10 things you need to know for better digestive health.

2. Avoid or limit ‘bad’ foods

Including processed foods, saturated fat, salt and preservatives, excess alcohol and excess coffee, fried foods and very acidic foods. Some just irritate your digestive system; some, like salt, cause bloating; saturated fats slow down digestion, and alcohol interferes with acid secretion, stomach muscles and nutrient absorption. 

3. Add probiotics (healthy bacteria) daily

Including probiotics in your diet contributes to a healthy gut flora. Gut flora are “friendly” bacteria that help your digestive and immune systems. You can find probiotics in yogurt and some fermented foods, or try a supplement such as Life Brand Probiotic capsules with 10 billion active probiotic cells.

4. Eat slower, chew well

Chewing slower and longer increases digestive enzymes and leads to better digestion. It also means you’ll gulp less and take in less air as you eat, reducing burps and gas.

5. Eat regular, smaller meals

Eat regular, smaller meals and avoid overeating - smaller, more frequent meals keep your metabolism working and help avoid extreme blood sugar changes that may stress your digestive system. You will avoid overeating and overloading your system, preventing indigestion, bloating and heartburn.

6. Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of water – to help dissolve nutrients and soluble fibre, prevent constipation and help your body get rid of waste. Aim to drink at least 2 litres a day.

7. Prepare foods carefully

Use different cutting boards for meat, poultry and fish to those for fruit and vegetables and clean them thoroughly. Cook food to proper temperatures and store them at proper temperatures to avoid food poisoning, diarrhea and more.

8. Exercise regularly

This improves sluggish digestion by keeping food moving through your system, reducing bloating and constipation. 

9. Minimize/manage your stress

Stress can affect nerves in your digestive system, slowing the process, causing bloating, pain, constipation or frequent elimination. Try and find ways to relax using meditation, exercise, sleep or listening to music.

10. Stop smoking

Smoking weakens the valve at the end of your esophagus, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Smokers are also more likely to develop peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease and gastric cancers.

Follow these tips and you'll be on track to have a healthier digestive system. Before taking any medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to make sure what product you need.