Our digestive system is a complex and essential system that works continuously to keep us healthy. Unhealthy habits, stress, and poor eating habits can all lead to an upset stomach.
Danone, a global food company, has been producing quality dairy products and probiotics that help to improve our digestive health for over a century. In this article, we share ten of Danone’s tips to help you feel good in your belly.
Tip 1: Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential to keep your digestive system working properly. Staying hydrated also helps prevent constipation.
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and you can also drink herbal tea, fresh juice, or coconut water to add some variety to your fluid intake.
Tip 2: Eat a Balanced Diet
The food we eat is the fuel our body needs to perform its functions, including digestion. To keep your digestive system healthy, aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Avoid processed foods, fatty and fried foods, and excessive consumption of sugars and salt.
Tip 3: Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps keep your digestive system healthy. It adds bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass. Foods high in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Aim to consume at least 25-35 grams of fiber per day.
Tip 4: Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps to keep the digestive system functioning correctly. Exercise helps to move food through the digestive tract, increasing the motility of the colon.
Also, exercise may decrease stress, which can negatively impact the digestive system by causing diarrhea or constipation.
Tip 5: Reduce Stress
Stress negatively affects our digestive system, leading to problems such as stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea. Reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Tip 6: Chew Your Food Properly
Chewing your food correctly is an essential step in the digestive process. Proper chewing breaks down food into smaller particles, making it easier for the digestive system to break down food and extract nutrients.
Slow down and chew your food properly, enjoying each mouthful.
Tip 7: Don’t Overeat
Eating large meals puts pressure on the digestive system and can lead to bloating, heartburn, and indigestion. It’s best to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help keep the digestive system working correctly.
Tip 8: Avoid Eating Before Bed
Eating before bed interferes with sleep patterns and digestion, leading to heartburn, reflux, gas, and stomach pain. It’s advised to wait at least two hours after eating before going to bed.
Tip 9: Take Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to our digestive system. They break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off harmful bacteria.
Danone’s range of probiotic yogurts such as Actimel and Activia make it easy to add probiotics to your diet.
Tip 10: Listen to Your Body
Our bodies are intelligent, and they give us signals when something is wrong. Pay attention to your body’s signals, such as stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, and adjust your diet or seek medical attention if necessary.