5 Ways to Improve Your Digestive System

The human digestive system is a vast community of parts, liquids, and biological machinery that is constantly working and adjusting to the things we eat, environments we are in, and even to our current mental state and health. When we add in the fact that to be healthy we must eat and drink every day, it can get tricky to maintain a consistent schedule of monitoring, feeding, and aiding our digestive systems as they work. However, there are some tips and tricks that are helpful in a day-to-day setting when you’re wanting to improve your entire system. Here are our Top 5:

1. Skip the sugary drink and opt for water
   
   We get it. So many drinks are so tempting, so indulgent, and such a great experience to enjoy! However, the sugary cocktails can wreak havoc on your body. Whether it’s your morning cup of coffee (loaded with creamer) or your favorite soda at lunch, it is always a wise choice to make the swap for water when you can. Setting a goal like “once a day I will swap to water” is a great place to start!
   
   
2. Eat slowly and chew completely.
   Once food enters your mouth and you begin to chew, the digestive system begins its process. As your teeth and saliva begin to break the food down, you can actually offer help to your system by intentionally chewing your food completely. Though that doesn’t mean you have to wide-jaw chew at the same rate as a sloth, it does mean that fully chewing will cut your digestion time down and ultimately help your body pass it through more quickly!
   
   
3. Find methods to manage your stress and use them.
   Stress is an incredibly unhealthy (and troublesome) part of human existence that can cause negative effects to many parts of the body. Perhaps surprisingly, that does absolutely include your digestive system. Stress can lead to constipation, higher levels of blood cholesterol, and can cause symptoms of nausea––making it extremely important to manage. Read more on how stress affects the system here.
   
   
4. Utilize healthy tools to manage constipation pain.
   Constipation is to some an inevitable part of their health that they must manage and control. A large percentage of people will deal with constipation at some point in their lives and it can last anywhere from a couple of hours to even years of consistent troubles. Tools like Ease are a perfect way to get your digestive system moving and to alleviate the discomfort that comes with bowel movement issues.
   
   
5. Incorporate an appropriate amount of fiber into your diet.
   It has more recently become common knowledge that fiber plays an integral role in the digestive system. Known to help create healthy stools and decrease constipation, fiber is your best friend when it comes to aiding your digestive system. Make sure to look up how much you need for your body type and don’t forget to include it on your plate!