Digestion problems affect almost all of us. Some struggle with them daily, others from time to time for example after a hearty party. Heartburn, stomach ache, bloating, constipation, colic, belching, heaviness and fullness in the intestines - these unpleasant symptoms can really hinder your daily functioning. We advise how to deal with them using home remedies. What herbs are good for improving digestion?
Digestion in a nutshell
Digestion is a complicated process - it involves not only many structures of the digestive tract, but also organs located outside it, such as the pancreas, liver and bile ducts with the gallbladder. Digestion and metabolic processes are additionally regulated by a number of hormones, enzymes and other substances supporting the course of metabolism in the human body.
Many factors affect proper digestion, above all
- metabolic rate, i.e. the rate of chemical changes made in our body, largely dependent on hereditary tendencies
- diet, food quality, the composition of the menu, content in the diet of products that increases the metabolic rate (e.g. fibre) or those that impede digestion (including a lot of saturated fat, highly processed food etc.)
- liquids, especially the number of healthy fluids (water, herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices) drunk every day
- physical activity, a daily dose of movement, lifestyle (active or sedentary one)
- accompanying diseases affecting, among others intestinal peristalsis or secretion of bile and digestive enzymes
How to improve digestion?
Eat regular meals
Consume less hearty meals, but more often, at regular intervals - optimally every 3-4 hours. The body is more likely to digest smaller portions of food more easily, in addition, it will develop the so-called metabolic memory - at certain times the digestive system will secrete more digestive enzymes.
Eat small portions
More frequent and less abundant meals are one thing. However, you can still reduce the amount of food you eat. Do not put the whole meal on the plate immediately (then you will probably eat it all), but in small portions. Finish your meal when you feel your hunger is satisfied. This way you will avoid overeating. Bite and crush thoroughly. Find time to eat meals without a rush. The better the chewed and crumbled food, the easier it is to digest it later. Eat and then drink. Try to drink only after the meal. However, if you have to drink while drinking, be sure to swallow first, then sip it. Never drink while chewing!
What herbs for digestion?
Herbal teas are a natural and healthy way to improve digestion and metabolic processes in the body. Here are the most popular herbs for digestion and good digestive system function
Peppermint - herbal tea made from mint regulates the secretion of gastric juice, stimulates the production and secretion of bile, improves bowel movement and has a carminative effect
Lemon balm - has a relaxing and regulating effect on the digestive system also increases gastric acid secretion
Dandelion - supports liver function and cleanse the body of the toxins
Fennel - reduces the feeling of fullness, helps to prevent flatulence
St. John’s wort - regulates the digestive system activity, supports the production and secretion of bile
Chamomile - regulates bowel function, stimulates bile secretion, improves appetite, prevents excessive fermentation in the intestines, feeling fullness and flatulence
Senna - a herb with a laxative effect, for short-term use in constipation related to improper nutrition
Milk thistle - regenerates and has a positive effect on liver function, supports bile production and improves digestion
