Our gut plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It is responsible for processing food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste.

However, factors such as stress, poor diet, medication and other health conditions can lead to digestive issues that cause discomfort and disrupt normal gut function. Fortunately, there are several moves you can adopt to soothe your gut and improve digestion. Here are six of them:.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain good digestive health. Water helps to move food through the digestive system, preventing constipation and ensuring smooth bowel movements.

It also flushes out toxins that can cause digestive problems. According to health experts, you should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to improve digestion.

2. Incorporate Probiotics into Your Diet

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to gut health. They help to populate the gut with good bacteria, which aids in digestion and prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

You can find probiotics in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha. Alternatively, you can take probiotic supplements for optimal gut health.

3. Reduce Your Intake of Trigger Foods

Certain foods can trigger digestive problems in some people. Some of these foods include dairy products, gluten, processed foods and spicy foods.

If you experience digestive issues, it is advisable to reduce your intake of these foods or eliminate them from your diet altogether. You should also keep a food diary to identify foods that trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them in the future.

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves paying close attention to your food, chewing slowly and thoroughly and enjoying your meals in a relaxed environment.

This approach to eating helps to improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and reducing stress. When you eat mindfully, you also become more aware of your body’s hunger and fullness cues, which helps to prevent overeating and promotes a healthy weight.

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise does wonders for gut health. Physical activity stimulates the muscles in the digestive tract, helping to move food through the system and prevent constipation. It also reduces stress, which can have a positive effect on gut health.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, on most days of the week.

6. Reduce Stress

Stress is a major contributor to digestive problems. When you are stressed, your body enters a fight or flight mode, which diverts blood flow away from the digestive system and slows down digestion.

Chronic stress can lead to more serious digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To reduce stress, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massage therapy.

Incorporating these moves into your daily routine can help to soothe your gut and improve digestion. However, if you experience persistent digestive problems, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.