15 Important Steps to Better Digestion

Digestive health can be easily changed with simple lifestyle adjustments.  Do you have constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea or heartburn?  

Simple Changes 

1. More fruit and vegetables, less red meat.
2. More whole foods, less processed foods.
3. Drink freshly squeezed lemons in spring or filtered water. This is alkalizing and helps to clean the stomach of any residual debris.
4. Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.  Listen to your body.
5. Eat more fiber (#1)
6. Skip the NSAID's/non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.  Regular use of these drugs can cause peptic ulcers in the digestive tract.
7. Be careful of use and overuse of other drugs that create digestive problems.  Too many antibiotics can strip your gut of good bacteria and you can end up with c-difficile.
8. Don't overeat.
9. Use herbs for digestion. (article to follow)
10. Drink your liquids before and after meals, not during.
11. Take your time and really chew-chew-chew.  Your body can use energy for other things if you chew your food instead of relying on acid and enzymes.
12. Eat slower so you do not swallow a lot of air while you eat.
13. Do all of the above and skip the laxatives, as your body becomes reliant on them and they are habit forming. 
14. Smoking and drinking can cause ulcers and heartburn.
15. Don't be afraid to enlist the help of a specialist (gastroenterologist). You may want to get a referral from a friend or relative.  Remember that they are there to diagnose and treat, prevention lies in your hands.

SOURCES:
 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peptic-ulcer/ds00242/dsection=causes
 http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mens_Health_Watch/2010/June/clostridium-difficile-an-intestinal-infection-on-the-rise
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/#what