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6 Tips to improve your digestion!

Bodyplot • Jul 07, 2020
Your digestive system starts from your mouth to your bottom and is 9 metres long; that is over 30 feet long, that is 5x the height of Shaf! When we see, smell, taste, or even imagine a tasty meal, our salivary glands in front of the ear, under the tongue, and near the lower jaw begin making saliva (spit). As we swallow, our digestive track breaks down the foods you eat, into the nutrients your body needs to thrive! If you neglect your digestive health, your body could run into problems absorbing those essential nutrients and can lead to a number of health adversities such as migraines, IBS, IBD, skin problems, chronic fatigue, acid reflux and so much more.

The foods and drinks that you consume and the lifestyle you live have a direct impact on your digestive health. Therefore, taking steps to improve your digestive health can help your digestive system function more efficiently and improve your overall health and sense of well-being.

Not sure where to start? Try incorporating these strategies into your daily life to keep things running smoothly:

1. Eat a high fibre diet
Fibre is so important for your digestive health. Fibre isn't digested and adds bulk to your stools so you have a healthy bowel movement. Fibre also moves faster through your intestines, which can help signal that you are full. Fibre also cleans your colon, acting like a scrub brush and this helps clean out bacteria and other buildups in your intestines and can reduce your risk for colon cancer. 

Women should be aiming for 25-30g of fibre per day and men should be aiming for 38-40g fibre per day. Whilst this may sound daunting, it's actually very easy to get in your fibre. Fibre is found in plant-based material and is particularly rich in legumes, lentils, wholegrain foods such as seeded bread and lentil pastas, vegetables and in certain cereals. 

2. Limit foods that are high in trans and saturated fats 
Fats such as processed pizzas, cheese, butter and oils can slow down digestion and make your digestive tract more sluggish. This can make you more prone to constipation and lead you to feeling more fatigued. Instead opt for healthier fats that are great for your digestive health such as avocados, tofu, quinoa, nuts and seeds. 

3. Incorporate pre and pro biotics into your diet 
Probiotics are the healthy bacteria naturally present in your digestive tract. They help keep the body healthy by combating the effects of a poor diet, antibiotics, and stress. Due to the pressures on our digestive tract from stress, poor nutrition, poor sleep and use of anti-biotics that get rid of all of our bacteria (both good and bad) eating good sources of probiotics, such as low-fat yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and supplements can be great additions to your digestive health. 

In addition to probiotics, prebiotics can help your digestion as well. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, helping them support healthy bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics are found in a variety of foods such as bananas, oats, onions, and legumes.

4. Food schedule 
Eat at a set schedule every day and ensure you sit to eat to aid digestion and lower stress. 

5. Sleep 
Sleep is essential for good digestive health. Lack of sleep can increase stress and can negatively affect your digestion. Try and aim for good quality 8 hours per night - make a plan and make this a priority. 

6. Mindfulness and stress
Too much stress or anxiety can cause your digestive health to be negatively impacted. Ever felt butterflies in your tummy when you're nervous for a test or a speech? That's your gut-brain axis and it's why we call our gut our second brain! Find stress-reducing activities that you enjoy and practice them on a regular basis. We recommend not relying on anything digital - think: puzzles, reading, meditation, yoga, thought-journalling, knitting, cross-stitching or talking to a friend. 

We too often neglect our digestive health and too quickly rush to the doctor's office with symptoms of tummy pain, headaches, fatigue and energy crashes. 90% of our immunity is found in our gut, ensure you're addressing these first before making that call! 
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We encourage our Body Plotters to go for a walk in nature daily. Studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and can also improve mood. It's also a great way to get away from the stressors of home life, and work life and gives us a fresh environment to think. However, there are days when perhaps going outside isn't as easy. Here are some easy ways to rack up your steps without needing to get outdoors: 30-mins of cooking: 800 steps 30-minute cardio home workout: 3000 steps 30-minute strength training home workout: 500 steps 10-mins of walking up and down the stairs [distributed across the day]: 1000 steps Folding the laundry [keep the dryer or airer away from where you are folding so you fold one item of clothing at a time and walk over to place it in its pile]: 500 steps Going to the shed/garage to get something: 30-50 steps Speaking to a friend on the phone for 30 minutes whilst walking around the living room: 2500 steps Walking around the office whilst speaking to a colleague: 2500 steps Cleaning the kitchen/dining table: 1000 steps Emptying the dishwasher: 50 steps Getting the kids ready for school/bed: 100 steps Walking to the toilet: 30 steps Walking to refill your water bottle in the kitchen: 30 steps Walk during TV adverts: 800 steps Offering to make tea for everyone: 40-50 steps Playstation games with kids e.g. just dance: 1000 steps Some other handy tips are to leave your bottle in the kitchen or use a smaller bottle to encourage you to walk and refill, to walk back and forth twice during each activity and be the helpful house member who gets things for the family and for others. The more active you are, the quicker you will rack up those steps!
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