Our eating habits and choices directly impact our digestive system and overall health. Even the smallest decisions, such as eating an unhealthy snack, can affect our digestive health.
Our gastrointestinal tract is highly complex, containing millions of bacteria that maintain the immune system and impact our overall health. Our regular habits, including the food we eat, physical activity, and many others, can influence the gut microbiome and weaken the digestive system. Here are some extremely unhealthy habits that one should stop practicing to keep the digestive system healthy.
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Lack Of Fiber: Fiber is an important nutrient that supports the digestive system by promoting the feelings of fullness and preventing hunger. A diet rich in fiber keeps digestion healthy. A diet low in fiber-rich foods can cause constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, and many other illnesses.
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Eating Fast: We usually eat too fast when in a hurry. Eating fast can be dangerous for our digestive system, as this hampers the signaling to our brain. It takes about twenty minutes for our brain to signal fullness. Eating slowly allows ample time to trigger these signals from our brain to the rest of our body that we are full. And feeling full translates into eating less. Eating slowly and mindfully helps us eat less and enhances the dining experience’s pleasure.
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Too Much Medications: Oral medicines affect our digestive system in several ways. People who take medicines for too long are prone to have digestive tract issues. Prolonged consumption of oral medicines may have a harmful impact on our health. Further, certain medicines, if taken together may interact and cause harmful side effects.
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Overeating: Overeating is another harmful habit that may impact our digestive system negatively. Eating past the point of fullness is referred to as overeating. Overeating can cause weight gain and eating disorders. It can even cause stomach pain and indigestion, alter how our body regulates hunger, and contribute to weight gain.
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Laxatives: Laxatives can be harmful to the entire body if they become a habit. Frequent use of laxatives can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as bowel obstruction or appendicitis. If one frequently uses certain laxatives for weeks or months, they can decrease the colon’s ability to contract and worsen constipation.
One must avoid these five harmful habits that can be dangerous for our digestive system. Rather, one must try certain healthy habits for better digestive health; these may include:
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Having a diet with natural fiber and rich in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits can improve our digestive health.
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One must limit foods high in fat, as fatty foods slow down our digestive process, making us prone to constipation.
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Including probiotics in our diet keeps the digestive system healthy. Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome in our system.
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Prefer lean meat over fatty cuts of meat, as fatty cuts can lead to uncomfortable digestion.
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Consuming our meals and snacks on a regular schedule can help keep our digestive system healthy.
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Drinking plenty of water and fluid is good for our digestive health. Fiber needs water to create softer, bulkier stools, allowing them to easily pass through the intestine.
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Excessive caffeine, smoking, and alcohol can interfere with the functioning of our digestive system and cause heartburn and stomach ulcers.
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Regular exercise plays a vital role in keeping our digestive health good. It helps maintain a healthy weight, which is good for our digestive health.
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One must manage stress. Too much stress or anxiety can cause our digestive system to overdrive.
Our digestive health is the foundation of our overall health. It is highly important to practice healthy habits that help build good digestive health to reduce the risk of developing digestive issues. In case of any digestive problem, one must not delay consulting a gastroenterologist.
