Your Health

1. Keep chewing

The more we break down our food in our mouth, the less work has to be done later. Chew a bite 20 to 30 times before swallowing.

2. Eat plenty of fiber

It is important to eat enough fiber to keep food moving through the intestines with ease. Pairing fatty foods with fiber will aid in digestion.

3. Drink water

Adding plenty of water to your diet will help digestion by dissolving fats and soluble fiber, hence allowing food to pass through the intestines with ease.

4. Exercise

This helps move food through the digestive system. Exercise increases blood flow to the organs and engages muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

5. Reduce stress

Since the brain and digestive system are connected, stress can result in ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

6. Eat warm foods

Digestive enzymes require warmth to break down food properly. It is suggested to incorporate soups, cooked vegetables and teas in our diet.

7. Quit smoking

Smoking weakens the valve at the end of the esophagus leading to acid reflux and heartburn. It also increases risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

8. Reduce alcohol intake

Alcohol interferes with acid secretion, stomach muscles and nutrient absorption, hence the fewer alcohol units one consumes, the better.

9. Reduce Weight

Extra weight can cause issues like the valve between the stomach and esophagus to not close completely, allowing stomach acid back into the esophagus.

10. Try Probiotics

Probiotics (‘good’ bacteria) compete for space with bad bacteria, promoting the release of natural antibodies in the digestive tract and can even attack unhealthy bacteria directly in some cases. Probiotics may also ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).