Gut health is crucial for whole-body functioning. So, it's super important to make sure digestion is top form. Here are 6 tips for better digestive health.
Eat mindfully & chew more
Eating too quickly, while distracted or under stress and not chewing food thoroughly enough, can lead to poor hormone signalling, slowed digestion and disrupted fullness levels, ultimately leading to over & undereating, resulting in poor nutrient absorption. In our happy, peaceful, and mindful state, the gut secretes a regular flow of digestive juices and aids movement for proper digestion.
Stay hydrated
Our gut uses fluids to move food through the digestive tract, and if there isn’t enough available, it can cause bloating, constipation and poor digestion. At least 2 litres of water is essential each day, keeping in mind exercising, coffee and some medications can reduce our overall fluid levels.
Prime the gut for digestion
Our metabolism peaks in the morning and slows throughout the day. So, if you’re feeling sluggish and have a reduced appetite in the morning, the use of ACV helps to increase stomach acids, to prime the gut for digestion. ACV can be consumed daily to prevent bloating and gas, which slow digestion may cause. ACV is also antimicrobial, meaning it helps to kill bacteria and keeps the gut protected.
Eating close to bedtime
Our digestive ability gradually slows throughout the day, making it difficult to digest a large meal, when the body prepares for rest. A light and nutritious dinner, 3-4 hours before bedtime, ensures ample time for optimal digestion. Also, eating too close to bedtime increases your blood sugar levels, causing us to either have difficulty falling asleep or broken sleep.
Add in some fibre
Adequate fibre is essential for creating healthy bowel movements, but to also create prebiotics. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics (hello yoghurt), helping them to support healthy bacteria, to protect the gut and aid in healthy digestion.
Get moving to reduce stress
Stress and anxiety affects digestion, because the brain directly communicates the emotions to the gut, resulting in slowed digestion. A good way to keep stress down and get that digestion flowing again, is to engage in light regular exercise and stretching.
