It's World Digestive Health Day
General Tips for Digestive Health
Drink plenty of fluids each day to keep hydrated: approximately 8 (8 ounce) glasses of water or water based fluids. You will need extra fluids if you have been sweating or doing activities in the heat.
Improve your eating habits: chew your food well, eat smaller portions, eat slower and don’t lie down for at least 2 hours after meals. Identify offending foods and eliminate them from your diet. Take a probiotic.*
Get active.* Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times per week.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats and fat. Try to get 25-35 grams of fiber per day.
Stop bad habits. Quit using tobacco products and/or drinking excess alcohol.
Take off extra pounds at a slow and steady pace and maintain a healthy weight.
Incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily schedule like meditation or yoga.
Observe for changes in your regular daily habits i.e. irregular bowel movements; blood in stool; nausea/vomiting; getting food stuck in your throat/chest; worsening or persistent abdominal pain.**
Notify your physician if you have any abnormal symptoms. Discuss appropriate screening tests for your age, risk factors and/or symptoms.
* Always check with your physician first. **It helps to keep a log or record of your symptoms to help you and your physician determine what’s causing your problems.
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