What is the best drink after a meal
Loud rumbling in the stomach, flatulence, and problematic bowel movements are just some of the problems that demonstrate how the digestive system is not working properly. Digestion is affected by many factors: psychological state, diet, medications, lifestyle, number and choice of drinks, and much more.
Drinks can help improve digestion by calming the turbulent processes in the digestive tract and promoting optimal nutrient absorption. Among such "helpers", researchers note warm water and kombucha. Instead, it is advised to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol or carbonated drinks.
WHAT TO DRINK
When food or liquid enters the body, it moves through the esophagus to the stomach, where it begins to be broken down by digestive enzymes. From there, it enters the intestines, where the main digestion of the food lump takes place, and the resulting nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. During this process, the bacteria in the intestines play an important role in the digestive function. Disturbances in the composition of the microbiota and the activity of intestinal bacteria are associated with a wide range of pathological conditions from obesity to inflammatory bowel disease. Water and fiber are also important in this process, helping the chemistry to pass through the digestive tract and improving bowel movements.
Drinks that promote nutrient absorption, improve physiological intestinal functions, and help prevent disease include:
Water. In addition to its importance for digestion, research indicates that warm water helps gut bacteria.
Herbal and spice teas (mint tea, turmeric tea, ginger tea, and fennel tea). Reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of indigestion.
Plum juice. Rich in fiber, this drink stimulates bowel movements.
Kombucha. It is a source of many probiotics. Research shows that this drink also promotes nutrient absorption.
Kefir. Contains probiotics and a number of important nutrients.
As for coffee, there is no unanimous opinion among experts. It is known that coffee can stimulate the colon. However, more research is needed to understand how it affects gut health and how different types of coffee affect digestion.
WHAT DRINKS TO AVOID
The gases in carbonated beverages increase stomach acid levels, causing bloating and an unpleasant urge to burp.Studies show that drinking large amounts of alcohol can aggravate intestinal disorders, promote inflammation, and generally have a negative impact on gut health.
If you are lactose intolerant, it is important to remember that drinking large amounts of drinks with cow's milk can lead to symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.
WHAT TO DO AFTER MEALS TO FACILITATE DIGESTION
To help your food digest better, follow these recommendations:
Go for a walk. Light exercise and gravity will help food move through the digestive system.
Do not lie down after eating, as this can slow down digestion.
Take probiotics to improve your gut health,
Do exercises to reduce stress, such as deep breathing or yoga.
Don't smoke, give up alcohol, or significantly reduce its amount.
Keep a food diary, noting any digestive problems and identifying foods to avoid.
Talk to a nutritionist about food triggers and foods that may be allergens or poorly tolerated.
Of course, your eating habits and food choices also play an important role. For good digestion, it's helpful to chew your food thoroughly, eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and water, prefer whole foods to ultra-processed ones, and be mindful of the amount of food and the time, including not eating late at night.
So, there are simple things that can help with digestive problems, such as bloating, while maintaining water balance. Drinking warm water, herbal teas, or probiotic drinks after meals can help reduce the symptoms of functional disorders, improve gut health, and promote digestion.
However, if digestive problems continue to manifest themselves even after lifestyle changes, consult your doctor. If necessary, he or she will recommend a diagnostic examination to rule out more serious health problems, and if necessary, advise you to consult other specialists.