It isn't uncommon for individuals to suffer some stomach issues every now and then, but people with serious gastrointestinal problems could feel as though their quality of life has diminished—and in many ways it has if the proper steps haven't been taken. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your gastrointestinal symptoms and improve your overall digestion. So, if you have chronic stomach issues, here are a few dos and don'ts to assist you in managing your condition.
Do Drink a Lot of Water
Water is important for your overall well-being, but it is particularly important for the health of your gut. Water assists in the digestion process and helps to keep the bowels lubricated, preventing constipation. Gastroenterologists tend to recommend that two liters of water is consumed on a daily basis. However, depending on your individual problem, you can consult with your own doctor to find out exactly how much water you should drink.
Do Stick to a Regular Eating Schedule
While the food that you eat will affect your digestion, when you eat will as well. Generally, your stomach requires roughly four hours to fully and properly digest the foods that you consume. So, when you eat meals at regularly scheduled intervals, the body is able to digest foods more efficiently.
Do Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise of moderate intensity can help the digestive process. Just make sure that you don't exercise right after eating, particularly if you consumed foods high in fat.
Don't Eat Before Hitting the Hay
If you are suffering from acid reflux, it is important that you don't eat immediately before going to sleep as your symptoms may be exacerbated. The stomach acids could flow back into your esophagus, resulting in bloating and gas. To help improve positioning at night, you may want to place pillows behind your back, which can help prevent issues with acid reflux at night—but this doesn't mean you can eat before heading to bed.
Don't Eat Too Quickly
Not only can eating at a rapid pace cause you to gain weight, it can also increase the risk of gas and acid reflux. Take your time and enjoy your meals—savor every bite.
Don't Drink Alcohol in Abundance
When alcohol is consumed, it tends to stay in the stomach for an extended period of time. Due to this, the stomach can become inflamed, losing its ability of killing bad bacteria in the stomach. So, it is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation and definitely avoid binge drinking.
For more information, reach out to a gastroenterologist.
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