Download Vibrant Health Begins with Proper Digestion

Vibrant Health Begins with Proper Digestion
Nourishing your wellbeing
February 2016
|
Digestive Health
A well-functioning digestive system is the cornerstone of good health. It is connected to everything that
happens in your body. Energy levels, immune resistance, mood and appearance are also directly linked
to digestive health. In fact, almost every facet of your health starts with a good digestion.
Don’t let poor digestion control your health
You may feel some of the classic symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, pain and acid indigestion,
but most people do not realize that many diseases that seem totally unrelated to the intestine, such
as eczema, psoriasis or arthritis, are actually caused by digestive problems.
Here are some of the factors that may contribute to digestive problems or aggravate digestive
conditions that already exist:
Stress
Inactivity
Smoking
Digestive
complaints
such as
constipation,
diarrhea,
Infection
Poor Diet
heartburn and
bloating are
very common
and usually
Drugs
Toxins
treatable
with lifestyle
measures.
Genetics
The way you lead your life can help you
manage digestive illness.
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HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY
The food you eat is not in a form the body can use the pieces are too large. One of the
main roles of your digestive system is to break down food and liquids into tiny molecules of
nutrients your body can absorb and use.
Digest into
Amino
Acids
turn into
Muscles
Energizing Fact
Fat
Digest into
Digest into
Sugar
Energy
and Fiber
turn into
turn into
Digest into
Vital
Molecules
turn into
Digest into
Fatty
Acids
turn into
Wellness
Good
Cholesterol
Fat
In your digestive
system, carbohydrates
are broken down the
fastest.
Protein takes longer
and fat takes the
longest.
That’s why carbs are
known for being
a quick source of
energy, and foods
containing protein
and fat keep you
satisfied longer.
For optimal digestion, the World Gastroenterology Organization recommends eating small and
frequent meals, choosing fiber-rich foods, consuming fish 3 to 5 times a week, opting for leaner
meats (skinless chicken, turkey and fat trimmed chop), and lowering your intake of fried and fatty foods
(butter, cream, margarine, mayonnaise and oil).
A smooth running digestive system
relies on the right nutrition.
A balanced diet is composed of the right combination of:
Source of fatty acids or lipids
1. Water
Source of
mineral salts
2. Carbohydrates
3. Lipids
Source of dietary
fibers & vitamins
4. Proteins
5. Mineral salts
Source of
protein
Source of
carbohydrate
6. Vitamins
7. Dietary fibre
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How do you keep your digestion healthy?
Drink plenty
of liquids
Don’t
overeat
The most effective way to improve digestive health is to drink more liquids
(preferably water). They are key for maintaining regular movement through
the digestive tract. But do not hydrate with sugary drinks.
Eating a lot puts excessive strain on your digestive system. Overeating not
only causes discomfort but also heartburn, bloating or gas. Eat smaller
meals and healthy snacks to keep your digestion from being overworked.
Have
probiotics
Friendly-bacteria or probiotics are good for your digestion, so include yogurt
and fermented food in your diet.
Eat
fiber
Eating fiber (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds) is an essential
way of hydrating your large intestine as it helps to clean out your digestive
system.
Go to bed
with a neutral
stomach
It is equally bad to go to bed hungry as your low blood sugar levels will
stress your body while you sleep. Instead, try to go to sleep feeling ‘stomach
neutral’ (not eating heavy food or with an empty stomach). If you feel a bit
hungry, have a snack, a banana or nuts as they are calming.
TIPS FOR GOOD DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Maintain a
healthy weight
Eat a
balanced diet
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SOURCES
• http://www.nhs.uk
• http://www.niddk.nih.gov • http://www.webmd.com
Disclaimer: The materials contained here are general in nature and are not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute to
consulting a licensed medical professional. Health information should always be carefully reviewed with your health care provider. MetLife will not be held responsible
for misuse of information or any adverse effects of recommendations stated in these resources.
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