Incorporate healthy bacteria in your diet Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, antibiotics, illness, aging and poor diet choices can often lead to an imbalance of your digestive tract bacteria. Certain probiotics, mostly found in dairy products and some fortified cereals, can help to maintain the balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. Try a daily helping of yogurt with probiotics, such as Activia. 2 Keep the fiber on deck Consistently eating the right amount of fiber can help promote bowel function. High- fiber foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains also help you feel full, which can help lower your chance of overeating throughout the day. Keeping a running tab on the fiber you consume can help give you more energy. 3 Hydrate Water is one of those essential elements for a healthy digestive system. Adequate hydration gives your digestive system the moisture it needs to properly function. Also, sometimes our bodies mistake hunger for thirst, so stay hydrated to prevent unnecessary overeating. Try keeping water with lemon slices around to help boost your intake. 4 Become a frequent flyer Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism revved up, your blood sugar balanced and your energy up. This can also help you avoid feeling ravenous at your next meal, which in turn can lead to eating larger portions of high-fat foods that can slow your digestion.Try ruining your appetite before going to a party or out to dinner with a nutrient- dense snack like a handful of nuts or a plain yogurt. 5 Work it out Exercise can help create a healthy digestive environment by allowing food to move through the large intestine much quicker, which also decreases the amount of water lost in the stool. Intestinal muscles that contract during exercise also contribute to more efficient movement of stools.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 03:40:51 +0000