One of the problems that we might face when we age is the ability to digest what we eat. This is not just because of the type of food choices that we have, but can also be brought about by other factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, medications, tooth decay, and gum disease. When ignored, this may result in ulcers, diverticulitis, constipation, and indigestion. If you want to have better digestion as you age, here are things that you need to consider.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water is one of the best aids to better digestion. This can help ease constipation, a common digestive tract problem when you age. Aside from water, you can also consider taking lots of fluids that aid in digestion. Make sure you scrap caffeine in your diet. Tea and coffee can be a cause of dehydration, thus causing problems with digestion.
Always Be Conscious About What You Eat
Having a healthy weight will make your digestive system happy. You will be able to accomplish this by simply looking out for what you eat. You would not want to suffer from the gastrointestinal disorders that we have mentioned herein just because you want to eat what you want. When living in a retirement community, you get to be served meals that are healthy on the gut. Eat in portion sizes and your digestive tract will thank you for it.
Get Loads of Fiber
Aside from fruit juices that contain plenty of fiber, you can also invest in eating high-fiber foods. Examples of these food sources are fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. A diet rich in fiber is proven to be healthy for digestion. Fiber acts as the grease to the digestive system, and since it is low in fat, you tend to feel fuller even if you eat less. This then translates to weight maintenance.
Make sure that you stick to different fruit and vegetable choices though. It is not always about eating an apple a day. That will not be enough. Eat leafy greens, as well as yellow vegetables to keep your skin glowing and hydrated. All these will result in a healthier digestive system.
Stay Physically Active
You will never go wrong when you stay active, and this definitely aids in proper digestion. You can engage in regular exercise sessions like biking, swimming, dancing, walking, and a whole lot more. These exercises are also proven to help in preventing heart disease and can aid in improving blood circulation. When you are living in a retirement community, make sure to actively participate in such activities.
Smile All the Time
You might be wondering what smiling has got to do with better digestion? Well, first of all, smiling can reduce stress, which can, later on, decrease gastric acid in the stomach. This acid is responsible for indigestion. When you are happy about something, do not hesitate to show it with a beaming smile on your face.
