Do you ever find yourself bloated, gassy, or constipated? – Many digestive issues are caused by poor lifestyle choices. According to gastroenterologists, constipation, gas, heartburn, acid reflux, and bloating are the most commonly reported conditions. However, GERD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea, and stomachaches are also conditions which commonly ail those with poor digestive health. – Find out here if these digestive health issues could be caused by some of these digestive don’ts.
1. Eating late although late night snacking is alright for some people, it’s a dangerous move for others. Munching on a midnight snack could cause you to suffer from heartburn into the night due to the tendency for the food in your stomach to make its way back up your esophagus – especially if you’re lying down. If you suffer from heartburn, try to refrain from snacking less than 2-3 hours prior to turning in. – Another effective alternative is to elevate both your head and your feet. This creates an uphill battle for your stomach contents.
2. Holding it is never a good idea. In fact, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement could be the main reason you’re backed up! Listen to the signals your body is sending you. The digestion process lets you know when it’s time to finish the process.
3. Not having enough fiber in your diet is a huge digestive don’t. We’re supposed to consumer 25 grams of fiber each day. Fiber provides us with regularity, prevents constipation, and keeps digestive problems at bay!
4. Eating too much, too fast is a common problem for drivers, and who can blame them? Oftentimes you’re starving and running on a super-tight schedule! However, it’s important to keep in mind that supersizing your meal causes over-fullness, bloating, and acid reflux issues. In addition, it’s important to take your time. By eating a little slower, you’re giving your stomach a chance to expand, and you’ll also be swallowing a lot less air (which could be causing you to bloat or belch)! Eating less, slower, and more often is a much more healthy solution.
5. Smoking is known to cause a number of digestive issues such as ulcers and heartburn. Cut back or quit to save yourself from a multitude of health issues down the road.
6. Drinking soda can also be the cause of a number of issues. Carbonated beverages often cause bloating and belching, which are common symptoms of acid reflux, as well as a contributor to the flushing of stomach contents into your esophageal area. Try to skip the carbonated beverages and opt for water, milk, or tea.
7. Chewing gum can often cause you to swallow a large amount of air causing belching, gas, and a bloated feeling – as does sucking on hard candies.
Check out The Worst Digestive Health Habits for 6 more digestive don’ts!
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