.png "Qoura")
Symptoms like indigestion, abdominal distension, and a burning sensation may happen when we drink during our meals. The ideal is to drink in between your meals. But, if you are one of those people who just can't eat without drinking something, try limiting the liquids to 6.75 ounces, and avoid it whenever possible. Now, let's go to 5 best ways to improve digestion naturally:
Ways To Improve Digestion
1. Water
Some people, especially those with reduced salivation, have trouble eating without something to drink. In this case, drinking a small amount of water may be good. But, when in excess, water dilutes the gastric juices and enzymes that digest the food. Don't drink too much water during your meals, and make sure to chew every bite, as it increases salivation.
2. Coconut water
Coconut water is a good option, as long as it is natural and freshly extracted from the coconut. The best thing is to buy the coconut and extract the water just before drinking it. Industrialized versions have preservatives and lots of sugar. Coconut water is a good option for hydration, but when in excess, it may affect glycemia.
3. Juices
Natural juices without any added sugars, like pineapple and mint, ginger and orange, or acerola berry and passion fruit, are great options since they help with digestion and are rich in vitamin C. Fruits rich in water, like melon, watermelon, and tangerine, are also recommended.
It is worth noting that, when we make juice, we use a lot of fruits, increasing the calories and affecting glycemia. Juice powders, according to experts, should be avoided at all costs. They are processed foods that contain around 1% juice and a lot of sugar, food coloring, and preservatives.
They are harmful to our health since they contain lots of sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorings, and sodium. Many of these things can't even be metabolized by the body, which increases the risk of allergic diseases. Boxed juices aren't as harmful, but it is best to avoid them too.
4. Soda
It is better to always avoid sodas since they are high in sugar. They also are high in calories, don't bring any health benefits, hinder digestion and appetite, and increase the chances of reflux, heartburn, ulcers, and abdominal distension. Besides that, sodas cause weight gain and diseases like diabetes.
And it doesn't matter if you substitute a regular soda for its diet or zero-calorie version. Sodas have food colorings, preservatives, and other additives that are harmful to our health. They can cause hypertension, harm the liver, mess with your appetite, and even cancer in the long run.
5. Milk
Milk is a common beverage in homes all around the world! Some people like to drink milk during their meals, but it is not recommended to do so. This is because the combination of foods and milk may hinder the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Milk may aggravate the symptoms in patients with esophagitis and gastritis and slow gastric emptying because of its proteins, fats, and lactose.
People who drink during their meals may gain weight by consuming sugary drinks. Also, these beverages hinder the satiety mechanism and hunger control. This happens because the stomach gets distended, giving the impression that it can take more food.
The best thing is to drink liquids during your day to keep hydrated and avoid them while you eat. You can drink up to 30 minutes before a meal and drink again 2 hours after you last ate. This will help your gastrointestinal health. This is the best way of feeling satiated and avoiding eating in excess!
