A quick and efficient digestive system is needed for optimal health and vitality. When the digestive system is slow and sluggish, the whole body is adversely affected. Problems with digestion can be obvious: belching, flatulence, bloating, or cramping. These symptoms can make you feel ill and old.
• Drink water only between meals
Water taken between meals aids digestion, it provides the necessary lubrication to keep the bowels moving smoothly, but ideally should be taken before and after meals instead of during them. An adequate intake of water aids the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste by keeping the blood from getting too thick and becoming slow-moving. Ideally, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, starting with 2 upon rising, one glass half an hour before each meal and another glass 2 hours after each meal.
• Avoid other drinks with meals
If you can manage it, don’t drink anything with your meals. Drinking liquids while eating only dilutes digestive juices, making them less effective, this inhibits and slow the digestive process. However, sometimes it can feel difficult to swallow food properly without the assistance of a drink.
• Don’t overdo fiber
Rough fiber, such as bran, can actually damage the intestines by harshly scraping the mucus-lined membrane. If adequate water is not consumed, fiber can actually block the intestine.
• Restrict the variety of your meals
Eat only a small variety of foods at each meal, while it is important to maintain a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, try to keep the mix relatively simple.
• Eat in a relaxed environment
If you find yourself feeling anxious during meal times, try to control the amount of stress that you experience while you are eating. It’s often better to skip a meal when you are feeling stressed, have a glass of water instead, eat when you are feeling calm.
• Chew food properly
Digestion begins in the mouth, take time to chew your food.
Finally the best way to stop bloating is to limit your sugar and salt intake. It’s recommended that you limit your sugar intake to less than 20 grams a day. Also you shouldn’t consume more than 1500 milligrams of salt a day.
