If you’re wondering how to improve digestive health, you’re not alone. There has been an increasing focus on developing good digestive health as more people become aware of the vital role gut health plays in maintaining holistic health and wellness for the body.
Whether you’re combating digestive health issues or are simply trying to get closer to optimal health, this blog post is for you.
Continue reading to learn seven simple ways to improve digestive health, or, for more serious gut health issues, give Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics a call to speak with a qualified naturopathic doctor.
How to Improve Digestive Health: 7 Tips & Tricks
Here are seven simple ways to improve digestive health.
By implementing these super simple seven tips into your life, you’ll be able to improve your digestive health without committing large chunks of time or money to your gut improvement.
1. Work With a Naturopathic Doctor
If you’ve been suffering from digestive health issues, one of the best things you could do for yourself is to work with a naturopathic doctor.
A naturopathic doctor will help you discover possible reasons behind your digestive health issues such as food allergies or intolerances, hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, thyroid function, inflammation, etc.
If you are looking for a trustworthy naturopathic doctor to help you understand how to improve digestive health, contact Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics today.
2. Eat Slowly
A simple and easy way to start improving your digestive health is to eat slowly and mindfully.
Never rush through a meal and never eat unless you’re sitting down, at the table, with enough time to have a relaxed meal. Chew your food thoroughly and take notice of every flavor and texture while you’re eating.
Digestion begins before you’ve even so much as lifted your first forkful to your mouth, so give your body as much time as possible to prepare itself for food before you fill your tank.
3. Take Probiotics
Another simple way for how to improve digestive health is by taking a probiotic supplement.
If you prefer to get your probiotics through food rather than by a supplement, incorporate foods like greek yogurt, kefir, or kombucha into your diet a couple of times a week.
Probiotics help support beneficial bacteria in the gut, which in turn improves digestive health. Good bacteria (such as the bacteria found in yogurt and kombucha), assists your digestive system in breaking down difficult to digest foods.
4. Do an Elimination Diet
If you suspect that you have a food intolerance or allergy that is causing your digestive issues, a good way to improve your digestive health is by doing an elimination diet to pinpoint the offending food.
If you need help doing an elimination diet, our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Robertson would be happy to design a custom elimination diet to help you discover your intolerances or allergies.
5. Implement Light Exercise Into Your Routine
One of the best ways for how to improve digestive health is by implementing light exercise into your daily routine.
Moving your body a couple of hours after a meal can increase gut transit time and may also reduce symptoms of inflammation.
6. Eat More Fiber
Eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains is an excellent way to improve digestion and increase fiber intake. Fiber improves digestion by adding bulk to your stool, making bowel movements easier and more regular.
Take care that you don’t increase your fiber intake aggressively though, as rapid fiber increase can cause stomach upset.
7. Minimize Stress
The mind-gut connection is far greater than most people realize.
When the mind is stressed, energy and blood are diverted away from the gut (digestive system) and instead go into preparing your body to run away from potential threats. The fight or flight mechanism that humans have evolved with gets your body ready for potential physical conflict and ignores what it sees as a less pressing need — digestion.
If you struggle with chronic stress as many people do nowadays, take up some helpful stress management practices such as meditation or a brisk evening walk to help you reduce stress and improve your digestive health.
Need More Tips on How to Improve Digestive Health?
If you are looking for more ways to improve digestive health, contact Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics today.
Our experienced naturopathic doctor, Dr. Robertson would be happy to discuss your digestive health issues with you and help you find simple, effective, and natural ways to improve digestive health and overall well being.
Give Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics a call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robertson.
