Stomachaches can come and go, but when it comes to serious problems with gas, bloating or constipation, it may be what you’re putting in your body that’s causing issues to emerge. Whether you’re guilty of super-sizing your meals or you just don’t consume enough fiber, gastrointestinal difficulties are no joke. If you’ve committed one of these seven cardinal digestive no-no’s, it may be time to reconsider your eating habits.
1. Ignoring your problems altogether. Believe it or not, gastrointestinal issues are incredibly common. “We see two big areas of digestive health complaints,” gastroenterologist Amanda Pressman, MD, of the Center for Women’s Gastrointestinal Medicine at the Women’s Medicine Collaborative at Brown University, told EverydayHealth.com. “People complain of heartburn and reflux or constipation, gas, and bloating.”
Yet despite how widespread these issues are, if you’re the type to chalk this up as no big deal, you could be making a big mistake that prevents you from making the necessary lifestyle changes you need to boost your health. Get talking about your dilemma with a healthcare provider and you’re bound to see a huge difference!
2. Avoiding all-natural supplements. If your love-hate relationship with food has resulted in many late-night bouts with heartburn or indigestion, it’s time you considered an all-natural supplement by Dr. Newton’s Naturals like Nu-Zymes Digestive Enzymes. These super-potent tablets work to cleanse your intestinal tract and may provide relief from upset stomach, acid reflux, lactose intolerance and more. By taking this step, you may be able to rid yourself of your digestive problems once and for all.
3. Consuming too many carbonated drinks. You know that third can of soda you’ve been thinking about pouring yourself? For the sake of your belly, learn when to cut yourself off. Excessive intake of carbonated beverages can leave you feeling full and more likely to belch, an absolutely mortifying thing if you’re in mixed company or out to dinner with an important client. If you’re feeling parched, non-carbonated drinks or water are the best ways to offset this potentially embarrassing situation.
4. Not watching what you drink. Although carbonated drinks can definitely put you at greater risk for digestive issues, if you sip on too many beverages you may find that it doesn’t matter what they are – tea, alcohol, juice and other drinks can all contribute to bloating and cause acid reflux to flare up.
With alcohol especially, be careful that you don’t overindulge, as it can contribute to the development of painful peptic ulcers. If your stomach feels like it’s being squeezed through a vice for no reason, alcohol may be the cause. US News recommends avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) pain reducers, as they cause further inflammation.
5. Chewing gum. When you’re munching on gum, this may seem like it satiates your hunger pangs. However, gum can lead you to swallow too much air, which in turn can lead to problems with belching. The next time you’re about to pop a stick of minty fresh gum in your mouth, resist the urge and go for a glass of water instead.
6. Engaging in poor eating habits. It may not come as much of a surprise, but eating junk food or gulping down carbonated drinks can lead to a host of problems, including obesity and gastrointestinal difficulties. If you’re not getting any fiber in your diet, this can make matters worse. An all-natural supplement like Nutranetics Fiber can help support a healthy colon and intestinal tract while also giving your liver the extra cleanse it needs.
7. Eating late meals. Do you work the evening shift and often find yourself eating dinner while most people are snoozing between the sheets? While you may not be able to change your work schedule, you can try to eat meals earlier in the day. For those with acid reflux problems, late-night eating right before bed can cause flare-ups. If you want to prevent this, try to eat two to three hours before going to bed.
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