Good digestion is an important part of your overall well-being from birth to retirement age. Not only can it help you stay regular, but it can also help you avoid general discomfort. For some people, their digestion issues are such a problem that it can make eating something they stop enjoying. 

After all, why would you look forward to mealtime if after you eat you find yourself uncomfortable, bloated, and in pain. The good news is that improving your digestion is entirely possible. Here are some of the best tips for good digestion. 

Eat a Balanced Diet

One of the biggest causes of poor digestion is failing to eat a balanced diet. You want to make sure that you have plenty of fiber-rich foods in each meal, from fruits and vegetables to whole grains. Fiber will help promote regular trips to the bathroom, and we’ll also help you stay fuller longer. In addition to fiber-rich foods, you want to make sure that you avoid heavy-fat foods or foods that are highly processed.

Chew Well

Practice mindfully eating at every mealtime.  Rather than quickly shoving food in your mouth, take the time to consciously chew so you can break down the food into smaller particles. When food is properly chewed, it’s easier for your stomach to digest and absorb the nutrients. If you’re a fast eater, try and make a conscious effort to slow down and be more aware of your chewing.

Drink Plenty of Water

If you feel backed up and bloated, your first instinct may be to start taking over-the-counter supplements like a stool softener or laxative.  However, you’re better off opting for something much simpler— good old-fashioned water can do a world of wonders for your digestion. Drink water regularly throughout the day and you’ll find you’re much more regular since you’re hydrated.

Eat Foods in The Right Order

Not only can the foods you eat make a significant difference in your digestion, but also the order of the foods that you eat. Nutrition experts recommend starting your meals with something acidic like apple cider vinegar.

After this, eat vegetables, which will help line the coating of the stomach and start to make you feel full.  Next, eat your proteins and fats, and finish things off by eating starches and sugars. 

Not only will you find that your digestion is significantly improved, but you’ll avoid a glucose spike. Glucose spikes lead to feeling lethargic and tired after a meal, whereas simply changing the order of the things you eat can avoid the problem altogether.

Take Probiotics

Lastly, digestion woes may be a result of a lack of beneficial bacteria. Although people often associate the word “bacteria” as being a bad thing, the truth is that good bacteria is critical for a balanced gut. Taking a probiotic supplement is a great way to balance the good bacteria in your stomach and promote healthy digestion.