6 Tips for a Healthy Digestive System

A healthy digestive system is key to overall good health. Here are a few tips to support the health of your digestive system – and help you feel better too!
Many people don’t realize just how important healthy digestion is for your overall health. A healthy digestive system will not only help you feel healthier and more energetic, but it will also make it easier for you to stay active, lose weight, and enjoy your life. Here are a few ways to support your digestive system and keep it healthy and functional:
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of plain water will work wonders for your digestive system. It will keep you hydrated as well and will help your body to cleanse and detoxify itself, and support health for all your internal organs. If you find it difficult to drink enough plain water, add some sliced cucumbers, fruit, or herbs like mint, basil for a refreshing treat.
2. Exercise more
Regular exercise keeps your digestive system healthy and working smoothly. Conversely, the better your digestive system works, the more energy you will have to exercise!
3. Keep rich and fatty foods to a minimum
You don’t have to cut fatty foods entirely from your diet, but they are typically fairly difficult to digest. It’s a good idea to do a detox at least every couple of months where you cut out most fats for a week or so. When you do eat fats, make sure they are natural fats that are not highly processed – so no vegetable oil, etc. Stick with butter or avocados.
4. Eat plenty of fiber
One of the best foods to eat for your digestive system is fiber. Fiber can be found in many cereals, whole-grain bread and brown rice and also fruits such as bananas, apples, and pineapple. Most vegetables are also high in fiber, so be sure to eat plenty of these every day. Getting a good daily dose of fiber will keep your digestive system working optimally.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
If you’re at a healthy weight, your digestive system will be able to work better. If you lose weight, the combination of shedding excess fat and eating a better diet will improve your digestive system, and you’ll feel a lot better. Many of the things which help you to have better digestion will also help you to lose some weight, so it’s a win-win situation for both your digestive system and your waistline!
6. Don’t eat too quickly
People can eat all the right foods, but if you eat too quickly or at the wrong times, such as just before an exercise session, your digestive system won’t feel good – and neither will you. Slow down when you eat and give your body time to digest the food. One good way to do this is to eat with other people and have a conversation over dinner. Not only will you eat more slowly, but you’ll build closer bonds with your friends and family at the same time.