Key Steps for Dealing With Digestive Problems

Updated on October 30, 2020

There are many reasons you can suffer with digestive problems, which could be ongoing or sporadic when triggered by something in your lifestyle. 

Some reasons for digestive problems include:

  • A bad diet 
  • Eating too quickly or rushing mealtimes 
  • Health problems 
  • Stress
  • Lifestyle choices 

No matter the cause, there’s no denying that digestive problems can be difficult to deal with. 

Key steps for dealing with digestive problems

Speak to a healthcare professional

When struggling with severe digestive problems or those which are occurring regularly without any clear sign of a trigger, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional, as this could be an indication of an underlying health issue. 

Additionally, your healthcare advisor will be able to help regarding treatment which can ease the discomfort of digestive problems if there is no ongoing health concern, but if these problems are affecting your daily life. This could be over the counter medication or further advice. 

Investigate potential food intolerance

An intolerance or allergic reaction to certain foods may result in uncomfortable or painful digestive issues. It’s not easy to identify a food intolerance without proper testing, as it could be something very small within food, or something not immediately obvious. You can find answers regarding your own food intolerance by using intolerancelab.co.uk.

Eat a healthy diet 

One of the best ways to keep everything flowing as it should and have your bodily functions working in a healthy way is to be sure that you’re putting the right food substances into your body. A healthy diet, especially one packed with those foods that can aid digestion and healthy bowel movements, is key to feeling your best and avoiding any uncomfortable digestive issues. 

Exercise regularly 

Staying active and regular movement can help your body to feel less sluggish and aid in healthy digestion by encouraging blood flow and therefore healthier muscle movement for the digestive system. Standing up, moving about and exercising may also help with discomfort related to trapped gas or constipation. 

Enable a good sleeping routine

The right amount of sleep at the right time leaves your body operating as it should, with a healthy body clock — which includes digestion. If you ensure that you have a healthy sleeping pattern alongside a good eating pattern, your digestive system can be in a better position to function normally. 

Furthermore, it’s important to avoid eating too late at night, as your body will then have time to properly digest food before you prepare for sleep, so it’s a good idea to eat at least three hours before your bedtime. 

Understand your personal needs 

You may encounter some digestive problems that are unavoidable for you or which you have to deal with more regularly than others. In order to avoid discomfort or any embarrassment, find a good routine that works for you. Being close to a bathroom, having better understanding of when you can schedule in bathroom breaks or even needing to take time off work due to painful or unavoidable digestive problems are all key. 

Key takeaway

Your digestive system has more chance of functioning normally and healthily as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle routine. For any problems, always be sure to speak to your doctor. 

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.