Better Digestion and Metabolism – Better Life
Do you have good digestion? A great metabolism? Or are you tired of people calling you thin or fat? Tired of people telling you, “You should start eating.” Like yeah, thanks for telling me that, I was on an only oxygen diet. Or maybe you have heard this, “You should cut back on your food.” Thanks for the suggestion, if you wouldn’t have I was planning to eat at my house. Hearing such things can be pretty tiring and annoying, trust me I know, I am a victim too.
But in this whole scenario, the digestive system, and metabolism plays a huge role. Having a better digestive system helps us digest the food properly which results in our body getting all the required nutrients. And good metabolism helps us stay fit and not too thin or too fat. So let’s see how we can improve our digestion and metabolism.
8 ways to improve your digestion/metabolism.
- Stay Hydrated – Experts recommend drinking 1.5-2 liters of fluids per day to prevent dehydration and constipation. If you live in a warm climate or do difficult exercise, then you need to increase your fluid intake. These fluids must be non-caffeinated, it can be fruit juice, milk, or vegetable juice but water is preferred.
- Manage Stress – Stress management is very important. Stress can cause problems such as diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, etc.
Our brain and stomach are connected, so, if we are stressed, our mind will release hormones that will affect our hunger directly and stimulate our body not to rest or digest because in times of stress our energy is diverted on solving our problems as our bodies are in fight or flight mode under stress.
- Control Eating – If we are eating fast food, it can stimulate our bodies to eat more than our hunger by tricking our brain. And we can also over-eat if we aren’t focusing on our food. You must have heard elders saying that while eating you should focus on your food. That actually can save you from unnecessary stomach problems like stomach ache, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), etc.
To focus on your food you should eat slowly, not watch tv or use your phone while eating, pay attention to the food’s texture, temperature, etc.
- Chew Properly – Chewing food secrets saliva, the more you chew, the more saliva is secreted. Saliva works as a fluid or a lubricant and helps the food to pass down the food pipe and through the intestine easily. It also helps in breaking down some fats and carbohydrates in the mouth so that the digestion process becomes easier. This may prevent problems like inflammation, indigestion, and heartburn, etc.
- Regular Exercise – Regular exercise is a great way to improve digestion. Studies show that exercises like cycling, jogging, or walking increases digestion by 15-30%. A daily exercising regimen can improve symptoms such as bowel diseases and inflammation.
- Avoid Late Night Eating – Eating late at night and then going straight to bed may cause reflux, inflammation, and heartburn. Our bodies need time to digest and gravity helps in keeping the food go in the right direction.
- Avoid Smoking & Alcohol – Smoking can cause stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal cancers. It can also develop acid refluxes and quitting smoking can be beneficial for your stomach as well as overall health.
Alcohol on the other hand can increase acid production which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers. Alcohol can also cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
And stopping the consumption of alcohol can help improve these symptoms.
- Consume Fibres – Eating increases metabolism for a few hours. And protein causes the largest rise in the metabolic rate, up to 30%. Eating fibers and proteins can make you feel full even with eating less and can prevent overeating. It can also help you in losing fat without much muscle loss. Seeds are good sources of fiber and vegetarian protein. Consider adding them in your diet.
I hope you found this article useful and that it was worth your time. Stay healthy, stay fit and stay safe. See you soon.
Chandni
