If you’ve ever felt a little off after eating, that’s normal. Occasional heartburn, gas, constipation, and even diarrhea are common. Experiencing any of these conditions frequently can become disruptive and uncomfortable.
Sometimes, making changes to your diet may ease your digestive issues. Keep reading for six changes that can help improve your gastrointestinal issues.
Try to eat five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day. When it comes to adding fruits and vegetables, fill up on a variety of them. Try eating a variety of colors, from red to dark green. You can eat canned and frozen vegetables for convenience, but try to get as much fresh produce as possible. plants are rich in fiber and disease-fighting chemicals. Improved digestive health has been linked to eating a high-fiber diet.
Reach for whole grains instead of white or processed breads or other grains. The packaging will say “whole grains,” and this information will also be included on the ingredient list on the nutrition label. You’ll also want to check the amount of fiber and choose foods with three or more grams of dietary fiber per serving.
Instead of red meats or processed meats, try poultry or fish. Eating smaller portions of meat less often can also positively impact your digestion. You can replace meat with beans for even more fiber. A half-cup of beans has as much protein as one ounce of meat.
There are some ways of preparing food that are healthier than grilling or frying. These include steaming, poaching, stewing, microwaving, braising, and boiling. Try cooking your food in a healthier way. It’s important to cook meat thoroughly to reduce other health risks, like salmonella.
Probiotics are the healthy bacteria in your gut that help keep the bad bacteria at bay. They produce healthy substances that provide nourishment for your gut. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Foods with added sugars and animal fats can produce harmful chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause damage over time. Good choices start at the grocery store. Check labels for added sugars, choose skinless lean meats, and limit high-fat dairy products.
If your stomach is occasionally upset after eating, these habits may help. But if you’re having gastrointestinal difficulties regularly, especially after eating, you should see a gastroenterologist. Make an appointment today.
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