10 Unhealthiest Habits for your Digestion

Tips for taking control of your digestive health naturally,

with Dr. Julie Gatza (Dr. Julie)

Belching, bloating, and constipation you may not want to talk about these digestion problems over dinner, yet how and what you eat (or don’t eat) could actually be among the bad digestive habits causing these issues.

For everyone looking for natural solutions to avoid or alleviate digestive upsets like bloating, burping, and irregularity, (to name a few), Dr. Julie Gatza (Dr. Julie) is here to share how losing a few tummy-troubling habits can turn your gut health - and your life - around.

10 Digestive NO-NOs:

Could your own bad digestive health habits be the source of your digestion problems? Here are the worst offenders, along with tips for better digestion:

1. You eat too late at night

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes concluded that eating dinner approximately two hours prior to bedtime at least three times a week was associated with severe and frequent heartburn.

2. You eat meat and starches at the same time

Because our digestive system breaks down proteins and starches at different rates by using different enzymes, it’s healthier to eat our steak first, give our digestive system about 15 minutes to digest it, and then eat our baked potato. Digestive enzyme supplements should be used before meals to assist digestion when meats and starches are consumed together.

3. Your diet lacks fiber

A fiber-poor diet interferes with regular bowel movements and may promote a variety of digestive disorders. Leafy green vegetables are an excellent fiber source.

4. You consume sugary soft drinks (2 glasses daily)

Sugar sweetened soft drinks may provide instant pep, but a 2019 study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found those who drank two or more glasses a day had a higher risk of dying from digestive disorders.

5. You have a fast-food habit

Diets comprised of processed fast foods have been linked to a higher risk of digestive disorders. Eating a diet low in food additives, trans fats and artificial sweeteners may improve your digestion and protect against digestive diseases.

6. You don’t drink enough water daily

Ample hydration helps flush toxins from the cells and eases constipation. You’ll drink more water during the day if you flavor it overnight with berries, or cucumbers.

7. You don’t move your body enough

It’s easy to become camped in front of one’s computer monitor, but exercise can improve your digestive health and reduce symptoms of constipation. It can also help reduce inflammation, of benefit in preventing inflammatory bowel conditions.

8. You don’t effectively manage the stress in your life

During periods of stress, blood and energy are diverted from your digestive system, interrupting the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, potentially leading to various gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea.

9. You ignore fermented foods

Pickles, sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt are a great way to feed the healthy bacteria in your body that help maintain your entire gastrointestinal tract.

10. You “Eat and Run” instead of “Eat and Rest”

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests avoiding physical activity after eating as it can interfere with the digestive process.