Facebook Pixel

It's a New Year! Start It Right with Healthy Digestion

By EmpowHER March 1, 2013 - 2:06pm
Digestion related image

Article By: Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch

Digestion is an important bodily function. It breaks down the food and beverages you ingest into small molecules that your body can use.

One way to promote healthy digestion is to eat a well-rounded meal. The Cleveland Clinic recommends several different fruits, vegetables, proteins and grain products to include in your diet. Examples of fruits to try include kiwi, apples, watermelon, pears, grapes, peaches and bananas. If you cannot get fresh fruit, fruits canned in either water or fruit juice are good alternatives.

Several vegetables, such as zucchini, potatoes, broccoli, beans and corn, as well as vegetable juices, can promote healthy digestion. Lean meats, fish and poultry are good sources of protein, and there are several vegetarian options, including tofu, nuts and lentils. With grain products, look for whole wheat options, such as whole wheat pasta and bread.

In addition to eating digestive-friendly foods, avoid foods and beverages that can cause indigestion, such as spicy foods, caffeine, fatty foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Besides eating a well-rounded diet and drinking plenty of water, you may want to add a probiotic supplement containing the healthy bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium. Probiotics can support the healthy functioning of your digestive system.* In addition to aiding with your digestion, probiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria.*

Slowing down when you eat can help with digestion, as well. When you eat, chew slowly and do not rush through the meal. Try smaller and more frequent meals during the day.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


During mealtime, create a calm and stress-free environment. It is also important to manage your stress the rest of the day. Try relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense and release the muscles in different parts of your body, moving from your feet to your head, while breathing deeply.

Other lifestyle changes you can make to help your digestive system and your overall well-being are to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise is also important. MayoClinic.com suggests 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. Before starting any new workout regimen, check with your health care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


Reviewed on January 17, 2013
by Maryann Gromisch, RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Sources:

1) Cleveland Clinic. Healthy Eating for the Digestive System. Web. 16 January 2013. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/nutrition/hic_Healthy_Eatin...

Add a Comment1 Comments

HERWriter

I never had any luck with probiotics like Acidophillus, but I just started taking a digestive enzyme supplement and it works wonders! I found it at "Vitamin World" and it is called“Multi-Enzyme Digestive Care - Broad Spectrum Formula.” It includes enzymes that aid in breaking down proteins, fats & carbohydrates. As someone with digestive health conditions, when I found that this seemed to aid in regulating the digestive tract and improving overall digestion, I had to go buy more. :) If you don't experience any changes with a probiotic, maybe this would be something to consider!

January 31, 2014 - 5:33pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

Digestion

Get Email Updates

Related Topics

Digestion Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!