Good digestive health is essential for overall well-being. It is through your digestion that you absorb vital nutrients from food, prevent infection and disease, and maintain a healthy immune system. Things such as poor dietary choices, chronically high stress levels, and a lack of physical activity can all take a toll on your digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
If you want to be serious about your digestive health, here are some steps you can take to improve your gastrointestinal health.
Eat Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are a rich source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut. These foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt. Probiotics help balance the bacteria in your gut and can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Incorporating fermented foods into your diet can also help improve nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of digestive issues.
Stay Hydrated with Water-Rich Foods
Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy digestion, but you can also stay hydrated by eating water-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is important for healthy digestion because it helps soften stool and prevent constipation. Dehydration can also lead to bloating and other digestive issues, so staying hydrated with water-rich foods is an effective way to support digestive health.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only helps with weight management but also improves circulation throughout the body, including within the digestive system, which allows nutrients from the food we eat to move more easily through the intestines. Regular physical activity also encourages regular bowel movements,so aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day – even just going on short walks around your neighborhood will do wonders for your digestive health.
Reduce Stress Levels
Lowering stress levels can have a significant impact on digestive health, because stress can interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system. When you are stressed, your body activates the “fight or flight” response, which diverts blood flow away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles needed for physical activity. One way to do this is through mindful practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Regular exercise also helps with the better management of stress levels.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital not only for energy levels but also for aiding digestion since this process occurs mainly when you rest at night. If you sleep better, you are less prone to hunger cravings and have lower stress levels. Additionally, during sleep, the body goes through a process of repair and rejuvenation, which includes the repair of the gut lining. Aim for over six hours of sleep per night, or more, depending on your specific needs. Some require up to 10 hours to feel fully rested.
Discuss Intermittent Fasting with Your Doctor
Intermittent fasting is a practice that involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating. This practice can help improve digestive health by giving your gut a break from constant digestion, allowing it to rest and repair. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, promote healthy digestion, as well as regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of obesity. However, do not try this unless you have discussed it with your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of digestive issues, consult a gastroenterologist or GI doctor. It is better for issues to be addressed early than to wait until they worsen.
Quality Gastroenterologist in Austin, TX
The board-certified and fellowship-trained GI doctors at Austin Gastro can take care of all your GI needs. We not only focus on treatment but also prevention, so you can improve your gastrointestinal health. Among our prevention techniques are health screenings, such as colon cancer screening, so we can catch problems early, while they are highly treatable.
For any questions or to schedule an appointment with a GI doctor at Austin Gastro, call our gastroenterology office nearest you or use our online request form.
