Stomach issues have plagued many of our days and many of our lives. Digestive problems are common, so there is no denying that many students at Penn State suffer from them.
“60-70 million Americans are suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) diseases that can create serious disruptions to daily life, many of which can only be diagnosed by a medical professional,” according to the American Gastrointestinal Association (AGA).
It seems that few people are willing to talk about these issues. These problems can range from indigestion, constipation and acid reflux to more serious diseases. Stomach pain, bloating and bowel issues come as a result of these things. Dealing with stomach issues is not only a painful endeavor, but it can also be embarrassing.
GI pain can flare up often at seemingly random times. It can be frustrating to deal with as it becomes more distracting with each passing episode. However, there are things you can do to counteract these pains if you deal with them.
Food For Thought
A lot of stomach problems can be a product of a poor diet, eating too much and skipping meals. If you’re dealing with stomach issues, it’s important to understand what the triggers are for your gut. Potential triggers are dairy products, alcohol, smoking, spices and acidic foods like tomatoes or onions.
If you’re trying to remedy digestive health, a good starting point is trying to cut down on processed sugar as it is tough on the stomach and can lead to further problems. Some sweet treats every now and then won’t hurt, but generally replacing processed foods with whole foods like fruits, vegetables etc. is very beneficial for gut health. Drinking enough water will also help boost alleviate digestive problems.
Another possibility is trying to eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eating a large amount of food all at once increases the amount of acid in your stomach, which triggers acid reflux and indigestion. Instead of eating two or three meals a day, try eating four to five meals. Your stomach is much more efficient at digesting small amounts of food, so it may ease up on potential pain.
Walk It Out
While a proper diet is essential for digestive health, the importance of exercise cannot be understated. Staying active is great for a healthy lifestyle, and even more so for digestive health.
One of the best exercises for bettering digestive health is a simple walk. Walking can help food move through the stomach and intestines, therefore aiding digestion. A light walk after a meal will help move gas through the digestive tract after a meal as well, effectively reducing bloating and acid reflux. 10 to 30 minutes is ideal.
If walking doesn’t appeal to you, yoga, Pilates and any other types of low to mid intensity workout will do the trick as well. The most important thing is staying active.
Christine Lee, Gastroenterologist, MD, said, “Your digestive tract is a muscle, and moving your body is good for all your muscles, your gut included. When we’re physically inactive, the muscles in our gut also become less active, too. Over time, they lose their natural coordination and strength.”
Listen
Digestive problems affect every person differently. Something that works for you might not for someone else. Due to this, it’s important to listen to your own body. Find what works for you and stick with it.
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