Vegetables and fruits contain healthy nutrients and fiber to support your digestive system and overall health. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables have cancer-fighting properties, and fiber lowers your risk of constipation. Whole grains still have the dietary fiber, iron, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients lost when grains are refined to make processed foods like white flour, white bread, crackers, and pastries.

Fiber lowers your risk of constipation, and some whole grains support your good gut bacteria. Processed meats usually have an unhealthy amount of sodium, fat, and nitrates linked to colon cancer.

Red meat has been linked with cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues. Good choices are: chicken, fish, legumes, and limiting red meat to servings per week.

Too much sugar can upset the balance of good bacteria and cause inflammation. Added sugars are found in many products, especially baked goods, ice cream, and desserts. They are also added to many processed foods, even when you wouldn’t expect it — like pasta sauces, salad dressings, and soups.

Healthy eating isn’t only about your food choices, it’s also about how you prepare them. Fried and grilled foods are tasty treats but have a downside. Fried foods have unhealthy fats, while high-temperature grilling can create carcinogens cancer-causing chemicals. Good choices are: steaming, stewing, poaching, braising, boiling, or microwaving.

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that keep bad bacteria in check and nourish your gut for healthy digestion. Good choices are: yogurt, kimchee, raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, and sauerkraut. If you get constipated, you may not be drinking enough.

Drinking water helps prevent constipation and supports healthy bowel function. How much water you need per day depends on many factors like your size, activity level, and health. In general, adults need cups of water per day. Good choices are: water, green tea, black coffee, fat-free milk, fresh-squeezed juice.

Regular exercise helps food move through your digestive system faster, reducing the risk of nausea, bloating, constipation. Regular exercise can also improve the symptoms of constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. Good choices are: taking a walk after meals or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily.

Food additives, including glucose, salt and other chemicals, have been suggested to contribute to increased gut inflammation. Inflammation may impair the barrier function of your intestines, leading to increased gut permeabilility.

In turn, increased gut permeability may contribute to a range of health conditions 1 , 2. Some processed foods may contain harmful trans fats. In the past, most of the trans fats found in processed foods came from partially-hydrogenated oils.

While the U. Food and Drug Administration banned partially-hydrogenated oils in , small amounts of trans fats may still be found in processed foods 3. These fats are well-known for their negative effects on heart health but have also been associated with an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease 4.

Some of these sweeteners may cause digestive problems. Sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol are sugar substitutes that can cause bloating and diarrhea. Studies also suggest that artificial sweeteners may increase your number of harmful gut bacteria 5 , 6 , 7.

Fortunately, scientific evidence suggests that diets high in nutrients protect against digestive diseases 9. Therefore, eating a diet based on whole foods and limiting the intake of processed foods may be best for optimal digestion. Diets high in processed foods have been linked to a higher risk of digestive disorders.

Eating a diet low in food additives, trans fats and artificial sweeteners may improve your digestion and protect against digestive diseases.

Soluble fiber absorbs water and helps add bulk to your stool. Insoluble fiber acts like a giant toothbrush, helping your digestive tract keep everything moving along Soluble fiber is found in oats, barley, and legumes, while whole grains, nuts, and seeds are good sources of insoluble fiber.

The daily reference intake DRI for fiber is 25 grams for females aged 19 to For males aged 19 to 50, the DRI for fiber is 38 grams. However, most people in the United States consume only half of the daily recommended amount A high-fiber diet has been linked to a reduced risk of digestive conditions, including constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancel Prebiotics are another type of fiber that feed your healthy gut bacteria.

Diets high in this fiber have been shown to improve barrier function and reduce inflammation in the gut A high-fiber diet promotes regular bowel movements and may protect against many digestive disorders.

Three common types of fiber are soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as prebiotics. Good digestion may require eating enough fat. Fat helps you feel satisfied after a meal and is needed for proper absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, though more research is needed 14 , Foods high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts especially walnuts , as well as fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines Adequate fat intake improves the absorption of some fat-soluble nutrients.

