Due to diseases or individual characteristics, due to age or a sedentary lifestyle, the human digestive system often does not work correctly.
This can be understood by discomfort and even pain in the stomach, which should be examined by a doctor. But after this, you can resort to folk remedies that will tell you how to improve digestion.
There are quite a lot of ways: this includes the use of special enzymes, and super healthy products that speed up the digestion process, and special herbs on the verge of traditional medicine and healthy supplements.
But in any case, all this should be taken only after consultation with the doctor, since concomitant diseases can become a serious contraindication.
Pineapples, for example, are considered beneficial for digestion, but for gastritis, bromelain, which is part of their composition, can worsen the situation.
Enzymes to improve gastrointestinal function
Enzyme preparations are medications that consist of enzymes to improve digestion.
They are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Medicines are prescribed during periods of exacerbations and disruptions associated with the production of natural components.
There are 2 types of drug directions:
- Enzymes that reduce pain and discomfort such as heaviness and bloating.
- Components that improve the functioning of the pancreas in case of exocrine insufficiency.
Enzymes can be used not only for various diseases of the stomach after consultation with a doctor, but also for diseases of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.
Several other classification methods can be identified based on the principle of enzyme action. However, their use is strictly not recommended without the advice of a doctor.
Proteolytic enzymes
Preparations based on pepsin, which ensures the process of fermentation and digestion. Compensates for the mucous membrane's own enzymes and is prescribed for poor protein digestion.
This group of drugs includes: “Abomin”, “Pepsidal”, “Pepsin”, “Acidin-pepsin”.
Bile acid enzymes
Designed to break down complex sugars and support the proper functioning of the pancreas: “Festal”, “Enzistal”, “Panzinorm”.
After use, the secretion of the gallbladder and pancreas and intestinal motility are noticeably improved.
The fiber contained in the composition gently stimulates peristalsis. Flatulence passes.
Preparations for the pancreas
They consist of pancreatin, the main enzyme for lightning-fast support of the digestive process. Additionally, there is trypsin, lipase and amylase: “Creon”, “Mezim”, “Pancreatin”, “Penzital”.
Tablets based on plant enzymes
Special substances containing enzymes and proteins. Accelerate the course of all reactions in the body, including metabolism.
Some products supply these enzymes to our body, but for various reasons, enzymes to improve digestion must be taken separately: “Pepfiz”, “Oraza”, “Solism”, “Festal”, “Unienzym”.
Tablets with disaccharidases
This group of drugs includes medications with beta-galactidase enzymes. They are necessary for the breakdown of lactose disaccharides: Lactaid, Kerulak, Lactase.
Pills alone are not enough to improve digestion. It is very important to start eating right, eating not only the healthiest foods to improve digestion, but also following some special recommendations.
Reviews
Flax seeds and oil
Almost every person who has experienced the healing power of flaxseed oil speaks positively about its properties:
- Maria, 37 years old, Moscow: “I’ve always been overweight. Although this did not interfere with my communication, I wanted to have slender legs and a toned stomach like other girls. After giving birth, I gained even more and decided that it was time to take care of myself. I read on the Internet about flaxseed oil for weight loss and adopted the scheme. As a result, in 3 months I lost 8 kg, lightness appeared in my body, my hair began to shine, and my skin seemed to glow. Now this oil is one of my favorite helpers.”
- Alexandra, 48 years old, Voronezh: “I periodically cleanse my body. I recently heard from a friend about the power of flaxseed oil. After drinking it a little, I began to notice that my digestion had improved and my arrhythmia stopped bothering me. At the same time, cleaning gave a pleasant bonus - I lost 5 kg. I feel great. I will now take this miracle oil.”
