The key to good health is good digestion. Once your gut is functioning well, you are full of energy, have a clear head and are ready to face the day. However, busy schedules, commuting long distances, and urban pressures are the order of the day to many of us in Houston. That does interfere with our digestion. The good news? You do not require any prescription medications or elaborate supplements to put yourself back on track. Using easy measures and intuitive modifications, you can get better at digesting the food in your own kitchen.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a renowned gastroenterologist with a presence in the Texas Medical Center is fond of reminding his patients: healthy digestion begins at home. Even small day by day changes can make significant improvements to gut comfort.
Your digestive system breaks food, supplies your body with energy and eliminates waste. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and colon are some of the key parts. In the tract, the good bacteria (your gut microbiome) assists in the extraction of vitamins and in the prevention of the unwanted germs.
Why does this matter? A healthy gut microbiome is able to:
Gut health is not a luxury as Dr. Bharat Pothuri remarks. It's essential for daily life.
A gastroenterologist visit is only necessary in cases of severe problems, although a major deal of minor problems constipation, bloating all the time, irregular bowel movements, etc. can be solved at home. When you have the right routine, you can reduce the amount of flare-ups, reduce the number of medical visits and spend more time in the parks of Houston or in barbecues with your family.
Besides, home-based solutions are likely to be cheaper than medical therapy. You will not only save money but will also learn more about your body and will develop habits that will not go away soon.
Consistency matters. These are easy habits that you can practice on a daily basis:
The selection of the appropriate ingredients can make a difference to your gut. At home, the following are some of the most effective foods to eat when it comes to eating foods that are good to the digestive system:
Dr. Bharat Pothuri continues to add, that the question that is frequently posed to him by the people of Houston concerns which foods help them digest best. Top of your grocery list should be fermented products and plants rich in fiber.
You do not have to go to the shelf of a pharmacist: your pantry contains remedies to slow down digestion:
Trying to avoid pills? Pay attention to the following lifestyle changes:
Digestion is not confined on your plate. See these day-to-day practices:
| Characteristic | Prebiotics | Probiotics |
| Definition | Undigestible fibers which nourish gut bacteria | Live beneficial bacteria |
| Food Sources | Onions, garlic, bananas, oats | Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi |
| Function | Stimulate the development of healthy microbes | Repopulate healthy bacteria in the gut |
| Best Use | Daily in meals and snacks | As supplements or fermented foods |
| Safety Precautions | Take in more fiber gradually to prevent gas | Take in low amount; consult in case immunocompromised |
The NIH has a guide to probiotics and prebiotics, more on probiotics.
Home care is used in mild symptoms. However, see a gastroenterologist in case you have:
Enhancing your digestion at home make sense and is empowering. With the adoption of the daily gut health tips that you can follow, selecting the most useful foods to promote digestive health at home, and the use of easy-to-follow home remedies to promote digestion, you will feel much lighter, more energetic and in touch with your body. And take the advice of Dr. Bharat Pothuri: Every day you take little steps, which in the long run can cause big changes.
To get additional recipes and instructions, go to Gastrodoxs. To a happier, healthier gut directly in the heart of Houston!
Have more questions? Post a remark at Gastrodoxs.com or at your local gastroenterology clinic in Houston. And here is to the health of your gut!
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Eat fennel seeds by chewing or drink ginger tea after eating. Some warm compress on your belly will help too.
Two best choices are yogurt containing live cultures and oatmeal. They provide prebiotic fiber and probiotics.
Eat less, chew their food, stay hydrated and deep breathing relieves stress.
For most people, yes. Take a small dose and see how you feel. Ask your doctor in case you are immune-compromised.
One can observe decreased bloating in 1-2 weeks. Consistency is key.
Absolutely. 15-20 minutes of walking or light yoga are also helpful to promote gut motility.
Chewing gum enhances the production of saliva which triggers the digestive process. Opt for sugar-free varieties.
Sleep deprivation interferes with your microbiome. Get 7-9 hours and maintain a regular wake up time.
Generally, yes. However, when you are sensitive to histamine or have IBS, then proceed gradually and observe the symptoms.
The sources that can be trusted are the overview of digestive health by Mayo Clinic and nutrition guidelines provided by CDC.