Low fluid intake is a common cause of constipation 17 , Your total fluid intake comes from plain water, other beverages, and foods you eat. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water each day to make sure you are getting as much fluid as you need without extra sugar and calories.

In addition to water , you can also meet your fluid intake with herbal teas and other non-caffeinated beverages such as seltzer water. Another way to help meet your fluid intake needs is to include fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as cucumber, peppers, broccoli, strawberries, apples, and oranges Insufficient fluid intake is a common cause of constipation.

Increase your fluid intake by drinking water and non-caffeinated beverages and eating fruits and vegetables that have a high water content. It has been associated with stomach ulcers, diarrhea, constipation and IBS 21 , 22 , 23 , Stress hormones directly affect your digestion.

During periods of stress, blood and energy are diverted away from your digestive system. Additionally, your gut and brain are intricately connected — what affects your brain may also impact your digestion 22 , Stress management , meditation and relaxation training have all been shown to improve symptoms in people with IBS Other studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture and yoga have improved digestive symptoms 26 , 27 , Therefore, incorporating stress management techniques, such as deep belly breathing, meditation or yoga, may improve not only your mindset but also your digestion.

Stress negatively impacts your digestion and has been linked to IBS, ulcers, constipation and diarrhea. Reducing stress can improve digestive symptoms. Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to all aspects of your food and the process of eating Studies have shown that mindfulness may reduce digestive symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis and IBS Eating slowly and mindfully and paying attention to every aspect of your food, such as texture, temperature and taste, may help prevent common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating and gas.

Digestion starts in your mouth. Your teeth break down the food into smaller pieces so that the enzymes in your digestive tract are better able to break it down.

Poor chewing has been linked to decreased nutrient absorption When you chew your food thoroughly, your stomach has to do less work to turn the solid food into the liquid mixture that enters your small intestine.

Chewing produces saliva, and the longer you chew, the more saliva is made. Saliva helps start the digestive process in your mouth by breaking down some of the carbs and fats in your meal. In your stomach, saliva acts as a fluid, which is mixed with the solid food so that it smoothly passes into your intestines.

Chewing your food thoroughly ensures that you have plenty of saliva for digestion. This may help prevent symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn.

Chewing food thoroughly breaks it down so that it can be digested more easily. The act also produces saliva, which is needed for proper mixing of food in your stomach. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your digestion. Exercise and gravity help food travel through your digestive system.

Therefore, taking a walk after a meal may assist your body in moving things along. Research suggests that short periods of low to moderate exercise may speed up your digestion, while longer and more intense exercise may slow things down In one review, gentle exercises such as Qigong, walking and physical movement significantly improved constipation symptoms Additionally, studies suggest that exercise may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases due to anti-inflammatory effects, such as decreasing inflammatory compounds in your body 35 , Exercise may improve your digestion and reduce symptoms of constipation.

It can also help reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial in preventing inflammatory bowel conditions. Additionally, eating at a moderate-to-fast pace is associated with higher levels of indigestion, which can cause symptoms such as pain, bloating, nausea, and gas Not paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues can negatively impact digestion.

Certain habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and eating late at night are associated with negative effects for your overall health.

Smoking is a risk factor for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD Furthermore, studies have shown that quitting smoking improves acid reflux symptoms Smoking has also been associated with stomach ulcers, increased surgeries in people with ulcerative colitis and gastrointestinal cancers 41 , Alcohol can increase acid production in your stomach and may lead to heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract Alcohol has also been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, increased gut permeability, and harmful changes in gut bacteria Eating late at night and then lying down to sleep can lead to heartburn and indigestion.

Your body needs time to digest, and gravity helps keep the food you eat moving in the right direction. Additionally, when you lie down, the contents of your stomach may rise up and cause heartburn.

Avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is likely important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods may promote the growth of damaging bacteria. You can eat certain foods that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your overall health.

