by Nora Carver

Created on: June 29, 2010   Last Updated: July 01, 2010

Digestion problems seem to be a common ailment of our modern way of life. All those deliciously sweet, refined foods, the hustle and bustle that seems to stimulate the fast food economy, while convenient and soothing to the palette, are often not as pleasant to the digestive tract.  How many of us have eaten an inviting, mouth watering meal all the while thinking “I know I’m going to regret this later”? Well, while the modern pharmaceutical companies have made millions capitalizing on touted indigestion solutions, few people realize there are many ways to handle digestive ailments naturally, most of them found in the average kitchen.

Many digestive problems such as heartburn, diarrhea and constipation stem from overeating, not chewing properly, or eating improperly prepared foods. The start of solving indigestion problems is to learn how to eat correctly. Yes, believe it or not, there is a proper way to eat, your mother wasn’t just pointing out a lack of manners when she told you to slow down and chew your food.  

The first line of defense towards avoiding digestive problems is to learn proper eating behaviors. First, cut meals into smaller pieces and chew them well. Saliva contains an enzyme which the body uses to break down food and mastication of the food helps the stomach to digest food easier. Avoid overeating. Eat smaller portions, spaced further apart. Instead of gorging yourself on 3 meals, try eating smaller main meals and a few healthy snacks in between meals instead.  Try to eat meals consistently at the same time daily. Also brushing before meals as well as after helps avoid digestive problems as it cuts down the chance of harmful bacteria’s entering into the digestive tract while eating.  

Exercise helps tremendously with digestive problems. Take a short walk after dinner. Exercise helps get the blood flowing and stimulates the digestive tract.  Try to avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating a large meal, sleeping slows the bodies processes.  Experts recommend giving yourself 2 ½ hours between dinner and bedtime. Avoid wearing constrictive clothing  and belts. Constricting the waist line forces acid to move upwards.  Bending at the knees helps expel gas and reinforces the motion of the sphincter. You should however, avoid excessive exercise or athletic activity for a few hours after a meal to avoid stomach cramps.

The types of foods you eat play a large part in

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