9 natural ways to improve digestion

From a headache to a back ache, your health can suffer in all sorts of ways, when your digestive system is off. In addition to digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or gas, you may also experience food allergies, weight gain, eczema, exhaustion, and asthma.

If unattended to, these symptoms can manifest into chronic health conditions. Here are 10 natural ways to heal your digestive system.

CHEW YOUR FOOD

Let’s start at the beginning. Good digestion starts in the mouth.When you chew your food well, it eases the work required from your digestive system, so your body can focus on other tasks instead.

EAT FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented and cultured foods are high in good bacteria and eating them will help you regenerate your gut flora naturally. The greater the variety of fermented and cultured foods you can include in your diet, the better. Try eating fermented vegetables, kimchi, or pickle.If you have a severe gut disorder, go slow. Allow c time for your internal environment to change and for your digestive system to become stronger.

BE KIND TO YOUR LIVER

You can heal your digestive system by supporting your liver to work efficiently and effectively. Aside of abstaining from alcohol, which is poison to your digestive system, try to boost your intake of liver-loving foods such as carrots, beetroot and green leafy veggies and freshly squeezed juices.

DRINK WATER

Many people with digestive disorders are extremely dehydrated. If that is an issue for you, try increasing your water intake now. With summer looming over our heads, you don’t have a choice really.Go for fresh nimbu paani, coconut water and fruit juices to help you quench your thirst and stay hydrated through the day.

Herbal green teas are another great way to hydrate and heal your body. Peppermint, ginger, fennel and fenugreek are known for their digestive supporting properties. If you’re looking for a coffee substitute, try dandelion tea with milk.

MANAGE STRESS

Had a crazy busy day at work and invariably an upset stomach? How’s that related? Well, stress doesn’t just wreak havoc on your mind; it can mess with your digestion.

There are many ways to reduce stress, the first being by giving yourself per mission to discover what kinds of relaxing activities work best for you.Easy and gentle activi ties such as meditation, pranayam, yoga,listening to soothing music, walking and naps help to reduce stress levels.

RESET WITH A DETOX

A gentle detox on a regular basis can be a great way to reset your entire digestive system. Consider including aloe vera and amla juice in your detox. According to Ayurveda, the concoction helps with digestive issues.

OPT FOR GLUTAMINE

Glutamine is one of the most important nutrients that you can give your body as it supports the repair and regeneration of the intestinal lining in your body and also soothes inflammation. You can find glutamine in supplement form and it’s also found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beets, beans, spinach, parsley and fresh vegetable juices.But do not opt for supplements as most contains chemicals, which upset the stomach. Doesn’t help the cause.

GET PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are the good bacteria that have been shown to improve gut health. They are easily available in yoghurt. Have a bowl with your lunch.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Moving on from diet,and food trends, build knowledge of your own body, listen to it, so that you can eat and live in a way that serves you. Understanding your body will put you in charge of your own health, so you can make choices based on what works best for your body.If you’re experiencing health disorders, understand that your body is trying to communicate with you. Listen to your body and use these 10 healing ideas to re-balance and heal your digestive system.