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We all suffer from digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, IBS, heart burn and diarrhoea from time to time. While these tummy issues often go away after a couple of days by itself, many people suffer on an ongoing basis and seek medical advice for their digestive problems. But with a few simple tips most people can achieve a lasting improvement in digestive health and cut down significantly on tummy issues. 

Here are our top ten tips for better digestive health: 

1. Eat a diet high in fibre: Both soluble fibre found in oats, beans, lentil and insoluble fibre found in veggies, fruit and wholegrains are essential to move the food through the digestive tract. A high fibre diet also helps lower cholesterol and feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut for overall health and well-being. Additionally, fibre makes you feel fuller for longer and helps with weight management.
2. Eat less fatty foods: Swap deep fried, processed and fatty foods which slow down the digestive process for fruit and veggies rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
3. Don’t rush food: Eating on the run or in a rush can result in bloating, gas and indigestion so take your time and remember to chew your food properly. If your food is not chewed well it is harder to digest so try to slow down and enjoy your food.
4. Eat probiotics: We all have healthy bacteria in our gut naturally which helps to keep the body healthy. Probiotics help digestion but stress, some medications and eating an unhealthy diet can kill the good bacteria. So eat more yoghurt with probiotics or ask your nutritionist about supplements.
5. Drink water: Water is essential for your body to digest and absorb food so stay hydrated at all times. it will alleviate bloating and flush out toxins.
6. Eat regularly: Keep the same breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time routine every day. Also stay away from heavy and rich food well before bedtime because when you sleep your digestive system wants to rest too but is forced to work through the night to break down the food. This can disrupt your sleep.
7. Exercise: Regular exercise is good for a healthy weight and overall health but also moves the food through the digestive tract.
8. Reduce stress: While stress is hard to reduce and avoid, try to manage it by doing things which relax you. Try yoga, walking your dog, sudoku, taking a bath or meditation and reduce stress in your life. Stress will impact negatively on your digestion and overall health.
9. Get some sleep: Your digestive system needs time to rest and keeping regular sleeping hours can help your digestive system to work more effectively. You may also improve the regularity of your bowel habits.
10. Don’t smoke and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption

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