How to improve digestion?

The meal was delicious, and naturally, you overate. You were watching your favorite movie, and munching was something you had to do. You were starving, so even though your gut is full, your mind is still reeling from the hypoglycemia. 

We have all had these scenarios in which we have had food coma and the resultant regret. Food would not move fast enough along the GI tract, and you beat yourself over with the palpable discomfort. The heartburn and food baby is really not making your day. 

It’s not just overeating

However, some people have digestive issues even when they do not overeat. Poor lifestyle and dietary choices may be the reason as well. In some cases, stress and eating time is to be blamed for poor digestion. 

However, digestion problems may also be a result of some serious health condition, in which case, it is vital that you schedule an appointment with your doctor via oladoc.com.

Improving digestion 

Common complaints about digestion like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas etc. can be often addressed by improving digestion. Some tips include:

Green tea

Green tea is an excellent and convenient home remedy for improving digestion. Some blends that work especially for the gut include lemon, mint, chamomile, ginger teas, amongst others. Mint tea works especially with nausea and indigestion.

While you can also opt for the ready-made tea bags, nothing beats the fresh ingredients.

Walk 

You can the food to move along the gastrointestinal tract by walking it off. Physical activity helps gravity in doing its job as well.

Also, a lovely stroll through the park also helps in relaxing the body and the mind and may also then work in improving physical comfort as well. 

Fiber for the win

Adding more fiber to the diet is also helpful, especially when you are suffering from constipation. Not only is fiber good for gut bacteria, but it also prevents overeating as it promotes satiety. 

Moreover, fiber also adds bulk to the diet and therefore facilitates in bowel movement. 

One excellent way of incorporating fiber to the diet is by eating more whole grains. Leafy vegetables and certain fruits are also rich in fiber as well. 

Eat healthy fats 

Fats are not all that bad. Our bodies need healthy fats to function well. Moreover, fats also improve satiety, thereby preventing overeating. Fats also facilitates nutrient absorption. 

Good fats like nuts, olive oils, fatty fish, are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, that help in lowering the risk of digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, etc. 

Destress 

Stress is not just bad for health; it may also be the reason behind your heartburn. Other gastric issues caused by stress include ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, etc. 

Therefore, take steps to manage your stress. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises alongside therapy are some of the ways to help you moderate your stress levels. 

Drink enough water 

It is not just what you eat, but what you drink that matters as well. Water is essential to life, and therefore, it comes as no surprise that it also plays a role in digestive health as well. 

Sufficient water intake helps in abating the risk of constipation, and related complications. Similarly, cut back on caffeinated beverages, as they promote loss of water from the body.

Thus, make sure that you drink enough water, stock up on fruits and vegetables that have high water content, and especially drink more water on the hotter days, when you are more likely to sweat. 

Foods to avoid 

When you are already suffering from heartburn, eating, and drinking, certain foods can exacerbate your condition. Thus, if you face digestive issues, it is better that you moderate your intake of spices, acidic foods, cheese, alcohol, fried food, and caffeine, alongside following the instructions dispensed by your Gastroenterologist in Islamabad.