Digestive system is the core system of the human body. The way you treat your digestive system determines your health. The human digestive system has a pretty important job to do, to break down food into nutrients which becomes the energy for body functioning. As it is responsible for the essential functioning of the body, special care must be taken of the digestive system. Keeping this in mind we list the 10 common habits could actually be causing damage to your digestive system.
1. Overuse of Medication
Overuse of medications including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen for example, runs the risk of developing stomach ulcers. Ulcers in the stomach, also known as gastric ulcers are painful sores in the stomach lining. Although a bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastric ulcers, overusing of medications is equally responsible for the cause of ulcers.
2. The wrong time for meals
The human digestive system works efficiently when you eat at the right time. Do not keep your stomach empty for a long period of time except the hours of sleep. From acidity to onset of other diseases. Likewise, eating or snacking too close to bedtime is equally harmful for your digestion. It may lead to heartburn and acid reflux. Keep your digestive system healthy by having your last meal or snack at least two to three hours before going to bed, giving time to food to be processed thoroughly. If you are susceptible to heartburn, then sleep in an elevated position in a way that your head is higher than your feet.
3. Eating too much at one go
The major harm you cause to your digestive system is by eating too much at one go. Feed yourself small and frequent meals throughout the day as it will be easier for your body to digest the food in small quantities. If you eat too much at one time there is a possibility to rupture your stomach lining, but much before that your gag reflex will make you take out all the food. Also, too much food will result to acid reflux or bloating. Go easy on your digestive system with small meals throughout the day.
4. Too little fiber in your daily food
If you are having too little fiber in your daily intake of food, you are harming your digestive system. Your body needs about 25g of fiber per day to keep the system functioning, regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. For a fiber boost in your diet, add some of the following foods: sweet potato, oranges, apples, broccoli, nuts, bananas, carrots, spinach, beetroot, green beans and cauliflower. Plan your menu in a way that you have regular consumption of fiber helping your digestive health.
5. Eating too quickly
Eating at the right pace also contributes towards your digestive health. Eating too quickly is a sure reason to cause trouble to your digestive system. When you eat quickly, you do not chew properly and bits of un-chewed food gets to your stomach with fair chances of swallowing unnecessary air. Eating too quickly does not allow your stomach enough time to expand, causing pain and discomfort. When you eat too quickly, you don’t give your stomach enough time to expand, which can cause pain and discomfort. It may bloat you and finally cause damage to your digestive health.
6. Drinking too much alcohol
Too much alcohol is harmful to your body. Similarly it damages your digestive system. Alcohol delays the speed of absorbing nutrients of the body and kills the helpful bacteria in your digestive system. It further contributes to the development of ulcers and prevents them from healing. Drinking excessively as well as frequently can also cause stomach discomfort and even diarrhea. In the long run, drinking too much alcohol can also result in stomach cancer.
7. Habit of Chewing gum
Gum chewing and hard candies may keep your mouth busy but it damages the digestive system consequentially. This habit may lead to swallowing too much air, which can leave you feeling bloated. Also, the artificial sweeteners found in chewing gum and the candies can also aggravate the bloating. Change the habit and try and sip on flavored water instead.
8. Not going when you need to
Your body digestive system’s health totally depends upon keeping it clean. Whenever you feel the nature’s call you must visit the toilet. Keeping the dump in store is going to serious effects on your system. Make a habit of passing stools early in the morning. If you do not have a regular pattern, do not postpone going to the toilet whenever the need arises. In case you are suffering from constipation, get help to keep your system clean.
9. Cleansing your bowels regularly
The intestines are an important of your digestive system and needs to be kept healthy for a healthy living. To cleanse your bowels regularly is a part of the normal process of digestion but overdoing it causes more damage than provide nay benefit. Laxatives that contain herbal extracts, like senna, or chemical preparations containing phenolphthalein, are used by people but these compositions will make your bowels work overtime and may cause diarrhea. A bout of diarrhea results in a dehydrated human body and losing many of the good microorganisms that perform important functions in your digestive system. Also, instead of “cleaning you out”, laxatives could actually cause you to become constipated by interfering with peristalsis.
10. Postponing a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy at the age of 50 or as and when prescribed by doctor is a savior for your digestive system. Do not postpone a colonoscopy procedure at any cost, you may cause irreversible damage to your digestive system. A timely colonoscopy can save your life from deadly diseases.
[ Know more about Gastroenterology Treatment in India ]
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