1. Pavlov Was Right
Digestion starts in your head. Thinking about food, smelling aromas of food cooking, even seeing food signals your body to start the process of digestion. You want your food to break down quickly and efficiently so your body can put the energy and fiber in food to work for your health. Chew your food at least ten times like your mom told you, drink less with meals and eat less processed food to help your body process efficiently.
2. Fiber Does Your Body Good
Dietary fiber, or the part of plant food that can't be digested, has been in the news recently because fiber benefits not just your digestive system but other body systems too. By consuming more fiber you can improve the health of your stomach and intestines, lower the risk of colon cancer, prevent heart disease and treat diabetes. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day and beans two days a week. Eat whole grain breads and bran cereals and drink whole fruit juices to get the most benefit from fiber.
3. Save the Planet, Lower Gas Emissions
Gas, flatulence, wind, or whatever you call it--many people complain they or someone they know has too much. You can't prevent this annoying, embarrassing and sometimes painful digestive by-product because of gas produced by bacteria digesting the fiber you need. But there are ways to reduce the amount. You can avoid foods that cause you to have gas like broccoli or beans, add the spices cumin coriander or caraway to the food you cook, eat pro-biotic yogurt or kefir or try activated charcoal or specialized enzyme tablets.
4. GERD: Know Your Acronyms
If you've turned on the television or listened to the news you've heard about GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when stomach acid that digests food backs up into the esophagus. GERD is more than heartburn and can cause serious health problems. If you experience burping, chronic hoarseness, bad breath, sore throat in the morning, constant throat clearing, sour taste or inflammation of the gums, you may need to see a doctor to rule out GERD.
5. Reducing Digestive Problems is Simple
It's easy. Making a few simple lifestyle changes can dramatically improve any digestive problems you may experience. Eat a healthy balanced diet; most people don't eat enough fruits, vegetables or whole grains. They also eat too much sugar and processed food. Eat slowly, chew well and don't skip meals, all these dramatically improve digestion. These tips along with drinking plenty of water and getting exercise can prevent constipation, aid in elimination and reduce the chance of developing hemorrhoids.
