by Emily Graham from mightmoms.net
We’ve all had those moments when we’ve eaten a little too much or something too spicy and regretted it later. Digestive issues are pretty common, but when they border on chronic, the discomfort can lead to more than regret. They can interfere with the way you live your life. To get yourself and your stomach back on track, try these hacks for better digestive health.
Understand the Power of Probiotics
If bloating is a daily problem for you, then probiotics may be a solution for better digestive health. When the microorganisms in your gut are imbalanced (also known as dysbiosis), you are more likely to experience frequent bloating and discomfort. Fortunately, a remedy is to mix in a probiotic that helps with bloating to your diet, which you can get from foods like kimchi or in a supplement form. In addition to reducing bloating, it can also lead to improved digestion overall and prevent your mood from fluctuating. Of course, an imbalanced microbiome is not the only reason you could be bloated. Bloating can be caused by stress and medications as well, but taking probiotics is still a good first step in figuring out your issues and getting some relief.
Address Any Food Allergies
Many people do not realize how food allergies impact digestion, but sensitivity to certain foods can bring on a whole host of uncomfortable issues like diarrhea, discomfort, or frequent gas. One of the most common sensitivities people experience are allergies to milk or dairy. If you experience discomfort or gas when you consume dairy, your body may not be breaking down lactose. Keep cheese and milk off your plate for relief, or try to go dairy-free altogether to see if this improves your digestion.
Avoid Problem Foods at Night
Sleep is pretty important for all of your body’s processes, including digestion. You need to get your seven to eight hours in order to keep yourself healthy, but certain foods can mess with your sleep, as well as your digestive health. Spicy foods can be especially problematic for those with frequent heartburn or indigestion. Try to avoid the heat before bedtime, and cut out spicy foods altogether if you find yourself always getting heartburn, gas, or other digestive problems after consuming them.
Get Moving
Exercise is an essential part of maintaining your overall health, and it is also very beneficial for your digestive health. If you don’t have a regular exercise routine, starting one can be easier than you think. Instead of starting out trying to run a couple miles a day, focus on establishing a daily routine. To achieve a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, set aside 10 – 20 minutes a day for a walk. Then, increase that time, and when you’re ready, change your walk to a slight jog. When you make gradual changes, it becomes much easier to maintain the routine until eventually it becomes a habit.
Know When to Ask for Help
You have a lot of control when it comes to your digestive health. It’s pretty simple to change your diet, add supplements, or use antacids to resolve random problems with bloating or heartburn. But, some digestive problems require professional intervention. Symptoms such as severe heartburn, sudden pain in the right side of your abdomen, or blood in your stool could indicate more serious issues, such as gallstones or even cancer, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as you can.
Your digestion plays a critical role in your overall health. So, make it a priority to address any issues causing you pain or discomfort. Take more control over your digestive health, and take more control over your life!
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