Tips for Better Digestive Health

Everyone experiences digestive issues like gas, constipation and heartburn from time to time. However, recurrent or ongoing digestive symptoms require evaluation. A healthy digestive system is essential for long-term wellness because it works hard to maintain your immunity, neurological health, and other systems. 

You can tell when your digestion is out of whack. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to promote digestive health and overall wellness. At Premier Gastroenterology in Brooksville, Florida, digestive specialist Dr. Rodwan Hiba is dedicated to providing exceptional care in helping patients keep their digestive systems as healthy as possible. 

Dr. Hiba can perform a prompt evaluation and recommend the best approach to reduce your symptoms and get things back on track. Here are a few strategies for boosting digestion.

Get a handle on stress

Healthy stress management strategies can significantly improve health, including digestion. The gut and brain are intimately connected; one affects the other. Stress is a common trigger for people with various digestive conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

If you’re dealing with digestive symptoms, it’s wise to get your stress in check. Stress can affect the digestive system in various ways, including reducing blood flow and causing spasms and heartburn. 

When and where you eat are other factors that influence stress-related digestive symptoms. Making an effort to engage in stress-busting activities can support digestive health. 

Fill up on fiber

If you’re like most people, you could use more fiber. Over 90% of adults fail to get the recommended intake of fiber, according to the American Society for Nutrition. Insoluble dietary fiber acts like a toothbrush, keeping the digestive tract moving. 

Whole grains are some of the richest sources of insoluble fiber. Another type, soluble fiber, absorbs water and contributes bulk to the stool so that stools are soft and pass easily. 

Oat bran, legumes, nuts, and seeds all contain soluble fiber. A high-fiber diet is linked with a lower risk of digestive conditions such as ulcers, reflux, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. 

It’s a good idea to gradually increase your fiber intake by adding more fiber-rich foods to your meals. Adding too much fiber too quickly can cause some digestive discomfort, so back off a bit if you experience any issues. 

Stick to a well-balanced diet

Adopting and sticking to a nutritious, balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to support digestive health. What you eat has a major impact on how well your digestive system functions.