Natural remedies to improve your digestion
When the digestive system is out of balance, it can result in various health issues, ranging from bloating, diarrhea, and constipation to heartburn or gas. The gut plays an important role in overall health and well-being. It does more than just digesting food and taking in nutrients. It is closely linked to the immune system, hormones, and even how we feel mentally.
Whole foods
Processed foods often lack important nutrients and have things like refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and additives. On the other hand, whole foods are minimally processed, are abundant in nutrients and offer a broad spectrum of health benefits. The enzymes present in these foods aid in the breakdown of nutrients, enhancing the digestion process. Minimal processing ensures that these enzymes are not stripped off.
Fiber-rich food
Fiber comes in two forms: soluble fiber, which soaks up water and adds bulk to stool, and insoluble fiber, which acts like a sweeping brush, keeping your digestive system on track. You can find soluble fiber in oats, barley, and legumes, while insoluble fiber is abundant in whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetables are versatile sources, offering both types of fiber.
Healthy fats
Good digestion may require eating enough fat. Fat helps you feel satisfied after a meal and is needed for proper absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Foods that are high in fat, but healthy too include flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts (especially walnuts), eggs, dark chocolates, as well as fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.
Manage stress
To have better digestion, it is important to handle stress well. Stress messes with digestion by changing your body's hormone balance. When stress triggers a fight-or-flight response, your body diverts resources away from digestion. This shift can lead to digestive discomfort. Also, your gut and brain are connected, so whatever affects your mind can also affect your digestion.
Physical activity
When you are active and upright, like when you walk, gravity helps move food through your system. Exercise also sends more blood to the muscles in your digestive system, helping food move along. Plus, exercise makes your body release happy chemicals called endorphins. These not only help with stress, which can mess up digestion but also make you feel good overall, including your digestion.
