To protect your stomach from cramping, bloating and constipation, here are four important tips to follow:
Exercise Regularly
The lack of physical activity can lead to a sluggish digestion process. As a matter of fact, regular physical exercise stimulates the natural contraction of intestinal muscles, which helps transfer food to the digestive system hustle-free.
Being a couch potato will not help your digestion, on the contrary, it will cause several digestive problems. As tempting as it seems to lie down on the sofa after a heavy dinner, try to avoid it as much as you can. Instead, go for a night walk with your dog or move around the house for a while- your digestive system will thank you for it!
Try Ginger and Fennel
Ginger has been widely used as an indigestion remedy. Indeed, it can appease upset stomach and help relieve digestive cramps, nausea and bloating. However, a ginger beer or a slice of ginger cake will not serve the purpose. You need to consume fresh ginger root to reap the benefits.
Ginger tea may also help you just have to peel a piece of root ginger, preferably with the side of a teaspoon, slice and steep it in hot water with a slice of lemon for five minutes.
Similarly, Fennel seeds have been used in Chinese, Indian and western medicines, and are believed to soothe digestive issues. They contain substances that can appease the smooth muscle in the digestive tract, and hence, reduce cramping and bloating. Drink fennel seeds as a tea or chew them after a generous meal.
Include Bitter and Sour Foods in Your Diet
Your digestive system serves for the breakdown of food and its absorption into the main bloodstream. To fulfil this function properly, your body needs digestive enzymes.
Bitter and sour foods trigger the production of stomach juices in a natural way. So, try eating a bitter leaf salad or rocket, kale, and spinach, with a few drops of lemon juice, before a copious meal. Alternatively, you can drink a 2:1 ration of water, and lemon juice, or half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, around 30 minutes prior to your big meal. This can stimulate digestion fluids and keep digestive problems at bay.
Stay Hydrated
It is common knowledge that drinking plenty of water throughout the day is vital for your global health, and your digestive system is not an exception. If you don’t drink sufficiently, your body will extract water from your solid discharge (stool), making it difficult to relieve oneself. Say hi to constipation! Water also stimulates the production of the digestive juices that help break down food into nutrients. The absence of these stomach fluids can trigger several digestive issues, like gas, bloating and nausea. Ideally, drink at least 2 liters of water every day, in addition to tea, coffee, juice and high-water fruits and veggies.
