When your digestive system has gone haywire, it can really wreak havoc on your overall health. From irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to bloating, to constipation and beyond, these symptoms can eventually turn into chronic health conditions. Your digestive issues should be rectified sooner rather than later, and can be done without meds or deprivation.
Here are 7 easy ways to naturally alleviate those pesky digestion issues.
1. Eat Whole Foods
Forget the processed stuff that comes pre-packaged in your grocery store, and skip fast foods as well. These foods are loaded with sodium, sugar, and processed oils that are not only bad for you, but also make it tough for your body to properly digest. Instead, focus on whole, fresh foods that provide a lot more nutritional value for your calories, and are easier to digest.
2. Eat Cultured Foods
Foods that are naturally fermented are full of probiotics – the “good” type of bacteria – that helps regenerate gut flora, which is key to proper digestion. Make sure to add plenty of fermented and cultured foods in your diet, including kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, and yogurt. Start including these foods slowly to give your digestive system a chance to get used to these foods and get healthier.
3. Stay Hydrated
Lots of people may have digestive issues simply because they’re not drinking enough water. In fact, inadequate hydration is pretty common. Make sure you’re getting at least 2 liters of water every day. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to add some flavor, vitamin C, and stimulate your digestive track. You can also hydrate with herbal teas, particularly peppermint, ginger, and fennel which have digestive supporting properties.
4. Take Care of Your Liver
Your liver is central to all metabolic processes in your body, and plays a key role in breaking down fat and producing energy. Keeping your liver as strong and healthy as possible is important for an efficient digestive system.
Eat foods that contribute to the health of your liver, including carrots, garlic, grapefruit, leafy greens, avocados, and cruciferous vegetables. If you can juice these items, that’s even better. You can also take a daily dose of natural liver support supplements to help keep this vital organ working optimally.
5. Detox Regularly
Doing a gentle detox regularly is a fabulous way to reboot your digestive system remove toxins that have a tendency to build up. It’s also a great way to jumpstart your metabolism.
6. Take Glutamine
Glutamine helps your intestinal lining repair and regenerate itself, and alleviates inflammation. You can take glutamine in supplement form, but you can also get it from foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, chicken, beef, fish, pork, beans, and spinach.
7. Move Your Body
Physical activity is highly effective at speeding up digestion, increasing blood flow to your organs, and stimulating the muscles of your gastrointestinal tract. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day can help improve your digestion, and keep your weight in check at the same time.
Slowly incorporate any or all of the above tactics to get your digestive system back on track, and eliminate all that bloating, cramping, and general feeling of malaise that are typically associated with poor digestion.
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