Digestive woes? Try these 5 eating habits for a healthier gut | Live Well
A healthy gut is the foundation of overall health and wellness, regulating immune health, supporting mental well-being, and encouraging the body’s natural detoxification functions. And yet, many people struggle with digestive issues.
For many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, medical intervention is necessary, and if you experience chronic distress you should see your doctor immediately. But for some of us, the inconvenient daily bloating, constipation or cramping can be addressed by taking small, consistent actions. These five steps may help you stay regular and healthy.
Digestive discomfort can often be addressed by taking small, consistent actions.
1. Eat both prebiotic and probiotic foods
Probiotics are live microorganisms that act as helpful bacteria in our guts. Prebiotics are a type of carbohydrate, found mostly in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, that provides a good source of resistant starches that are not digestible by your body.
Foods naturally rich in probiotics are fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha and miso, as well as yogurt. For your prebiotic fix choose slightly underripe bananas, garlic, onions, leeks, legumes, oats and Jerusalem artichokes.
2. Hydrate
“Drinking water before, during and after a meal helps your body break down the food more effectively to get the most out of your meals,” says Rebecca Ditkoff, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.N., founder of Nutrition by RD. “Water also plays an important role in dissolving vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.”
