The human digestive system is an assemblage of organs working together to transform the food we eat into the nutrients and energy that our body needs. Indeed, healthy digestion could contribute to well-being.
Gastrointestinal system “is nothing less than a second brain”. The intestine speaks to the brain to ensure control over insulin, blood sugar, or even satiety.
The gastrointestinal system does no less than the brain, in playing a significant role in the immune, endocrine, and metabolic levels. It is why we must give as much importance to our digestive system as to our gray matter.
What is the role of digestion and transit in the body?
Digestion involves many organs. It assimilates the nutrients contained in the ingested food and minimizes the waste to be expelled.
Digestion allows the body to have the right protein, mineral salts, trace elements, and vitamins it needs to function. It breaks down into several stages: in the stomach to digest nutrients and dissolve them, in the intestine where they are assimilated, the waste is directed to the large intestine and then the rectum. Transit represents the whole of this route.
Why is digestive health important?
The digestive system is the main gateway to the various diseases that affect us. No less than 60% of the population suffers from gastrointestinal problems to varying degrees. It is, therefore, through nutrition that we can play on diseases and other health problems, including obesity.
Intestinal hygiene is just as crucial for health as mental and public hygiene. To promote internal hygiene, you must consume foods that maximize the proper functioning of the digestive system, that is to say, fruits and vegetables, fiber, as well as probiotics.
How to maintain good digestive health?
You should not wait for digestive disorders like diarrhea or constipation or even colon cancer to get into good habits. But how do we give ourselves the best chance of keeping our digestive system healthy?
Here is some fascinating advice you can follow to keep your digestive health in good condition.
Eat a balanced diet
It cannot be said enough: it is essential to adopt balanced eating habits to stay in shape. A varied and balanced diet is in itself excellent for general health, but it is all the more so for the health of your colon! Most of the time, digestive dysfunction problems come directly from the way of eating.
Consume lots of fiber
For a healthy digestive system, fiber should come with all your meals. They allow the total digestion of the food we eat. Found in apples, pears, raspberries blackberries, peas, beets, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, corn, turnip, and potatoes with the peel. You can also find them in whole grains, dried fruits, and legumes.
Favor emollient foods
Use emollient foods, which will soften inflamed parts of the intestine if necessary. They also have the virtue of reducing sensitivity to stomach acids. Make it a habit to eat raw oats, plantain, or ground flaxseed for breakfast or in a salad.
Drink lots of water
Drinking water will help your body flush out toxins and excrement. As a reminder, the recommended amount of water is at least 1.5 liters per day, that is to say, eight glasses.
Have a regular physical activity
Again, nothing new: physical activity is necessary to maintain good health. Especially in the case of slightly sluggish digestion: physical exercise sessions will facilitate the movement of intestinal peristalsis caused by the digestion mechanism.