When we eat a lot of cabbage, we can get cramps and gas problems. This is due to the sugar that our stomach cannot digest. But by doing certain yoga poses or sleeping on the left side, you can improve circulation and digestion.
Let’s not forget that our emotional state also has something to do with it. In fact, high levels of stress or anxiety can upset our digestive system, studies show.
We have rounded up 6 simple but effective ways to improve our digestion that we can all do on a daily basis, and our bodies will surely thank us later.
6. Sleep On Your Left Side
The stomach and pancreas are located on the left side of the body and are part of the digestive system. Lying on this side allows food from the stomach to pass more easily into the small intestine.
It also increases the release of pancreatic enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down food. Sleeping on the left side also reduces the chances of heartburn.
5. Eat More Fiber And Fermented Foods
The fibers help maintain regular and normal bowel movements. Most high-fiber foods are also low in sugar, fat, and calories, so they are generally healthier.
Oatmeal, beans, or fruit are good sources of fiber. You can also add fermented foods to your diet. Some types of plain white yogurt contain probiotics, which are good bacteria for the gut.
The most common are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which can improve some digestive problems and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Avoid Foods That Are Hard To Digest
Fatty foods like cheeseburgers, French fries, or pizza can make you feel bloated for many hours because they take longer for your body to digest.
These types of foods can also increase stomach gas, colic, or indigestion. It can also affect our ability to concentrate, so it is good to have a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
But be careful: some vegetables like cabbage can cause gas problems because they contain raffinose, a complex sugar that the stomach cannot digest.
Toast is one of the foods that can help digestion due to the starch it contains, which helps with diarrhea.
3. Don’t Get Distracted And Try To Eat While Sitting Down
When we eat while walking, we tend to consume more because we lose control of our portions and our stomach empties faster. When we eat sitting down, our blood circulation improves.
Even eating cross-legged has more benefits, because it relieves blood pressure around our heart and allows proper digestion of food.
2. Water Helps With Constipation
Water helps break down the food we eat so that the body can better absorb the necessary nutrients. Despite the widespread belief that it is not good to drink water during a meal, this is not true.
Water helps with digestion and is also very useful if you suffer from constipation. Drinking during a meal can also influence portion sizes.
1. Try The 4-7-8 Breathing Method
It can control our food cravings, improve sleep, lower anxiety levels, and control emotional responses. All you need to do is inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for another 7, and then release completely for a count of 8. It is recommended to do this 4 times in total.
Remember to listen to the things your body is trying to tell you. If symptoms such as severe cramps, stomach pain, or severe bloating persist for several days, you should always see your doctor.
How do you handle digestion problems? Share some tips that usually help you!
Preview photo credit BruceBlaus / Wikimedia Commons
