Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly: this ensures better digestion and favorable environment for the good bacteria to work.
Stay hydrated: water plays a supporting role in digestion. Adequate water is required for good digestion and healthy gut bacteria.
Consume prebiotic and probiotics: these are natural supplements. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut such as banana, onion, garlic, asparagus and many more. Whereas probiotics are a supplement containing good live bacteria such as yogurt.
Eliminate foods you can’t tolerate: if eating certain foods such as dairy, eggs or wheat causes a change in digestion, eliminate it from your diet. Your gut bacteria or gut lining may be allergic to it.
Adopt a good diet: eat healthy for a healthy gut – your food should include more green veggies, fruits, whole grains and quality proteins; and less sugar, processed foods and excess fats.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
