Digestion is a complex process that involves various parts of the body. As a result of good digestion, our body transforms complex food nutrients into usable energy. Good digestion is the key to overall well-being. However, the modern lifestyle often disrupts this delicate process, leading to several digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and heartburn.
As per studies, taking a holistic approach, including chiropractic care for digestion, proper oral health, hydration, and informed dietary choices, can promote digestive wellness.
How can chiropractic help digestion?
Did you know that your backbone plays a vital role in digestion? Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, being a non-invasive discipline. A chiropractor restores proper alignment of the spine, improving communication between the nervous system and the digestive system.
Also, it reduces inflammation, another common factor in digestive problems. But that’s not all; they also improve circulation, helping deliver nutrients and oxygen to the digestive organs.
How can water help digestion?
Sip, sip, sip! Water is life. It is an essential ingredient for various bodily functions, including digestion. Also, water plays a role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Without adequate water intake, a body may develop symptoms like skin marks, constipation, heartburn, and more.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:
Women should consume around 15 cups, i.e., 3.7 litres of water per day.
Men should consume around 20 cups, i.e., 4.8 litres of water per day.
How can teeth help digestion?
The complex process of digestion begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down through chewing. Healthy teeth are essential for this initial step of digestion, allowing for proper mastication, which helps in increasing the surface area of food, making it easier for enzymes to break down nutrients.
On the other hand, poor oral health may lead to cavities and gum diseases. Also, it may cause incomplete digestion and potential digestive issues. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, people with good oral health were less likely to have digestive problems.
Caution: Drinking soda may harm your digestion!
Soda or other sugary beverages, when consumed in excess, can wreak havoc on the digestive system. The high fructose corn syrup in soda acts as a laxative, drawing water into the intestines and causing diarrhoea. Also, sodas have an acidic content that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive discomfort and inflammation.
Does drinking coffee help?
One of the most popular drinks among the masses is morning coffee. Whether you like your coffee as cappuccino or black, it may stimulate your digestion. Some studies suggest that coffee aids digestion, while others indicate reducing your intake or opting for decaffeinated varieties. It’s an endless debate. What do you think?
Conclusion
To reach an optimized digestion level, you must take a holistic approach that includes regular chiropractic care, proper hydration, oral health, and reduced bad fat intake. Simply following these tips will help you promote your digestive wellness and foster well-being. Remember, a cool gut is a happy life!
Reference:
Annals of Internal Medicine. (2013, September 17). Chiropractic care and irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016, September 7). Dietary Reference Intakes: Water, Health and Disease.
Journal of the American Dental Association. (2017, August). Association between oral health status and gastrointestinal symptoms among adults in the United States.
Gut. (2013, February). The effect of caffeinated drinks on lower gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