These superfoods for gut health include:. Research indicates that high fiber foods have a positive impact on gut health. These foods include:. According to a study in rodents, garlic may increase gut microbiome diversity and improve gut health.

A small study of 49 people similarly found that aged garlic extract increased diversity and levels of beneficial bacteria. Still, more research in humans should be done. Fermented foods are great dietary sources of probiotics.

Examples include:. Research suggests that consuming these foods may improve the gut microbiome. Collagen-rich foods such as bone broth and salmon skin may be beneficial for both overall health and gut health. A study indicated that supplements with collagen may benefit the gut microbiome in mice, though further research is needed.

To help your body make collagen, try eating more:. Each of these elements varies in different people, influencing their gut microbiomes in different ways. This variation results in individuals having unique gut microbiomes.

According to one small study of 16 people, fasting was linked to lower levels of a bacteria that promotes colorectal cancer. Research in animals also shows the benefits of fasting. A study in fruit flies found that intermittent fasting appeared to improve gut health and increase lifespan.

Another study in mice indicated that fasting promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced inflammation in the intestines. Some studies have found no impact of probiotics on the gut microbiome. Still, other research suggests that probiotics may significantly affect the makeup of the gut microbiome and positively impact other areas of health, like immunity.

You can improve your gut health by taking steps to improve your overall health. This can include eating more fiber-rich foods, eating fewer ultra-processed foods, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels.

Some signs of unbalanced gut bacteria can include upset stomach, unintentional weight changes, and fatigue. The human gut is complex. While research is ongoing, it seems clear that the gut microbiome impacts whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to:.

Lifestyle and dietary changes may positively affect not only your gut health but your overall health. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY.

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Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy. You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart.

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Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli. L-citrulline is an amino acid made naturally in your body.

Research has also found a link between smoking and stomach ulcers and an increased need for surgery for gastrointestinal cancers and ulcerative colitis.

Good choices are: talk to your doctor about help for quitting, or visit Smokefree. gov for information and help. Lack of sleep affects every body system, including the digestive system. Sleep deprivation may lead to inflammation in the bowel, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Long-term stress negatively affects your overall health and is linked to diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and ulcers. Managing your stress through stress management techniques can benefit your digestion. Everybody experiences digestive problems at some point. They can be uncomfortable, difficult to talk about, and disruptive to your day-to-day activities.

While many intestinal problems can be improved by making certain lifestyle changes, some require a visit to a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you have digestive issues that are not corrected with lifestyle changes or are getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t let digestive problems linger — schedule an appointment today! Request Appointment. News Latest Information. November 17, Brian Dooley.

Accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Digestive Health. EliteCare Health Centers May 3, Share on facebook.

Share on twitter. Share on linkedin. Aging and Digestive Health Changes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Effective Ways to Maintain a Healthy Digestion System for Seniors.

Eat a healthy diet. The following are some foods that can help seniors maintain a healthy digestive system: Fiber-rich foods: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, etc. Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, etc. Water-rich foods: Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, leafy greens, etc.

Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, beans, etc. Foods high in vitamin C Oranges, kiwis, strawberries, bell peppers, etc. Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, olive oil, etc. Drink plenty of water. Therefore, caregivers should remind them to drink water or use the following methods to ensure proper hydration: Drink small amounts of water throughout the day instead of trying to drink a lot at once.

Add flavor to water with slices of citrus fruits, cucumbers, or herbs to make it taste good. Incorporate more water-rich foods in diet to balance their fluid intake.

Stay active. To stay active, seniors can try the following activities: Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling are gentle activities that can help improve overall fitness levels.

Strength training can enhance muscle tone and strength and improve digestion by promoting regular bowel movements.

Yoga or tai chi can reduce stress levels and help seniors to relax, which can improve digestion. Daily physical activity like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, or gardening can also help.

Manage your Weight. Avoid Smoking. Take your time when eating. Get regular check-ups. The Conclusion. Tags: digestive issues senior care services what is digestion.