Your digestive system is where everything you ingest is converted into fuel for your body. An unhealthy digestive system can negatively impact every aspect of your wellbeing. Thankfully, there are some tips you can follow to keep it working efficiently. By keeping your digestive system healthy, you’ll reap great health benefits for your body as a whole.

• Stay hydrated

You’ve probably heard this one before, but you should never underestimate the importance of drinking water. A steady fluid intake averts digestive issues such as constipation. There are many ways to keep your system hydrated such as eating fruit and vegetables with significant water levels like melons and cucumber, as well as making sure you get your 2L of water a day.

• Fiber for the win

With the amount of refined food we consume these days, going back to basics can do wonders for digestion. A fibre-rich diet is ideal for the upkeep of a healthy digestive system, helping you achieve regular bowel movements and preventing common gastrointestinal conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcers. Fibre is present in whole grain products, bran and vegetables, among other unprocessed foods.

• Dial down your stress levels

The hormones your body produces when you’re stressed can harm your digestive system, causing diarrhoea, constipation and more. Consider going to therapy or taking up a calming exercise like yoga or meditation to help you manage the stress. This way you encourage your brain and your stomach to exist in harmony, so your digestive system works as it’s meant to.

• Exercise regularly

Studies have shown that regular exercise has a positive impact on the path your food takes through the digestive system. Not only are the benefits physiological, but exercise gives you a psychological benefit too by relieving stress and increasing your feelings of wellbeing.

• Take digestive enzyme supplements

Supplements, such as Vital Everyday’s All-In-One, are also a great way to keep your digestive system healthy. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals, as well as prebiotics and probiotics to support your digestive system.

Sources

http://www.gesa.org.au/resources/patients/maintaining-a-healthy-digestive-system/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-improve-digestion