Nutrition Tips for Optimal Digestive Health

Hey. It’s Doctor Gregg here with Align Wellness Center. I wanted to take a quick moment to introduce you to a really important person. This is Allison. So Allison is one of our awesome patients. She’s been working under care here for a little while, and we’re awarding her this week with our Patient of the Week. Allison, I wanna share with you this award. Okay? This is for you. Thank you!

And some of the reasons that you’re receiving this is because you make all your appointments, don’t you? Yeah. Do you do your homework? Yeah. When we wind up having setbacks, whether it’s because we’re feeling under the weather or our body’s responding, what do we do? We continue to get checked because we know even those dips help you to wind up building back up when we’re back. So we’re excited about how you’ve progressed.

Yeah. And how has care gone for you?

Actually, amazing. It’s slow but progressive, just by coming to my appointments every week and, most importantly, doing the work at home. That’s what’s in it.

Can I ask you to share what changes have you noticed already?

Yeah. It all is kind of combined with the rest of my health. So my digestive system has gotten better. My stress levels have gotten better. My sleep has gotten better. I feel like my confidence has gotten better since I’m able to stand up a little bit straighter. For sure. So yeah.

Awesome. We’re super excited about all of that! We’re also excited you just passed your nursing exam.

Yeah. Way to go! I know that you’ve been working really hard on that.

For anyone who’s concerned about digestive issues, or focus issues, what would you tell them to wind up doing?

Decrease your stress for sure, and digestive and focus issues. Sure. And eat well. Maybe see a chiropractor.

I love it. I love it. You know, a lot of people don’t realize that chiropractic care can do more than just alleviate back pain. It’s all about maintaining proper spinal alignment to ensure optimal nerve function. When your nerves are firing right, it can make a huge difference in how your body works—even your digestion.

Nutrition Tips for Digestive Health

In addition to chiropractic care, nurturing your digestive health through nutrition is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help you enhance your digestive wellness:

1. Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods:
   • Aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts in your diet. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Foods like oats, beans, and berries are excellent choices.
2. Stay Hydrated:
   • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day aids digestion and helps dissolve nutrients so they can be absorbed. Try to aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider herbal teas that can soothe the digestive system, such as peppermint or ginger tea.
3. Mindful Eating:
   • Take your time while eating. Chew your food thoroughly and pay attention to your hunger cues. Mindful eating can improve digestion and help you enjoy your meals more fully.
4. Limit Processed Foods:
   • Highly processed foods often contain artificial additives and sugars that can disrupt gut health. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible to nourish your body better.
5. Probiotics and Fermented Foods:
   • Incorporate foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet. These foods contain beneficial bacteria that can help balance your gut microbiome and promote digestive health. For a probiotic, I recommend ultraflora-3-in-1-probiotic.
6. Healthy Fats:
   • Include sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon. These fats can help reduce inflammation in the gut and support overall health.
7. Regular Meals:
   • Try to maintain a regular eating schedule. Skipping meals can lead to overeating later and may disrupt your digestive process. Balanced meals throughout the day can help keep your metabolism steady.
8. Limit Dairy if Sensitive:
   • If you experience bloating or discomfort after consuming dairy, consider reducing your intake or opting for lactose-free alternatives. Many people are sensitive to lactose, which can lead to digestive issues.
9. Listen to Your Body:
   • Everyone’s digestive system is unique. Pay attention to how different foods affect you and make adjustments as needed. Keeping a food diary can help identify any patterns or triggers.
10. Manage Stress:
    • Stress can significantly impact your digestive health. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to support your overall well-being.

If you or someone you know has got things going on as Allison mentioned, please do share this. Thank you for letting me be part of your health journey.

Regular chiropractic care can help you maintain that spinal health and support your overall well-being, just like Allison has experienced. Remember, combining chiropractic care with these nutrition tips can create a powerful foundation for optimal digestive health. See you guys in the future. Keep it up, Allison!

If you’re looking to improve your digestive health and learn more about maintaining a balanced diet, we encourage you to schedule an appointment, call at Align Wellness Center (847) 860-6599 or schedule an appointment online.