Some of the most important digestive system cities are constant hydration, following a balanced diet, avoiding sugars, saturated fats and alcohol, and avoiding stress.

The digestive system is a set of organs of the human body whose main function is to process the food you eat and thus be able to absorb the nutrients you need to live and be healthy. To fully fulfill this important function, it is necessary to take care of it and keep it in good condition.

Here at Northcote Doc we will help you treat your digestive issues and have it under control. Contact us today and enjoy the services of true professionals in the health area.

Digestive system

The human being needs to break down or fragment food in order to obtain its nutritional properties. To do so, they suffer a complex degradation process that begins in the mouth and ends in the anus, when the residual matter is expelled through the feces.

The digestive system is, therefore, a complex apparatus that measures a total of about seven meters long and that involves numerous organs of the human body such as the mouth, the pharynx, the esophagus, the stomach and the intestines, with the help of the liver, the pancreas and gallbladder.

How to care for the digestive system?

There are a number of practices and routines that are recommended to have the entire digestive system in tune, which are also the same that favor the proper functioning of the body.

Here is a list of the main tips to follow:

1- Drink enough water

Our body is composed of water in more than two thirds; It is necessary for all internal processes, and that of digestion is no exception.

Water is necessary to help break down food, to facilitate the passage of nutrients from the intestine into the bloodstream and also to give the necessary fecal moisture and consistency so that they can be easily expelled.

If not enough water is ingested, the stool hardens and unwanted constipation occurs.

Ideally, drink at least one and a half litres of water (six glasses) per day, but this will vary depending on other parameters such as the amount of other liquids ingested, the level of perspiration and the quality and type of food eaten.

For example, a high fibre intake will require a higher consumption of water to be able to process it correctly, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables needs less water to process.

2- Have a balanced diet

Three out of five people suffer from digestive disorders of various kinds. This is due in large part to poor diet. And when talking about poor diet, it not only refers to the intake of junk food, but not to eat food from all food groups in a balanced way.

Each type of food provides different nutrients that serve specific functions. That is why it is essential to eat a balanced diet, eating protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as vitamins, minerals and water.

3- Respect the schedules to eat

In addition to eating balanced, it is important to respect the schedules to do so, so that the long process of digestion is not interrupted. It is important to always try to eat at the same times and it is preferable to do it several times a day in a few quantities, then to eat a few times a day.

Leaving the stomach inactive for a long time and then eating too much food at once, slows digestion and hinders the absorption process.

4- Eat slowly and chew a lot

It is another practice that should be incorporated as part of the feeding routine. Chewing the food several times facilitates the work of the rest of the digestive system because, upon receiving smaller pieces of food, its decomposition will be easier.

On the other hand, eating slowly causes the brain to process and set the act of eating; By being aware that you are eating you get more satiety, hunger is delayed and food anxiety levels are lowered.

5- Add fibre consumption to the diet.

Fibre is the best ally of the digestive system because it feeds the bacteria that digest food and largely solves constipation problems.

It also produces a feeling of fullness without getting fat. It can be ingested through fresh fruits and vegetables, but especially in whole grains.

Wheat husks, rice, corn and other cereals are very rich in natural fibres. If you incorporate a diet high in fibres, do not forget to increase the consumption of water so that your body can process them correctly.

6- Avoid excess sugar and saturated fat

Everything in excess is harmful to health. Refined sugar is difficult to process and does not provide any nutrients to the body. The same goes for saturated fats present in fried foods. It is advisable then not to abuse them.

7- Perform physical activity regularly

Physical exercise is good for everything, and although it is hard to believe, it is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Walking, running or doing any type of physical activity of a certain intensity and regularly keeps the intestines in constant movement and activity, helping them to break down food, absorb nutrients and fibres and facilitate defecation.

Also, exercise reduces stress, which is very harmful to the digestive system and to health in general.

8- Avoid stress and anxiety

Stress and chronic anxiety are the main enemies of man and one of the main causes of serious diseases.

Stress wears out all the organs and systems of the body, as the brain sends a permanent warning signal that never stops. Slowly the body resents that perennial attitude of chaos and accelerates its deterioration.

In the specific case of the digestive system, stress compromises the peristaltic function that allows proper digestion of food, producing malformations such as hernias, polyps and cysts, as well as acidity, reflux and constipation.

9- Limit the intake of alcohol, spicy and irritating foods

Gastric stomach juice is mainly composed of hydrochloric acid and pepsins, which are enzymes that are activated with this acidic juice and help break down the bolus. In this acidic environment, what is properly called digestion develops.

If very irritating foods are introduced, the result is literally an acid explosion that is usually felt at the level of the throat and is commonly called heartburn.

It is important to incorporate all these tips as usual and daily practices. The digestive system is one of the most important in the human body and by taking care of it, indirectly we are also taking care of all the other organs and systems, such as the circulatory, respiratory and neurological systems.

10- Maintain good hygiene habits

Food hygiene prevents diseases caused by bacteria or viruses that will then affect the functioning of the entire body.

It is also important to take care of oral health, since the mouth, including teeth and tongue is the gateway to the digestive system.

Remember you can visit a qualified professional here at Northcote Medical. Call us now, our team of experts will be happy to assist you and make sure you know everything you need to know about our services.