Gastrointestinal problems are the most common conditions in the United States and reports from The American Gastroenterological Association states that almost 30% off the state’s populace experience some kind of digestive disorders or gastrointestinal problems every year. These problems can however, be prevented with some of these helpful tips noted below:

 

Carefully Choose the Dairy Products:

 

The National Institute of Health states that over 30 million – 50 million people in America are lactose-intolerant, which means they cannot digestive dairy products. This problem is even common with people in certain racial groups like the Asian-Americans (90% of these are lactose-intolerant), Native Americans (almost 80% are lactose intolerant) and also African-Americans. Lactose intolerance can either cause constipation or diarrhea the major sources of lactose are milk, yoghurt, ice cream and cheese.

 

This condition needs to be supplemented with ample amount of probiotics as the digestive system needs it. It helps in maintaining the healthy functioning of the colon as well and removes the bad bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract as well. Restoring the healthy bacteria is very important after taking antibiotics or when an individual is over stressed due to certain factors. Stress and antibiotics together can suppress all the healthy bacteria.

 

Increase Your Fiber Intake:

 

Dietary fiber happens to be one of the most essential ingredients for a healthy digestive tract and internal system. Fiber can not only lower the cholesterol levels, but can as well feed our healthy bacteria and can also assist in increasing the same. The best sources of fiber are brown rice, whole wheat, whole oats, peas, beans, seeds, nuts and some vegetables and fruits. Ideally, an adult needs about 25 grams of fiber regularly as a part of their daily diet. For starters, however, fiber rich cereal is recommended; white bread needs to be replaced with whole wheat bread.  You can as well add some of these high fiber food ingredients in your diet, such as lentils, nuts, hummus etc. Green vegetables and fresh frits must be consumed in abundance; at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits are needed. Flax seeds are a good source of fiber and you can add the same in ground form to your regular meals for more fiber.

 

Good Digestive Habits Are Always Recommended:

 

The smooth digestive functioning is often interrupted by our dietary habits and lifestyle. Some of the contributing factors are alcohol, tea, caffeine, chocolate, fatty / junk foods, thick sauces etc. These food groups in general are known to interfere with the system and can cause reflux as well. It also worsens the symptoms of heartburn. So, its time that you start thinking that why these foods cause such disturbances? Is it because it doesn’t suit you or it’s because it has already started causing damage to your system. In such cases, you must give up all or any of these habits that you practice.

 

Also, while eating, you must chew your food very well for proper digestion. After you chew the food, you can actually take in all the nutrients from the food that you eat and the digestion begins right in the mouth, which is essential.

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Filed under: Digestive Disorders Prevention

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