How Can Women Achieve Optimal Digestive Health?

A few simple changes can make a big difference.


It may not be dinner-table conversation, but sometimes what we eat at the dinner table can affect us in negative ways. If you’ve ever left a meal feeling bloated, or suffered from heartburn or pain, your digestive system may not be operating at top capacity. The culprit? There could be several reasons why you’re uncomfortable—from what you're eating (or not eating) to how you're eating, or even what your stress levels are.

First, it's important to understand how your digestive tract works. Ideally, it contains millions of healthy bacteria at all times, known as probiotics. These bacteria exist to reduce the growth of unwanted "bad" bacteria, which can show up in tainted food or as a result of illness. In fact, antibiotics, which are popularly prescribed for infections, are notorious healthy-bacteria killers. And if you don't have enough healthy bacteria in your system to counteract the bad bacteria, the result is digestive upset.

Fortunately, you don't have to suffer in silence. One of the best ways to restore the balance of bacteria in your system is to take probiotic supplements or eat foods containing probiotics. Yogurt with live active cultures is a terrific way to get your probiotics. Eating enough fiber—something few of us do—also helps digestive health by slowing down your digestion and helping probiotics do their job. Many brands of yogurt contain as much three grams of fiber, along with a healthy dose of probiotics. And since the American Gastrological Association says we need at least 25 grams of fiber a day for optimum digestive health, look to add more to your diet with vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads, and legumes. Try to avoid processed, refined foods such as white bread and white pasta, which have very little fiber or nutrients.

By Laurie Salomon, QualityHealth News, www.qualityhealth.com