Your digestive system has a significant impact on your daily life and how your body functions. Your digestive system works to absorb nutrients and water into your body and expel waste. When this system is unhealthy, problems like hemorrhoids and IBS can occur.
To keep your digestive system healthy and on track, follow these six tips:
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is a great way to keep your digestive system and your whole body and mind healthy. Exercising stimulates the intestinal muscles and strengthens abdominal muscles, aiding in digestion.
Limit Processed Foods
The modern-day rush often means that we don’t have the time to shop for fresh ingredients and take the time to prepare them. So we reach for easy to make foods from the shelf like frozen dinners, deli meats, and white bread.
Processed foods are packed with extra fat, salt, sugar, calories, oil, and other ingredients. Preservatives are also added to extend their shelf life. Limit your consumption of processed foods and enjoy responsibly. Choose fresh, simple ingredients when shopping and always check nutrient labels.
Choose Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system regular. Fiber from whole grains adds bulk to stools and lowers your risk of constipation. Whole grains have also been linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Water keeps you hydrated and your digestive system healthy and on track. Along with fiber, water helps create softer, bulkier stools that are easier to pass. Water also helps your body flush waste. Non-caffeinated drinks like herbal tea without sugar and some fruits and vegetables can also help you meet your fluid intake.
If you forget to stop and take a drink throughout the day, there are plenty of hydration apps that can help you remember and track your intake.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Fats
We see a lot of foods that boast of being fat-free. The truth is that many fat-free foods supplement with extra sugar and other ingredients for taste. Like omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, good fats are an essential part of a healthy diet. They help us feel full, aid in nutrient absorption and may help decrease the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Good fats can be found in fish, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and other foods like:
- Salmon
- Walnuts
- Avocados
- Whole eggs
- Full fat yogurt
Have Healthy Bathroom Habits
Healthy bathroom habits go a long way in keeping your digestive system healthy and preventing conditions like hemorrhoids. Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods, don’t strain to try and go, don’t overuse laxatives, and prop your feet up on a low stool.
When you feel the need to go, do it. Holding it in can lead to impacted stools.
If you find yourself with hemorrhoids or have unusual bleeding, reach out to your doctor. They will diagnose you and provide treatment like The Nexus System rubber band ligation, a comfortable and pain-free way to remove hemorrhoids.