This video will show you how to take flaxseed oil correctly:
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Subtleties of diet to improve digestion
In order to improve digestive processes, you should adhere to special diet rules:
- You need to eat slowly - this is the only way to release the necessary amount of saliva for proper digestion and softening of food;
- after eating, rest for 10 minutes in a sitting position , only then can you start doing something;
- half an hour before meals drink a glass of water at room temperature , do the same immediately after waking up;
- You cannot constantly snack or chew something ; food is taken only when hunger sets in;
- there should be a lot of fiber - it will help cleanse the body and normalize intestinal motility (contraction);
- minimize the amount of fast carbohydrates in the form of sweets and sugars;
- eat 4-6 times a day, 250 g;
- replace coffee and black tea with special herbal infusions that are good for stomach health;
- eat meat and fish for lunch;
- last dose – 2 hours before bedtime, no later;
- introduction of fermented milk products into the diet to maintain normal microflora;
- overeating is not recommended , just like eating in front of the TV or while talking;
- if the stomach works without severe pathologies (gastritis, pancreatitis, other gastrointestinal diseases), then it is advisable to introduce healthy herbs, garlic, spices into the diet - they improve the production of bile and gastric juice;
- small physical activity 2 hours before meals will help improve the digestion process;
- eat boiled, steamed, baked foods;
- after eating, do not lie down for at least 1.5 hours so that the air bubble in the stomach does not go down;
- too cold or hot dishes should not be present in the diet;
- fruits, vegetables and dishes must be fresh (if it is meat, then no more than 24 hours after cooking).
If you want to create a proper diet, rich in vitamins and natural enzymes, then your diet should not include fatty soups, fried, smoked and pickled foods.
There should be no grapes, cabbage, or legumes except lentils. Any processed foods, canned food and sweets will also be prohibited, as will coffee, cheese and soda.
Tangerine essential oil
Mandarin is one of the sweetest citrus fruits: sweet and sweet, it delights the taste buds. Tangerine essential oil (Citrus reticulata) has a delightful fruity aroma. It is used for stress, nervousness and sleep disorders such as insomnia.
This essential oil stimulates the digestive system and promotes intestinal transit. This helps the body expel intestinal gas. It is a digestive tonic, dynamic, choleretic (promotes the production of bile, which helps digest fat) and antispasmodic.
Top healthy foods for digestion
Before consuming any of the products discussed below, you should seek the advice of a doctor. Of course, if there are no diseases, but you want to remove some discomfort or cleanse the body, then all of them can be consumed in moderation:
- Ginger is a very strong spice that cleanses the body, increases secretion and eliminates spasms. Relieves nausea and bloating. Prohibited for ulcers and reflux.
- Beetroot - contains betaine, which incredibly improves peristalsis, removes bile and inhibits decay processes. The vegetable is among the top 10 healthiest foods from the point of view of nutritionists.
- Peppermint – contains menthol, which kills infections and relieves pain. Can be used in salads, added to decoctions, and also prepared as a healthy tea. In the heat, when choosing what to drink, give preference to chilled green tea with mint or lemon balm leaves. These two herbs have a wonderful effect on digestion.
- Avocado – will help reduce stomach hypersensitivity. Strengthens the absorption of nutrients. Reduces the risk of constipation and diarrhea.
- Apples are very rich in pectin, which is necessary to maintain normal digestion. Baked fruits are very healthy.
- Bananas have an effect similar to that of apples.
- Cherry – fights microbes and enhances juice production.
- Dates - remove all remnants of undigested food, are responsible for the balance of nutrients, and improve the tone of blood vessels and veins.
- Natural fermented milk products with a short shelf life are indispensable for maintaining the balance of nutrients in the body.
- Oatmeal is an excellent breakfast, which, if consumed for a long time, will relieve problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It is rich in fiber and microelements, which are necessary to maintain proper stomach functions.
- Lentils are a valuable product, rich in iron, protein and B vitamins. They are even used in medical nutrition and contain many healthy carbohydrates.
- Spinach is a source of manganese, which is important for the nervous system and brain, and also provides good protein.
- Almonds are a healthy nut rich in fiber. It is perfectly absorbed in combination with honey and stimulates the growth of beneficial flora.
- Persimmon is another fruit that contains a lot of pectin, which makes it very good for the stomach, and also satisfies hunger and contains a minimum of calories.
- Green tea is the healthiest drink to drink after meals. Contains catechin, which accelerates the digestion process.
- Prunes – cleanses, stimulates and normalizes digestion.
Regular inclusion of these foods in your diet in reasonable quantities will help normalize digestion, relieve discomfort, and within a few weeks you will be able to feel a surge of strength and lightness.
You can also make various smoothies! The main thing is not to get carried away. Look, there are all the ingredients for this: you can add 1 glass of kefir with a banana and an apple, drink it instead of 1 meal.
1 banana goes well with 1.5 cups of fresh pineapple, supplemented with ginger.
Any berry smoothie will improve the digestion process, fill you with strength and cleanse the body due to its antioxidant content. Add lemon and cinnamon to your green tea, along with a dash of cayenne pepper, and you've got a wonderful cocktail to stimulate digestion.
