Digestive health issues can be super uncomfortable. And sometimes they are downright embarrassing.
However, if you suffer from digestive system troubles, you're not alone. About 60-70 million people in the US are plagued by digestive issues and indiscretions.
But just because these difficult digestion issues are common doesn't mean you don't want to get rid of them. The good news is that there are simple tips you can follow to help keep things moving and functioning properly.
Let's take a look at 7 of them.
1. Drink More Water
Why is it that drinking more water seems to show up on every health tips list? Want to look younger? Drink more water. Want to lose weight? Drink more water. Want to sleep better at night? Drink more water.
Is water really that good for you?
Yes, it is. And if you're having digestive issues and not getting the recommended amount of water, this is the first thing you should try. Women should aim for 2.7 liters and men should drink 3.7 liters of water a day.
You'll get some of that water through the food that you eat. Aim for about 8 glasses of water a day and you should get enough.
Are you dealing with an indelicate emergency like diarrhea or vomiting? Then you'll probably want to aim for a bit more as you can get dehydrated easily in that state.
2. Have a Cup of Ginger Tea
There's nothing that says the water you drink can't taste good. And since ginger is such a balm to the digestive system, you can double up by brewing yourself a ginger tea. Just don't negate the good effects by dumping copious amounts of sugar into your tea.
Ginger helps aid digestion by speeding up the digestive process. It is also a powerful remedy for an upset stomach.
3. Eat Plenty of Fiber
If you struggle with constipation, fiber is your friend. Fiber helps keep your digestive tract clean and keeps things moving along as they should.
The right amount of fiber can help treat/prevent several digestive issues including
- Diverticulosis
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Hemorrhoids
If you're struggling with any of these issues try adding some high fiber foods to your diet. Look for whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes.
4. Figs and Prunes
If you're feeling constipated and need something quick, eating some figs or prunes can loosen things up. Both of these fruits have laxative properties that will help get things moving again.
If you don't like either of the fruits (but seriously, who doesn't?) you can make a tea from fig leaves instead. Again, don't load up on the sugar or you'll negate the good effects of your tea.
Just be sure not to overdo it or you might find yourself spending a lot of time in the bathroom for the opposite problem.
5. Get Some Probiotics
You always hear about how bacteria is bad. But some bacteria is actually really good.
In fact, if you don't have the right types of bacteria living in your digestive tract you will have problems. Not only with digestive troubles, but without good bacteria it's also easier for bad bacteria to take up residence and cause infection.
The easiest way to replenish good bacteria and encourage its growth is through eating food with probiotics. There are a variety of food sources from which you can get probiotics. These include:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Kombucha
- Pickles
- Some cheeses
You need to make sure that you have plenty of good bacteria in your system at all times. This is especially true after taking antibiotics or having bad bouts of diarrhea. The former can kill off the good bacteria and the latter can clear it out of your system.
6. Take a Walk
Like water, exercise is another tip that appears on many health lists and for the same reason. The benefits of getting enough exercise are virtually endless. The human body was designed to move and move it should.
To get your digestive system moving well you need to get your body moving. Movement helps to physically move food through your digestive tract. Plus, keeping off extra weight helps maintain good digestive health.
Are you, and your digestive tract, feeling a bit sluggish? Get up and go for a walk, or a run if you're feeling adventurous. You just might find you'll feel lighter in more ways than one once you're done.
7. Avoid Bad Habits
Have you tried all the other tips but nothing seems to be helping? It might be time to kick a couple bad habits out the window.
Smoking irritates the throat and can have other disruptive effects on the digestive system. If you've vomited or are struggling with an upset stomach avoid smoking until you're feeling better.
It doesn't matter whether you're dealing with the stomach flu or food poisoning. Smoking combined with stomach acid from vomiting can wreak havoc on your esophagus and throat and even lead to stomach ulcers.
As much as you might not want to hear it, alcohol is technically toxic. Your body generally does a good job of filtering the toxins and cleaning up your system afterward.
However, excessive consumption can make it difficult for your body to keep up. Plus, if you're already suffering from a digestive issue, consuming alcohol will only make it worse. If you're constantly suffering from difficult digestion seemingly without cause, it may be time for a hiatus from drinking alcohol.
Difficult Digestion Made Easy
If you're suffering from continuous difficult digestion, you may be avoiding social situations in fear of an embarrassing slip up. Don't put your life on hold because of a rebellious digestive system. Try these simple tips to soothe your digestive distresses.
Plus, the next time you're simply sick with an upset stomach or diarrhea, now you know what to do.
For more great health advice, be sure to check out our blog. We have tons of tips and information to help you with a variety of health issues.
Sources
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Reduces Muscle Pain Caused by Eccentric Exercise
