Do you often find yourself feeling bloated, nauseated, or experiencing acid reflux after a meal? Nowadays, nearly everything we consume is loaded with harmful additives and carrageenan, so it’s no wonder why so many people experience digestive problems on a regular basis. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals also contribute to the problem. In our previous blog, we discussed reasons for common digestive issues and offered natural methods of treatment. More likely than not, digestive issues are a result of eating too much sugar and processed foods, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. The first step to improving your digestive issues is to start a habit of creating a healthy, well-balanced diet that works for you. To help get you started, here are a few simple items you can begin to incorporate into your daily meals:
INDULGE
Fruits and Vegetables
The following fruits and vegetables are not only delicious, but they are also high in fiber, which allows your digestive system to continually run.
- Apples
- Artichokes
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Beans
- Berries (Blackberries and Raspberries)
- Green Vegetables (Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts)
- Pears
- Peas
- Lentils
Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt and drinks have been shown to help digestion. The friendly bacterium acidophilus, often found in probiotic yogurt, feeds bacteria in the colon and helps digest food. Actinia is the only probiotic yogurt specifically targeting digestive discomfort. Add in some berries and you have a healthy, light snack that’s sure to keep you feeling good.
Water
Water is an essential element for life, but most people underestimate how necessary water really is to keep your digestive tract moving well, fluidly. Try to go beyond the “8 cups of water a day” rule.
AVOID
Fried and Fatty Foods
Grease and fat are difficult to digest and have insignificant nutritional value. Rich, creamy foods – anything high in butter, cheese, or cream creates a clogged stomach. Be mindful of your dairy intake and reduce your fast food intake. Often times we are so caught up in trying to balance our daily lives, we ignore what we put in our body.
Carbonated, Sugary Beverages
Drinking a can of soda (diet or regular) is an act of digestive harm. The carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages leads to a gas build up in the stomach – not to mention the sugar and all the other harmful ingredients you take in from drinking a single can. Opt for a cold glass of water instead!
For more information into which diets can be beneficial in combatting digestive issues, contact one of our highly trained physicians.
