After the common cold, digestive disorders are the second most common reason for seeing a doctor. Poor digestion can have an impact on the entire health of our body and can lead to many types of illness. Digestive problems can also be a factor in obesity or weight gain. By improving gut function you can begin to restore health and lose weight in a healthy way.
Symptoms Of Poor Digestion
* Abdominal pain
* Bloating
* Flatulence
* Belching
* Allergies
* Heartburn
* Irritable Bowel
* Constipation
* Diarrhoea
* Insomnia
* Sugar cravings
* Skin disorders
* Nausea & vomiting
* White plaque on tongue
* Body odor
* Joint pain
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
All of the above may indicate that your gut is not functioning the way it should be. As well as bowel disorders, malnutrition, infections, joint pain, skin conditions, gallbladder disease, liver disease, diabetes, indigestion, candida, and even cancer. Poor digestion can lead to weight gain.
How Can I Improve Digestion?
Increase good bacteria:
The digestive system relies on a population of bacteria in the gut collectively termed gut flora to kill invading harmful bacteria. In weakened digestive systems, the balance is disturbed, and the harmful bacteria outnumbers the good ones. This is because, bad bacteria love high-sugar and processed foods that make us gain weight. When we have unbalanced gut flora we are prone to illnesses such as Candida, and fungal infections all over the body as well as allergies. Start by taking pro-active yogurts or ‘live’ yogurts with lactobacilli bacteria. There are supplements available called probiotics that encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and it is a good idea to take these after antibiotics which kill all bacteria in the digestive system.
Drink plenty of fluids:
Dehydration leads to malabsorption of nutrients, sluggish bowel and constipation. When the body stops eliminating wastes from the body as quickly we can become bloated. Also, if we are dehydrated, this can cause water retention, as the body retains what fluid it has. This can give us a bloated appearance and cause weight gain. By drinking plenty of water, the body can flush out toxins, reduce water retention and keep the bowel motions regular which is vital for healthy digestion.
Increase fiber:
Increasing fiber, such as cereals and plant foods,like fresh fruit and vegetables will increase the bulk of stools, meaning there is more chance of the toxins and waste products being absorbed and eliminated from the body. It also keeps bowel movements regular, reducing the chance of bloating and constipation.
Reduce sugar:
We all know that sugar is fattening, but many are not aware that it is upsetting to the digestive organs. Sugar creates acidity in the stomach that can cause indigestion, heartburn and ulcers. It can also cause irritable bowel, constipation and abdominal pain. Sugar weakens the immune system and as well as being fattening, can lead to serious illness like diabetes, gallbladder disease and pancreatic problems.
Keep calm:
There is an important connection between the emotions and the gut reflexes, and our nervous system is closely linked with digestion. We all know the feeling of ‘a knot in our stomach’. Stress can have a negative effect on our digestion and can also lead to bad eating habits. Keeping calm can greatly reduce ingestive problems and maintain healthy gut function and good eating habits.
