Did you know that humans have a second brain?
Scientists call this second brain the ENS or enteric nervous system, and it’s in your gut. But unlike the brain in your skull, it can’t help you solve mathematical problems or write an essay on Nietzsche’s philosophy.
Its main function is to control digestion or so researchers used to believe for decades. New studies, however, suggest that this second brain can affect mood as well as memory and cognition.
Does that make you want to start doing things that improve digestion and gut health? Sure does. Here are 5 digestive help tips you can start doing right away.
1. Up Your Fiber Intake
If you’re already eating a high-fiber diet, that’s good. But if not, the easiest way to start is by eating more fruits and vegetables.
Fiber will not only keep you regular. It can also help prevent digestive issues such as IBS and diverticulosis. Keep in mind that there are two types of fiber you should consume: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber comes from nuts, seeds, and legumes. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, is basically roughage. You can get it from whole grains, vegetables, and wheat bran.
2. Prebiotics and Probiotics Are Your Friends
Improving digestion isn’t limited to eating specific kinds of foods. You could also benefit from taking supplements such as resistant starch, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Resistant starch contains both soluble and insoluble fiber and acts like a prebiotic. Now, you may be wondering if prebiotics and probiotics are the same. Long story short, they’re not.
Prebiotics promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live strains of good bacteria. Both can support gut health. But if you have SIBO, you shouldn’t take probiotics.
3. Diversify Your Diet
Your gut is home to hundreds of species of bacteria, each offering specific health benefits. This means for optimal digestive health, you’ll need a diverse diet.
The more diverse your diet is, the more you make it possible for the different bacterial strains to thrive. And it’s easy enough to do this. You can try a new fruit or vegetable when you go grocery shopping.
You can also try eating in season or consume more local products. Or you can challenge yourself by eating based on trends. For example, you can try the top 8 foods for wrinkle-free skin this month and a high-protein diet the following month.
4. Don’t Stress
Or at least aim to reduce your stress levels. When you’re always stressed out, your whole body suffers. This, of course, includes your gut.
How you plan to de-stress is up to you. But you can try massage, meditation, yoga, essential oils, and so on.
Getting enough sleep can also do wonders for your stress levels and gut health. If you can, aim for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. But if sleep issues are a constant problem, you should consult your doctor.
5. Stay Healthy
An improved digestion isn’t just the product of eating right, taking supplements, and managing stress. You should look at it from a whole body perspective.
That means you should do things that appear in almost all of those how to be healthy articles. You know what they are – drinking water, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, etc.
Yes, they’re easier said than done. But you know they’re good for you, so start doing them ASAP.
Want More Tips to Improve Digestion?
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