An important rule: do not drink more than 2 glasses of this drink per day.
Cereals
Whole grain fibers (oats, wheat) improve digestion processes. Cereals have the following positive properties:
- Eliminate constipation. A large meta-analysis showed that cereals not only eliminate stool retention, but also normalize its consistency and stool frequency. The effect is comparable to popular laxatives (for example, lactulose).
- Improves intestinal microbiocenosis. Components of dietary fiber (inulin, starch, oligofructose) are a nutrient medium for most beneficial microorganisms living in the human intestine.
Thus, cereals normalize digestive processes by creating optimal conditions for the life of “good” microorganisms and preventing constipation.
Useful exercises to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract
After eating, you can do special exercises to improve digestion. It should be done 1.5-2 hours after eating:
- knees to chest – on your back, pull your knees up as you inhale, clasp your arms, slightly raise your tailbone and hold for 1 minute, you need to breathe evenly;
- twist – sit on the floor, legs forward, bend your left knee and turn to the side, hold your knee with your right hand. Turn to the extreme point and hold for half a minute. The same needs to be done with side 2;
- smooth squats - stand up, raise your arms straight up, start squatting to the level of the chair, hold for a minute;
- lunges - put your leg forward, the other one back as straight as possible. Hands behind your back and straight. Hold for a few seconds, repeat on the other side;
- bridge - lying on your back, bend your knees and place your feet on the floor, raise your hips, stretching your arms on the floor, clasping them. Hold the pose as long as possible;
- legs up - lift your legs while lying on the floor, keep them straight, resting on your back and arms (they should be palms down).
You should start practicing with 10-15 seconds of holding, gradually increasing the pace.
Lemon
Lemons are approximately 10% carbohydrates, which are represented by simple sugars and soluble fibers, and contain a large amount of pectin.
Lemon effectively removes toxic substances from the intestines and slows down the absorption of various sugars and starch, which has a very beneficial effect on the glycemic background. However, to obtain the benefits, it is necessary to consume the pulp, not the juice.
Lemon should be consumed for food poisoning and for the complex treatment of diabetes.
Peach
Peach helps digestion due to its high fiber content, half of which is insoluble (1 small fruit contains 2 grams).
According to the latest scientific data, peach can be used to relieve constipation and normalize the motility of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
A large number of fatty acids can reduce the severity of inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa and improve the course of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Green vegetables
Vegetables colored green (broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts) are a source of insoluble fiber, which improves intestinal motility and speeds up the passage of food within standard speed limits. This helps eliminate constipation and speed up metabolism.
Green vegetables, according to American scientists, are also rich in various microelements, in particular magnesium, which increases the tone of smooth muscles, leading to faster excretion of feces.
Spinach has a separate set of properties. It is capable of capturing a number of toxic substances, including decay products, and removing them from the body.
Sugar compounds, which are extremely abundant in leafy greens, create a favorable environment for the proliferation of beneficial flora. In addition, Brussels sprouts inhibit the processes of protein synthesis in pathogenic microorganisms.
Green vegetables normalize the contractile activity of the intestine and form a “healthy” intestinal microbiocenosis.
Mango
Mango is rich in digestive enzymes - amylases, which are involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and increase the biological value of the food consumed. Mango is also rich in dietary fiber, therefore, can be consumed for bowel problems such as constipation or diarrhea.
One large study showed that eating mangoes was much more effective than taking soluble fiber for treating long-term constipation.
We can conclude that mango improves the energy value of food, in particular complex carbohydrates, which are essential for our body. The fruit also helps prevent constipation.
Onion
Onions have antibacterial properties. The effectiveness of onions against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococci has been proven. The active substances in onions damage cell walls and membranes, causing the destruction of unwanted cells.
It is important to note that an experiment conducted in laboratory conditions showed an inhibitory effect against the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori, which infects almost 90% of the population. It is this microorganism that, according to the latest scientific data, causes the development of gastric ulcers.
Onions also form a nutrient medium for beneficial bacteria in the intestines (especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), strengthen the mucous membrane and increase the functional activity of local immune factors. These features reduce susceptibility to infectious and inflammatory diseases of any etiology.
Onions are indispensable for weakened immunity and the presence of hyposecretory pathologies of the stomach and duodenum.
