Digestive System

 Here are some questions people often ask about their digestion:

I don't pass motion everyday, is that normal?

There is no ‘normal’ for the population, it is what is normal for you.

It is fine to have a bowel movement less often or more often.

However, if you notice significant changes in your usual pattern of bowel movements, either more frequent (or painfully infrequent) that they interfere with your quality of life, or you notice blood in your stool, see your doctor.

Is raw food is better than cooked food?

Whether you supply your digestive system with food that’s raw or cooked, it does not matter.

Cooking sometimes makes it easier to absorb nutrients, but overcooking can destroy nutrients too.

Best way is to learn about the food you want to cook, and follow the recommended cooking methods and times to preserve nutrients.

The more fibre I take the better it is, right?

Experts recommend getting 25 grams of fibre a day and many do not even reach that goal.

If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is more important to pay attention to the type of fibre you are eating. 

Research on 275 patients with IBS published in the British Medical Journal showed that having more soluble fibre, like psyllium, instead of insoluble fibre, like bran, led to fewer IBS symptoms.

Should I drink more water when I am eating?

As long as you are well hydrated throughout the day, there is no need to drink more.

If you have reflux, cutting back on fluids at mealtime will improve your symptoms.

For others, particularly if you are dieting, drinking a glassful before eating might cut down on calorie consumption by making you feel fuller sooner. 

Do I get ulcers from stress?

If you thought you could manage your stress, then it would not cause the ulcerous burning in your stomach anymore, you are mistaken.

The cause is more likely to be Helicobacter pylori.

So, you can relax — at least about the source of the ulcer, speak to your Dr. and get it treated with antibiotics.

Is colon detox good for me?

The digestion fact is your body does a fine job on its own. 

If you are still tempted, check with your doctor before trying any detox to avoid unwanted consequences, such as dehydration.

Is meat harder to digest than vegetables?

While it is true that fat in meat can slow the digestive process (this is why high-fat meals can trigger a bout of acid reflux), meat and vegetables take about the same amount of time to get through your digestive tract. 

Is snacking before bedtime, a bad idea?

For people with acid reflux, it actually is a good idea to stop eating two to three hours before bedtime, just to cut down on symptoms.

For people trying to control their food intake, it does not matter when you eat rather the total number of calories you have eaten throughout the day.

Are all Probiotics the same?

Probiotics — beneficial bacteria that crowd out bad bacteria — research about them is actually in its early days. 

It seems that certain strains of bacteria may help with certain conditions, so any probiotics just will not do.

Look for labels that list the individual strains known to help, such as L. acidophilus.