Improving Your Digestive System

Poor diets and stress appear to be causing more and more sickness and disease in America. Possibly this is because a poor diet can negatively affect the digestive system, and a poor digestive system can compromise one's immune system making one more prone to sickness and disease. Poor digestion can also lead to obesity and more serous digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, hemorrhoids or Crohn's disease.

About the digestive system. It's common knowledge that everyone needs food to survive. But in order to be healthy, the nutrients from food need to first properly be absorbed, and then to travel and nourish the whole body. Consequently, if food is not adequately digested, this process will be compromised. Just as the body needs to absorb necessary nutrients, it also needs to rid itself of waste and toxins. Accumulated toxins can lead to many illnesses including chronic infections, heart disease and even cancer.

Having recovered from irritable bowel syndrome, I've made every effort possible to get and keep my digestive system working properly. Much of this was done by changing and supplementing my diet. If you are serious about improving the function of your digestive system, here are seven simple things you can do to begin making changes today.

1. Eliminate or minimize processed foods and refined flour/sugar. Many sicknesses and diseases have been connected to diets high in processed foods and sugar, including diabetes, heart disease and possibly some digestive diseases.
2. Eat more raw fruits/vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients and fiber, helping to ward off disease and regulate the digestive system.
3. Slowly increase your fiber intake (don't do this too quickly, give your digestive tract time to adjust). Adding foods rich in fiber will help tremendously in boosting your digestive system. Some of these foods include whole wheat breads/pastas, beans, apples (the fiber is mostly in the skin), bran/oats and nuts. You can also add a fiber source to your diet like wheat germ, FiberChoice or Metamucil.
4. Intake a lot of fluids, especially water. Drinking water not only aids in proper digestion, but it also helps in the transporting and removal of waste and toxins. If you suffer from constipation or a hard stool, increase your water intake and you'll see a huge difference.
5. Supplement your diet with probiotics/probiotic foods. Put "good bacteria" in your body by eating foods such as buttermilk, sauerkraut or yogurt (make sure the label states that it contains live and active cultures), or taking a supplement like Dr. Ohhira's Essential Formulas Probiotics.
6. Exercise. Regular exercise can greatly benefit one's digestive system. This is especially true for individuals who suffer from infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
7. Minimize stress. Many digestive issues have been linked to stress including heartburn, constipation and diarrhea. Finding ways to deal with everyday stress will greatly aid in the function of your digestive system.