4 Common Signs of Poor Digestion

Guest post contributed by Mike Jones, a writer passionate about health, nutrition and sports. 

Digestive issues can be very unsettling and often includes symptoms like bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

This article review 4 common signs of poor digestion and how to improve digestion naturally.

1.   Sluggishness after Eating

Some feel tired after meals, which can be a sign of a sluggish digestive system. A slow digestive system will drain energy away from the rest of the body, consequently causing fatigue.

Another reason for tiredness after meals may be due to overeating. The body must work in digestive overdrive after eating excessive amounts of food.

Solution:

Minimize your portions. Try eating snacks in between small meals instead of eating large meals. Additionally, consider taking walks after meals to boost a sluggish digestive system. Lastly, drinking water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar helps improve digestive issues and acts as a natural laxative, improving bowel regularity.

2.   Heartburn

Heartburn is a familiar symptom of poor digestion. It is closely related to acid reflux, which results from the upward flow of stomach acid through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Heartburn may occur due to low levels of stomach acid (HCl), which is required for healthy digestion, especially of proteins. If heartburn symptoms persist, then an individual can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious condition that should be addressed by a healthcare practitioner.

Solution:

Several natural treatments prevent heartburn. First, eat smaller portions to avoid overfilling the stomach. Next, clean up the diet by minimizing the intake of foods high in sugar, refined oils, and salt. Lastly, remove common heartburn-trigger foods like carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, and fried foods.  

3.   Bad Breath

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is another warning sign of digestive issues. Some suffer from bad breath that doesn’t fade even with the best mouthwash and regular brushing! It may be due to problems within, particularly imbalances of good and bad bacteria. Sugary foods worsen the problem as they feed bacterial growth.

Solution:

Fermented foods are effective in improving digestive problems that cause bad breath. These foods provide healthy bacteria to the body. Consider eating yogurt, kefir, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, or other probiotic-rich foods daily. You may also try probiotic supplements.

Additionally, cut back on your intake of processed foods and sweets like cakes, cookies, and breads to reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria. 

4.   Acne and Other Skin Conditions

Skin conditions can be the result of a compromised digestive system. Acne, psoriasis and eczema may result if the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning optimally.

Poor digestion of fat may be due to low levels of lipase, the enzyme that helps breakdown fat. Improper breakdown of foods means that the skin is not receiving the nutrients required to stay healthy like vitamins A, E, and K.  

Solution:

Aim to reduce inflammation, responsible for uneven skin tone and puffiness, by balancing bacteria in the gut. Also, consider using digestive enzymes to properly break down and absorbs fat from the diet. 

Conclusion

An unhealthy gut lays the groundwork for many health conditions. Poor digestion often results from unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices. Consider tackling the root cause of the digestive problem with natural treatment. Read the early signs of trouble and learn how to change your eating and dietary habits accordingly.

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