Is your digestive system in a bind? If cramps, constipation and bloating are your current way of life, it’s a definite sign something’s amiss. While learning how to quit sugar and cutting out inflammatory foods is your first port of call, we’ve also got a few other nifty tips to improve your digestion. 

The digestive system relies on a number of processes to move smoothly, from moving food through the oesophagus to the stomach and onto the intestines to be released as a bowel movement. Unfortunately, many of us are no stranger to digestive issues that result from a problem in this complex process – often time, lifestyle and environmental factors are to blame, with food stagnating in the digestive tract. The result? Cramping, gas, constipation and bloating! Here are 3 nifty tips to get your digestive system moving again.

Try core-building exercises

Getting moving is a simple, free way to improve your digestion and it all comes down to circulation. Exercise encourages blood flow to our digestive tract muscles, which promotes the movement of food through the tract, which then helps to prevent constipation and bloating as it encourages quicker digestion. We’ve also got research showing that regular exercise can improve the count of good bacteria in the gut. If you’re really keen for result, sit-up and crunches are especially powerful tools to get your digestive system going.

This is because they strengthen and use the abdominal muscles which contribute to digestion, helping to promote a bowel movement.

Sip some peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is another unexpected kick for your digestive system. Not only is its refreshing aroma calming, but its content is known to soothe an unsettle stomach – it’s the menthol in this stuff which makes it so beneficial to our digestion.

Research has shown it helps a range of digestive condition, including bloating, constipation and stomach pain. One study found that peppermint oil improved the digestion of 75% of participants, so if you’re struggling with indigestion or cramping, give peppermint tea a try! 

Load up on fibre

Eating a high-fibre diet is one of the quickest ways to improve your digestive system, and this comes down to preventing the stagnation of food as fibre keeps everything moving. This then prevents constipation and bloating, and encourages regularity in your bowel movements. Whole foods like veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains are all great sources of fibre – but remember to take in both soluble and insoluble fibre. The latter is particularly beneficial to proper digestion and bowel movements as it adds bulk to the stool – psyllium husk, for instance, is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, making it a great addition to your morning oatmeal.

Sugar can be especially detrimental to your digestive system as it promotes the growth of bad bacteria in the gut microbiome. Research shows it lowers microbial diversity and raises our risks for infection and inflammation, with an increased risk for metabolic conditions, autoimmune diseases and a host of digestion problems all resulting consequences. That’s why one of the best things you can do for your digestion is to quit the stuff. That’s where we come in.

It’s no secret that a sugar habit is a tough one to beat – wherever you go, sugar is there. Unlike with ditching alcohol, there are few places where sugar is unwelcome. From birthday parties and functions to the office pantry, Sunday markets and the supermarket. Is it any wonder that so many of us find it hard to quit the stuff? That’s why it can help to join a program like ours – our 8-Week Program is based on accountability, support and providing the essential resources to set you up for success. We’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We’ve also got nutritionists, personal trainers and naturopaths in our team of experts, and they understand what our bodies need and how to best arm ourselves against those cravings. So, if you’ve been having a little trouble keeping that sugar addiction at bay, we’re here to help. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!