How to eat for better digestion

If you struggle with stomach issues, bloating, or gas then this article is for you. There are so many ways to eat for better digestion, and it’s not only about what you eat. It’s also about when you eat, how you eat, and how much you eat. A common misconception is that, as long as you’re eating healthy, you can eat whatever and whenever. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s talk about some of the best tips for how to eat for better digestion.

EAT SMALLER MEALS

No one wants to suffer from indigestion or heartburn. Unfortunately, it is possible to eat too much and overload your digestive system. If you’re eating a lot of different foods at once, it may take longer and be more difficult for your stomach to break down everything. Smaller portions mean less wear on your digestive tract.

Too many sugars like sorbitol can also cause digestion problems because they’re hard for your body to break down. Overeating makes it harder for your stomach to break food down into nutrients before passing them through your body. Eating smaller meals with more vegetables and other fiber-rich foods is better for digestion. They have low calorie counts but high nutritional value.

EAT SLOWLY AND CHEW THOROUGHLY

Food is a big part of our lives. From birthdays, to holidays, and everything between, we share food with one another as a way of connecting and celebrating. But how often do you think about what it takes to digest your food? You break food down into smaller pieces by chewing which makes the process easier on your stomach. When you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, you are doing your digestive track a favor.

Eating too fast can cause indigestion and other health issues that you don’t want to have on the regular. According to Healthline you should “chew your food an estimated 32 times before swallowing. It takes fewer chews to break down soft and water-filled food.”

DRINK ENOUGH WATER

Staying hydrated is essential for digestion and helps you feel more energized. Drinking the right amount of water will help your body better process food, which in turn can lead to weight loss. Drinking water helps your digestion because it helps flush out toxins and waste. That allows for a healthier feeling and fewer gut problems.

TAKE PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS

It is no secret that our digestive system is essential to a healthy life. Our busy lives make us more likely to suffer from constipation or loose stools because we don’t take enough time for healthy digestion. Do you feel bloated after eating your favorite foods? Do you find yourself needing to go several times throughout the day? Taking probiotic supplements could be helpful in restoring balance.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS WHILE EATING

The way that we eat and digest food can have a huge impact on the health of our insides. That is why it’s important to avoid distractions like TV while eating. An article by Harvard Health describes a study comparing people who ate in front of the television and some who did not. The study found that “being distracted or not paying attention to a meal tended to make people eat more.” Likewise, “paying attention to a meal was linked to eating less later on.”

KEEP GOOD POSTURE

One final, simple thing you can do to ensure smooth digestion is to pay attention to your posture while you’re eating.

It can be hard to remember how you should sit while eating, especially when you are in a hurry. But knowing the right posture for sitting while eating can help your digestion and make it easier to eat slower. The best way to sit is with your back flat against the chair, feet on the floor, knees at 90 degrees (or less than that if they don’t reach), and arms resting at your sides or by your plate. This will allow gravity to work within your digestive tract.

Your posture after a meal matters too. Avoid laying down or reclining for a few hours after you eat. This will help prevent heartburn and aid in smooth digestion.