Digestion: 5 tips

Here are CHFA's five top tips for improving the health of your digestive system:

1) Eat plenty of fiber-rich whole foods.
2) Eat slowly and chew your food well.
3) Add a probiotic supplement to your diet to promote microbial health.
4) Exercise to stimulate intestinal muscle contractions.
5) Drink plenty of fluids - we produce around 10 liters of digestive juices a day! Fluids help keep the digestive tract healthy and well lubricated.

Common digestive tract problems and possible solutions

Heartburn and stomach aches due to bloating and gas are among the most common digestive system problems experienced by Canadians. Although these symptoms are sometimes associated with other disorders, they are often simply the result of eating certain foods.

Heartburn, also known as gastric refluxis a common gastrointestinal complaint attributable to a number of food triggers, such as coffee and other caffeinated beverages, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomato products, fatty foods and spicy foods. The burning sensation in the chest results from reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing irritation. The simplest ways to avoid heartburn include identifying and eliminating trigger foods and avoiding overeating.

As for bloating due to intestinal gas, there are several possible sources. Overeating and insufficient chewing are the most common.
In fact, much of the intestinal gas that causes discomfort is caused by air swallowed while chewing food.

Take your time when eating and chew your food thoroughlyyou'll swallow less air. In the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly the colon, gas can also be produced by intestinal bacteria that ferment undigested fibers and starches in food. Maintaining a good balance of intestinal bacteria is important for good digestion. To help these good bacteria, consider gradually adding a probiotic supplement to your daily diet. It may take a week or two before the intestinal flora is fully restored.

Digestive health is the foundation of our overall health. By paying special attention to it, we ensure that it is able to absorb the essential nutrients our body needs to function properly. There are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of common discomforts such as heartburn and bloating, and a few natural health products can help support our often neglected internal ecosystem.