After you eat, your meal takes a long and winding journey through your gastrointestinal tract—a lengthy and complex system that nourishes every vital organ with the nutrients from what you've consumed, so that you can be your healthiest self. It's important to keep your GI tract healthy to support gastric comfort and maintain optimal digestive health—and fortunately, you can be proactive about promoting a happy belly with the right lifestyle tweaks. Here are our top tips.
Choose foods that are easy to digest
Being mindful of the foods you eat—and how much is on your plate—are the first steps to a healthy GI tract. Adhering to a Mediterranean diet, with a plate filled with fresh fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains and healthy fats, will not only support your digestive system, but your overall health in general. Make sure to eat fiber and probiotic-rich foods to help support the movement of the food through your GI tract. Importantly, make sure you are taking smaller, slower bites of food to help break down what you are eating to support overall digestion.
Supplement smartly
A healthy diet does not always provide all the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs, so it is important to supplement for support. Support your GI health with folate and vitamin B, which help metabolize and break down the foods that you eat. Probiotics are key to ensuring you have the right balance of "good" gut bacteria.
Live a GI-friendly lifestyle
You might not realize it, but one of the biggest benefits of a healthy lifestyle is normal digestion. Staying active isn't just about weight management—it also keeps your bowels moving optimally. Most importantly, for overall health and for your gastrointestinal health, avoid tobacco and reduce your alcohol consumption.
