Unless there is an issue, most individuals do not give much attention to their gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately, GI problems can hugely affect your life quality and even cause life-threatening complications if left untreated. There is no better time than now to consider your gut health. As per the best Cypress gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, maintaining your GI health is rather straightforward and can significantly minimize your chance of getting digestive illnesses. Here are the nine most important tips for safeguarding your digestive health all year round.
1) Consume a High-Fiber Diet
A diet rich in insoluble and soluble fiber helps maintain food moving through the digestive tract. A high-fiber diet could also preserve gut health by decreasing the incidence of colonic diverticulitis. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are high in insoluble fiber, whereas lentils, beans, and oats are excellent sources of soluble fiber.
2) Reduce Consumption of Fatty Foods
As opposed to dietary fiber, deep-fried, fatty foods impede digestion. These meals could also stimulate the oversecretion of stomach acid, which increases the risk of gastroesophageal diseases or gastric reflux.
3) Always Hydrate
Consuming enough water ensures that the nutrients from the food you eat are effectively digested and absorbed. Try to consume not less than eight glasses of water daily, and even more if you are physically active.
4) Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity supports a healthy digestive system by accelerating food’s passage through the large intestine. Exercise also boosts your energy during the day and increases your metabolic rate.
5) Spend More Time Chewing
Slowly chewing your meal boosts the amount of digestive enzymes secreted in the mouth, resulting in improved digestion. Chewing too quickly, on the contrary hand, makes food harder to digest and could lead to bloating or indigestion. Opt for approximately 30 chews per mouthful.
6) Manage Stress
When you are under stress, the digestive system is among the first areas to get affected. Stress can trigger esophageal spasms and higher stomach acid production, which are precursors to more severe digestive disorders. Try managing stress in your everyday life through exercise and relaxation.
7) Sleep
The quantity of sleep you receive can affect your digestive health. Like other body parts, your digestive system requires relaxation and rest. Therefore, eating less than two hours before bedtime can disrupt your digestive system and affect sleep. Regular hours and sleep duration can help the digestive system function more efficiently.
8) Include Probiotics into your Diet
Probiotics contain the same beneficial microorganisms that line your digestive tract. By disintegrating leftover food as it passes through the digestive tract, these bacteria help reduce bloating and indigestion.
9) Undergo Screenings for Colon Health
A routine colonoscopy screening is a good way to safeguard your gastrointestinal health, particularly if you tick certain risk factors and age criteria. A colonoscopy aids in the detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.
Typically, adults are advised to undergo their first colonoscopy at 50. However, some risk factors might make it appropriate for you to undergo a colonoscopy even sooner, such as if you are of African American descent or have a family history of colon cancer. After the initial screening, you should undergo a colonoscopy every ten years or sooner if you identify any abnormal growths (polyps).
While there are numerous self-care tips that you can adopt to improve your gastrointestinal health, this does not mean you are immune from illness. Whether you are dealing with indigestion, heartburn, bloating, bleeding, or another GI-related condition, contact Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs PLLC for specialist care. Arrange an appointment through mobile or book online today.
