8/30/2019 4 things you should do for your stomach every day

things you
hould do for your
tomach every day
Naomi Mead - BSc (Hons) DipION FdSc
NetDoctor 29 August 2019

Photo credit: Mangostar - Shutterstock

From Netdoctor

1. Go bitter

Digestive enzymes are essential for the breakdown and

absorption of food, and bitter and sour foods naturally stimulate
those digestive juices. Precede bigger meals with a bitter leaf
salad of rocket, kale, and spinach with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Or, have a glass of water with either the juice of ½ a lemon, or ½
tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar about half an hour before
your meal, to get your digestion juices flowing.

2. Get spicy

Ginger is the perfect antidote for indigestion. It can soothe an

upset stomach as well as helping to ease digestive cramps,
nausea and bloating. Unfortunately, a ginger beer or a slice of
ginger cake won't do the trick, it needs to be the fresh ginger root
to feel any benefits. You can make ginger tea by peeling a thumb-
sized piece of root ginger (top tip: the easiest way is with the side
of a teaspoon), slice, and steep in hot water with a slice of lemon
for 5 minutes.

Fennel seeds are another fantastic digestive aid, traditionally used

for thousands of years in Chinese, Indian and Western medicines.
They contain compounds that can help to relax the smooth muscle
in the digestive tract, helping to assist both cramping and bloating.
Enjoy in the form of a tea, or alternatively chew on some fennel
seeds after a heavy meal.

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8/30/2019 4 things you should do for your stomach every day

3. Move a bit

If you're sluggish, your digestion will be sluggish too. Regular

exercise helps with gut motility (ahem, it keeps you regular) by
stimulating the natural contraction of intestinal muscles, helping to
move food through your digestive system more rhythmically.
Whilst the sofa may be the most tempting option post-dinner, a
leisurely walk is what your digestive system will actually thank you
for.

4. Stay hydrated

Water is essential for keeping things flowing through the digestive

system. If you don't get adequate water, the body tops up
hydration levels by pulling water from the stools, making them
hard and difficult to pass. Hello constipation! Water is also needed
to produce the digestive juices that break down food, and without
these, a variety of digestive problems can occur, from gas and
bloating to nausea. Focus on drinking at least 2L of filtered water
everyday. Tea, coffee, juice and some watery foods (tomato,
celery, cabbage) top up your levels too.

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