It’s not too late to reverse your worst habits (stopping smoking, drinking, over-eating, and more) and immediately start living a happier, healthier life. 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. See the list of 10 of the most unhealthy habits that are worse for you than you thought.

• 1. 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.

• 2. You ignore fermented foods

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

• 3. 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.

• 4. 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.

• 5. 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.

• 6. 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.

• 7. 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.

• 8. 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.

• 9. 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.

• 10. 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.

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