Did you know that your gut plays a significant role in your over well-being? Your digestive system is more than just a food-processing centre. It’s a complex network of organs & bacteria that can significantly impact your health. By incorporating simple dietary changes, understanding the importance of gut-friendly nutrients, and leveraging the benefits of supplementing nutrients, you can optimise your digestive system and improve your overall health.
Your digestive system consists of your mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder and your large and small intestines. Digestion is important because your body needs nutrients from food and drink to work properly and stay healthy. Each part of your digestive system works to move food through your gastrointestinal tract and break it down into smaller pieces so that your body can absorb and move nutrients to where they are needed. 1
Factors that can upset your gastrointestinal tract
To improve your digestion, you first need to be aware of factors that can upset your gastrointestinal tract and its ability to keep moving which can include: 3
- Eating a diet low in fibre
- Travelling and changes in routine, like when you go on holiday
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to go (make a bowel movement)
- Taking antacids medicines containing calcium or aluminium
Common gastrointestinal upsets include indigestion, constipation, nausea, gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. 2.3
To improve your digestion:
- Eat the rights foods. Fruit & vegetables are rich in fibre which builds good bacteria and gut
health. 2 - Manage stress. Try relaxation therapies along with other distraction techniques. 2
- Be conscious of your gut health while travelling:
- Do your best not to overeat
- Drink lots of water
- Go easy on the coffee and alcohol
- Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge
- Wash your hands
- Take Nativa Complex® Digestive Support daily. This 12-nutrient digestive supplement blend
promotes a healthy gut, regular bowel movements and assists with countering constipation to
improve your overall wellbeing.
References:
- NIH. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Internet]. Your Digestive System & How it Works. [Reviewed 2017 Dec; Updated 2023 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works
- John Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health. [Cited 2023 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/your digestive-system-5-ways-to-support-gut-health
- Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Gastrointestinal Diseases. [Updated 2021 Jan 14; Cited 2023 Nov 18]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases
- Cassata C [Internet]. 8 Easy Tips to Avoid a Grumpy Gut While Traveling. Healthline.com. [Updated 2019 Jul 9; Cited 2023 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to keep-your-gut-healthy-while-traveling