Here's How to Boost Your Digestive Health at Home

Millions of Americans complain of digestive problems. Some are diagnosable conditions that require medical intervention from an expert such as board-certified gastroenterologist Bharat Pothuri, MD at GastroDoxs here in Houston, Texas.

But many digestive complaints aren’t associated with a specified medical condition. Rather, they’re the result of lifestyle habits. At GastroDoxs, we want to help you have the healthiest digestion possible. Read on to learn some things you can do to boost your digestive health, whether you have a diagnosed condition or not.

Common digestive complaints

Digestive problems that aren’t associated with a diagnosable condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common, and they’re often due to stress or dietary choices.

Consider changing your habits if you frequently suffer from:

If any of these symptoms are disabling, chronic, or accompanied by other issues, such as a fever or blood in your stool, call GastroDoxs for an evaluation.

In most cases, however, you can ease these digestive symptoms with simple at-home interventions. 

Here are six ideas to help you improve your digestive health.

1.    Eat whole, unprocessed food whenever possible

Highly processed foods such as packaged snacks and fast foods often contain ingredients that can irritate your digestive tract. Foods with ingredients such as trans fats, artificial colors and sweeteners, and refined white flour can negatively affect your digestion.

Promote good digestion by eating more foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, and lean proteins. 

2.    Avoid gut-irritating foods

Everyone’s digestion is slightly different. Some people may find the following foods irritating due to intolerances:

Experiment with limiting these foods in your meal plans to see if issues such as diarrhea or chronic gas clear up.

3.    Eat enough fiber

Fiber is a critical part of any diet. Soluble fiber, found in legumes, nuts, seeds, and oat bran, adds bulk to your stool. Insoluble fiber, found in vegetables, whole grains, and wheat bran, scrubs your digestive tract to keep things moving. Both types of fiber help keep your system regular, reducing the likelihood you’ll suffer from constipation.

Most adults should aim to consume 25-38 grams per day. If you don’t consume a lot of fibrous foods right now, add them in gradually so your body can acclimate slowly.

4.    Stay hydrated

Liquid helps added fiber move more easily through your system and adds softness to your stools. Drink water and consume fluid-rich foods, such as broth-based soups, fruits, and fresh vegetables.

5.    Reduce stress

Stress negatively affects your digestive tract. The hormones released when you’re in “fight-or-flight” mode divert blood and energy away from your digestive system. Issues such as stomach ulcers, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea are associated with stress.

While not all stress can be avoided, it can be better managed. Participate in stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation. Also consider delegating tasks to others at work or taking on fewer obligations if you find that stress is causing your stomach to suffer.

6.    Add probiotic-containing foods

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that aid in digestion. Many naturally fermented foods contain probiotics and are tasty, too. Try eating sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut to help improve your digestion.

If taking these steps doesn’t alleviate your digestive problems, contact GastroDoxs for an evaluation. Dr. Pothuri offers screenings and diagnosis of any underlying conditions that might be behind your distress. If you’re in the greater Houston area, call us today or book an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Does Diverticulitis Go Away On Its Own?

Diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticula, small pouches that form on the lining of the digestive system. Diverticulitis often heals on its own, but dietary changes, rest, antibiotics, and, rarely, surgery can help.

Help for Dysphagia

When you have dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing, it can be hard to get the nutrition you need. People with the condition may lose too much weight and are at a greater risk of choking. Help is available.

Understanding Your Risk for Colon Cancer

An average risk of colon cancer means you have about a 5% chance of developing the disease in your lifetime. Risk increases with age and other factors, like a family history of the disease. Learn more about your risk for developing colon cancer.

When Abdominal Pain Is Cause for Concern

Everyone experiences abdominal pain at times, but how do you know when it’s more than a passing virus or just a bad case of constipation? The following signs indicate that you should pay attention to your abdominal pain and seek medical care.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Constipation

Constipation isn’t something you should just tolerate. Chronic constipation causes discomfort and can be a sign of a medical condition. Here’s why you should get checked out if you’re struggling with constipation.

Here's When to Seek Help for Diarrhea

Diarrhea can feel miserable or be concerning, but short-term episodes happen to just about everyone from time to time and don’t usually require a visit to the doctor. But, there are times when diarrhea does signal a need for medical help.