You’ve probably heard your gut referred to as “the second brain.” Our gastrointestinal tract contains a sophisticated network of neurons and neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain. It’s no surprise, then, that gut health can impact our overall health plus our mental functions and moods. Because keeping your GI tract in working order is vital, you’ll want to learn about the best foods that improve your digestion. You’ll also find out more about how recovery drink hangover remedies can mitigate stomach upset when you’ve had one too many drinks.

How Does Food Affect Digestion?

The digestive system’s job is to break down food into energy and nutrients the human body can use. Naturally, what we eat impacts how well the digestive system works. Eat a healthy balanced diet ensures that we get the nutrients we need and help the GI tract stay healthy.

Fiber, water, probiotics and prebiotics are all critical to digestion. Fiber adds bulk to stools, and along with water, keeps them soft for moving through the large intestine. Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live inside the body and help with important tasks like manufacturing vitamins, breaking down food and keeping bad bacteria in check. Prebiotics are a special type of plant fiber that encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.

Without these crucial components, you may develop digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, heartburn and upset stomach. Fortunately, you can change direction and get your GI tract on the right track with a digestive system cleanse. After your cleanse, adopting healthy eating patterns can help minimize the chance of GI problems recurring.

Digestion-Friendly Diet

You just read that fiber, water, probiotics and prebiotics are essential components in our diets. Our bodies rely on food and drink to supply them. While each person’s nutritional needs may differ, experts offer some general recommendations for healthy eating:

• Non-starchy vegetables and fruits: 50%
• Whole grains: 25%
• Proteins: 25%

You’ll want to keep in mind a few more healthy eating tips. Ideally, your diet should be slightly heavier on veggies than fruits. Whole grains aren’t refined and contain all three parts — the endosperm, germ and bran — so they retain essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Lean proteins include cuts of meat, poultry and fish with lower fat content plus plant-based foods like lentils, nuts and tofu. You also need some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Most of these come from plant sources like avocados and olives, but fatty fish such as salmon also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Alcohol and Stomach Issues

Before you hit that party or start a night of toasting your friends, it’s good to keep in mind how alchohol can impact digestion. Alchohol increases the production of stomach acid and delays how quickly your stomach empties. Typical outcomes can include nausea, vomitting or abdominal pain. Leaning how to detox after drinking alcohol may minimie or even prevent these systems, keeping your digestive tract running smoothly. Be sure to stock up on remedies like Detoxify’s Hangover Fix before you imbibe.