Though your digestive tract is designed to handle an assortment of foods as well as eating habits, some of the choices that you make are better than others when it comes to keeping you regular and healthy. As long as you treat your digestive system well, you will find that you are much more comfortable, and your overall health will be able to thrive. By making just a few changes to your day-to-day routine, you can avoid unpleasant stomach issues. So, if you notice that your stomach has been bothering you more than usual, here are a few dos and don'ts to take into consideration.
Do Follow a Regular Eating Schedule
There are natural cycles that your body repeats on a daily basis, and digestion is one of those. If you get yourself accustomed to eating at certain times of the day, you will find that you are less likely to feel hungry in between each of the three main meals of the day, meaning that you are less likely to snack throughout the day and can avoid overeating.
Do Drink Plenty of Fluids
The digestive system requires a sufficient amount of water in order to circulate nutrients throughout the body and flush out waste. Any time that you feel thirsty it is the body letting you know that it is starting to become dehydrated. Therefore, it is imperative that you drink plenty of water during the day. In addition, the beverages that you choose to drink can relieve gas and bloating, such as peppermint tea, or help to soothe nausea, such as ginger tea.
Do Keep a Food Diary
If you have stomach issues, make sure to take the time to maintain a food diary that details what you are eating and when you are experiencing a reaction. A stomach doctor will be able to take the information that you write down and identify the foods or eating habits that are triggering your symptoms and work out a treatment plan for you.
Don't Eat Too Fast
It can take a bit of time for your stomach to send the signals to your brain that let you know it is full. So, when you end up eating too fast, you may wind up eating too much, resulting in discomfort as well as weight gain. Plus, if you eat too fast, you will swallow more air, resulting in gas.
Don't Go to Sleep Immediately After Eating
The digestive system is built to work when you are standing or sitting upright. Therefore, if you decide to lie down immediately after eating, stomach acid is likely to travel up to the esophagus, which can result in acid reflux.
Don't Forget to Exercise
Although it is not recommended to exercise immediately after consuming a meal, it is important that you partake in exercise on a regular basis. Regular exercise can not only help you stay fit, but it can also improve the strength and overall health of your digestive system, aiding in smoother digestion.
Don't Consume Excess Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can both be enjoyable beverages, but this is only in moderation. If you consume either one of them in excess, they can irritate your digestive tract and impact the mind and body in various ways. Try to limit yourself to a few cups of coffee each day and only one alcoholic beverage, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
If you continue to have stomach problems after making these daily lifestyle changes, get in touch with your stomach doctor immediately.
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