Why is healthy intestinal flora important?
When it comes to our health, hardly anyone has the gut on their radar. Yet nutrients are absorbed through it, which is why our eating habits can have a positive or negative effect on our physical and mental health. The gut therefore plays a very central role when it comes to our health and well-being.
If the wrong eating habits prevail, the gastrointestinal tract immediately responds with symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea or flatulence. If we permanently eat too little wholesome food, our body is not sufficiently supplied with important vitamins and minerals. Although we often eat far too much, our bodies are unfortunately hungry!
Intestinal flora: these 4 bad habits harm it
1. you eat far too much
Large portions in particular are a heavy burden on the stomach and intestines, as large quantities have to be processed all at once. The body is so busy with this that everything is focused on it. As a result, we are not able to do much thinking after a large meal and feel generally tired and listless. To avoid constantly overloading the organs, you should therefore avoid eating too much and instead opt for light meals - this will also help you avoid the midday slump.
Healthy gut bacteria: Small, important helpers
2. you gulp down your food
The better the food is chewed, the easier it is for the stomach and intestines to digest it. Unfortunately, we often gulp down our food, either because we eat something quickly while walking or because we generally don't take the time to eat our meals. The chunks are heavy in the stomach and the entire digestive system has to work hard to break down the food in the stomach.
3. you don't drink enough
You probably know that you should drink a lot - but why? Because the gastrointestinal tract, for example, needs fluids to be able to digest our food properly. If you constantly drink too little, you risk constipation, which can even lead to bowel obstruction. So drink enough sugar-free drinks, the recommended amount is 1.5 liters a day.
4. you are not chewing properly
If you don't chew your food well enough, you risk bloating, heartburn or gastrointestinal cramps. It is important to chew food well, as this makes it easier for enzymes in the saliva to break it down into its individual parts. As a result, the gastrointestinal tract can then digest the food much more easily. This also benefits your intestinal flora.