Are you having digestive issues? Here are some user-friendly tips to help alleviate GI stress:
Fiber helps with constipation. Cherries, grapes, bell peppers, beans, whole grains and nuts are rich in fiber. They all help keep your digestion regular. Your body needs around 20-35 grams of fiber daily. It also helps keep away weight gain, heart disease, blood sugar (high or low) and hemorrhoids.
Chew gum to help fight heartburn. It may relieve reflux by stimulating the production of acid neutralizing saliva. Just make sure to chew every other flavor besides peppermint.
Lose weight to cut gas and heartburn. Loose just 2 pounds and you could improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Extra pounds especially around the midsection can worsen digestive issues like heartburn, gas and belching.
Stop bloating and heartburn with smaller meals. It’s a good way to stop indigestion. The key is to eat smaller and more frequent meals and eat slower. It avoids overloading your digestive system and helps shrink stomach capacity.
Drink to stop constipation. Drinking fluids helps your body get rid of waste to help with constipation. Eight glasses a day is not enough, drink as much as possible throughout your day.
Get moving to beat bloating. It may help with most minor digestive problems from bloating to constipation. Physical activity helps your body’s digestive system. It moves things and eliminates waste. It also helps reduce stress a prime irritant of any digestive problems.
Stop smoking to beat heartburn. When you smoke you wreak havoc on digestion in many ways. Smoking weakens the valve at the end of the esophagus, which can lead to acid reflux and heart burn. It also increases the risk for various gastrointestinal cancers.
Drink less alcohol to ease stomach issues. Alcohol interferes with acid secretion, stomach muscles, and nutrient absorption. Too many drinks can contribute to heartburn, diarrhea, liver problems and even esophageal cancers.
Maybe dairy is the problem. Some people find that their bodies can’t digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk. As a result gas buildup is in your stomach. Eliminating anything dairy related can help relieve gas issues.
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.