Keeping your gut moving is important to your digestive and overall health. There are a few reasons why your gut may not function as well as it could, ranging from poor diet and lifestyle choices to illness or disease. This may lead to constipation, sluggishness, and bloating. With the items you can control, like diet and lifestyle, making smart decisions can help you feel better. What can you do to keep your gut in good shape the way it should?<\/p>\n
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Fat sometimes gets picked on when people talk about eating a healthy diet. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, in the proper amounts, are essential to good health. Healthy fats help you feel full, reducing the chances of overeating. Fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, plant oils and fortified foods are good sources of the omega-3 fatty acids. Add these along with plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables and water to your healthy diet.<\/p>\n
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When you\u2019re stressed, your body tends to experience the \u201cfight or flight\u201d response. This is in direct opposition to the \u201crest and digest\u201d response that your body tends to have when you\u2019re eating food. Stress diverts blood away from your digestive system, making it more likely that you might experience poor digestion. Practice stress management techniques that may include regular exercise and meditation for ongoing stress relief, and ultimately, better digestion.<\/p>\n
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Sometimes the simplest solution is the key. Eating slowly and with intention can help your digestive system perform better. Chewing your food thoroughly helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively. The longer you chew, the more saliva you produce, which breaks down food before it hits your stomach and intestine. This gives your body more time to register how much you\u2019ve eaten and send the signal to stop before you over-eat.<\/p>\n
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Living a healthy life includes caring for your digestive system by making smart choices. Eat a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods and healthy fats and get a little physical and mental exercise to help manage stress. Your digestive health is important to your overall health. Make the diet and lifestyle choices that help you keep your gut in good shape and help you feel your best.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"