When asked, many women don’t believe they have digestive issues. However, if questioned further about experiencing symptoms like gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or occasional abdominal pain, the answer is often yes. These symptoms are major indicators of digestive imbalance. Additionally, digestive distress may manifest in less obvious ways, such as sleep disturbances, joint or back pain, fatigue, or feeling constantly hungry even after a meal. Recognizing these signs is the first step in addressing gut health issues.
Maintaining good gut health is crucial for overall well-being. However, certain habits can disrupt this balance, leading to digestive discomfort and other health issues. In this post, we’ll explore three common habits that negatively affect gut health and why.
1. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum may seem harmless, but it can significantly impact your digestive system. The constant chewing action stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, even when there’s no food to digest. This unnecessary enzyme production can lead to digestive imbalance over time.
Additionally, many chewing gums contain ingredients that contribute to gut discomfort:
Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol that can cause bloating and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts or if you’re sensitive.
Aspartame: An artificial sweetener linked to headaches and dizziness; it’s considered a neurotoxin by many health experts.
Artificial Flavors: These can lead to allergenic or hypersensitivity reactions.
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate and Mannitol: These are other sugar alcohols that can cause digestive discomfort.
Soy Lecithin: Often a GMO product, raising concerns about its long-term consumption.
Acesulfame K: Another artificial sweetener with potential cancer links and impacts on the gut microbiome.
Thus, it’s wise to chew gum sparingly, opting for natural alternatives if possible.
2. Eating on the Run
In today’s fast-paced world, eating on the run is common but detrimental to your digestive health. When you’re stressed or in a hurry, your body is not in a state to properly digest food effectively. The stress response diverts energy away from the digestive system, impairing its function and potentially leading to indigestion, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies.
Taking the time to sit down and eat mindfully can significantly improve your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients.
3. Improper Temperature and Amount of Water
Hydration is essential for digestion, yet the temperature and amount of water you consume can either aid or hinder the digestive process. Drinking too much water with meals might dilute digestive enzymes, while extremely cold water can shock the digestive system, hampering nutrient assimilation.
Tips for Hydration and Digestion:
- Opt for Room Temperature or Lightly Chilled Water: This is more conducive to maintaining optimal digestion.
- Avoid Washing Down Food with Water: Your food should ideally be chewed thoroughly into a cake-like batter before swallowing, and excessive drinking can discourage this essential first step.
Additional Insights
Maintaining a balance between nourishment and lifestyle choices can better support gut health. Embrace habits like mindful eating, hydration at suitable times, and minimizing artificial additives whenever possible. In doing so, you’ll be facilitating a digestive environment that promotes overall well-being and resilience against everyday stressors.
Get Started Today with Professional Support
If you’re ready to tackle your digestive concerns, consider scheduling a complimentary consultation call. Get to the root of your digestive issues by starting with our comprehensive Gut Health Reset program that includes an in-depth review of your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels, along with digestive health testing. Your journey to better digestive health starts now.
