Having good digestion is a basic need to maintaining good health. Digestion is the process by which the body extracts all the nutrients it needs from the food we eat. Digestion problems can lead to a variety of health issues. With good digestion we not only feel better but get the most out of all that we eat. Here are some tips that will help you improve your digestion.
Sometimes digestion problems can come from something as simple as not chewing our food enough. Many people don’t take the time to chew their food properly. Chewing is actually the first step of the digestive process. When we take time to chew our food, it’s broken into smaller parts that are easier for your body to digest. Take the time to chew your food and enjoy it. Not only will it make eating more pleasurable, but it’s better for you.
Make sure to get enough fiber in your diet. Fiber lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels. Fiber massages the interior of our digestive tract and feeds probiotics to our gut. Try to eat more whole foods like bran and oatmeal.
Probiotics help to liberate or create essential nutrients and build barriers to keep toxins from being absorbed into the body. Fermented foods are a good source of the good bacteria which helps the entire process. Supplements are a safe way of getting the right amount of probiotics.
Digestive enzymes help the body break down fats, protein and carbohydrates. Cooking and processing can deactivate and destroy these enzymes. As we grown older, our production of enzymes decreases, and stress can contribute to the drop-in production too. Look into a digestive enzyme supplement, especially if you suffer from gas and bloating.
Exercise is a great contributor to over all health. Your digestion can get great benefit from regular exercise. Exercise releases neurotransmitters that stimulate the contraction of muscles surrounding the intestines. This keeps food moving through the digestive tract and prevents constipation.