Digestive problems: Five tips for a healthy, happy tummy (Slideshow)

Digestive problems are common, occur when your body can't break down and use the food you eat. It can be caused by lactose intolerance, eating the wrong kinds of foods, poor eating habits such as eating too quickly or skipping meals. Your digestive health is also directly imapcted by the lifestyle you live. Eating too much a diet high in fat, salt or sugar can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent many digestive problems.

Common symptoms of digestion problems include – heartburn, indigestion, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, etc.

Here are a few tips to improve your digestive health: Take a look!

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fiber and rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits can improve your digestive health. Fiber-rich foods can help regulate your digestion and prevent bloating and gas.

Limit or avoid foods that contain high amounts of fat, salt, sugar and acids. Also limit caffeinated and carbonated drinks as they can interfere with your digestive health.

Try eating a little less or smaller meals, several times a day instead of two large meals so your digestive system does not have to work as hard or as long.

Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system healthy and on track. Water helps dissolve fats, soluble fiber and keep stool soft making it easier to pass.

Regular exercise can help support healthy digestion and reduce constipation. It improves metabolism, blood flow which includes your digestive system – stomach, intestines and bowels – responsible for braking down the food you eat into nutrients and energy.

By: Salome Phelamei