Four Tips for Better Digestion

Digestion

Feeling sluggish after meals? Want to improve your digestion and overall gut health? 

As we age, our digestive system slows down and becomes less efficient. This can lead to constipation, as well as other digestive problems. Additionally, the muscles in the digestive tract may weaken, making it harder for food to move through the system.1

Here are four simple steps to boost your digestion and feel better – and yes, including probiotics in your diet is one of them!

Eat a balanced diet

Foods such as whole wheat products, quinoa, brown rice, legumes, leafy greens like kale, almonds, walnuts, seeds, and fruits with edible skins are high in fibre, which helps to keep your digestion regular and prevent constipation.2

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water keeps things moving through your digestive tract smoothly and prevents hard, dry stools.

Take probiotics

Probiotics, such as Reuterina® daily,4are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help maintain a healthy microorganisms balance. 

Get regular exercise

Physical activity helps to stimulate the muscles in your gut and keeps things moving.5Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every day, such as brisk walking.

The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from selected Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide. Join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook.

References:
1. MedicineNet. Does Your Digestive System Slow Down as You Get Older? Medical Author: Rohini Radhakrishnan, ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon. Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha, MD. Medically Reviewed on 3/16/2022. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/does_your_digestive_system_slow_down_with_age/article.htm. Last accessed January 2023.
2. Harvard T.H. Chan. Fiber. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/. Last accessed January 2023.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/. Last accessed June 2024.
4. Reuterina® Daily Approved Package Insert, July 2010.
5. Monda V, Villano I, Messina A, Valenzano A, Esposito T, Moscatelli F, Viggiano A, Cibelli G, Chieffi S, Monda M, Messina G. Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3831972. doi: 10.1155/2017/3831972. Epub 2017 Mar 5. PMID: 28357027; PMCID: PMC5357536. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357536/. Last accessed January 2023.