. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, you should drink at least 75oz. Of water per day. If you don’t like water, add flavor like fruit to your water or drink herbal teas. Also, try to avoid too many caffeinated drinks that will dehydrate you.
4. Eat real food! Stay away from the processed crap! Processed foods like low-calorie drinks and ice creams often contain artificial sweeteners, which may cause digestive problems.
One study found that eating 50 grams of the artificial sweetener xylitol led to bloating and diarrhea in 70% of people, while 75 grams of the sweetener erythritol caused the same symptoms in 60% of people.
Your digestive system is not made to digest fake food, it’s meant to digest real food. Honor your body!
5. Move everyday! Exercise and gravity help food travel through your digestive system. Even if it’s just something as simple as a short walk after eating, instead of immediately sitting down, it will naturally help keep everything moving!
Which one of these tips are you going to put into action today? Let us know in the comments, which tip are you going to use immediately to help improve your digestion?
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