Are you suffering from tummy troubles?
Don’t worry you’re not alone.
A large percentage of the global population suffers from digestive issues. Your digestive system is a part of you that’s in constant use, so it makes sense that it can be sensitive and problematic.
Luckily, there are lots of ways to alleviate your suffering and get a calmer and more comfortable tummy. Here are five tips that will help you curb digestive dramas:
1. Dabble With Different Dairy
Dairy has a reputation for being a real Debbie downer for the digestive system. Luckily, you don’t have to give up the silky-smooth goodness of milk, cream, or cheese just to make your tummy feel better.
You can continue to enjoy dairy by utilizing products such as a2 milk, which contains only beta-casein, known to be easier on digestion. You could also experiment with lactose-free products and the wide range of surprisingly tasty and nutritious plant milks available on the market at the moment.
2. What’s Going On In There?
It is so important to know why you are having digestive discomfort so that you can then adjust your actions accordingly. Around 10 to 15% of people in the world suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. However, IBS is just one of the many reasons that a person can experience digestive discomfort.
It may be that you have an allergy, sensitivity, or perhaps something that needs a little more investigation. The first step involves going to see your doctor and getting some tests. Knowing what’s wrong is the start of finding a solution.
3. Cut Down On Known Digestive Irritants
There’s a wide range of foods known to aggravate a sensitive tummy. Some of the worst culprits include:
- Dairy products
- Acidic foods
- Fatty foods
- Fried food
- Processed food
- Artificial sweeteners (especially sugar alcohols like sorbitol)
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Extremely sweet foods
- Extremely salty foods
- Uncooked or off food
You don’t need to entirely cut them out, but you can experiment with reducing or temporarily eliminating them using a FODMAP or elimination diet to get to the bottom of your digestive distress.
If something you love turns out to be problematic, there are always alternative recipes that won’t give you such an upset tummy.
4. Put More Of The Good Stuff In
Getting a more comfortable tummy isn’t just about removing things from your diet. There’s also a wide range of great additions to what you eat and drink that you could consider.
Here are some of the top foods for promoting good gut health:
- Live cultured yogurt
- Miso
- Sauerkraut and other fermented foods and drinks like kimchi and kombucha
- Sourdough
- Olive oil
- Almonds
- Sprouts
- Bananas
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Peas
- Celery juice
To help you get a head start on happy gut health, here is a great recipe for a delicious, good digestion smoothie.
5. Move To Feel Better
Exercise is great for overall health, but did you know that it can help with digestive problems too? Getting active can ease constipation, and it can even strengthen your digestive tract. The muscles throughout your body, including those that help you digest, are stronger and healthier when you exercise regularly.
Exercise can even help to get rid of heartburn, gas, and cramps. One of the best places to start is with a gentle yoga routine designed for improved gut health.
You don’t have to live in discomfort. Seek help, do your research, and try different things.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to live without those nasty cramps and other digestive problems, for a happier, healthier life.