By Doc Willie Ong
Here are 14 tips to prevent common stomach problems such as hyperacidity, GERD, ulcer, gas, bloating and colon cancer.
1. Eat more slowly. Take your time and don’t rush.
2. Chew your food. For the elderly, you can cut your food into little pieces.
3. Eat more fiber, like vegetables, fruits and cereals. Vegetables and fruits contain healthy fiber, which are good for the digestion. Fiber promotes bowel movement and helps prevent bowel cancer. A common bowel disease called diverticulosis results from eating too little fiber. Vegetables like okra, kangkong and cabbage are rich in fiber. Fruits rich in fiber are apples and oranges.
4. Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Eat regularly and on time.
5. Sit down when eating. Eat in a relaxed environment.
6. Don’t believe in fad diets and avoid binge eating. Choose healthy foods over junk foods.
7. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. The correct way to drink water is to sip it little by little throughout the day. Don’t gulp down two glasses at once.
8. Try warm water for stomach pain. Chamomile tea relaxes the stomach.
9. Avoid spicy, sour (citrus fruits), oily foods. Avoid milk products (for lactose intolerance), carbonated drinks and alcohol.
10. Take a stroll after eating. It’s good for your digestion. After a full meal, take a 15-minute leisurely walk. By staying upright and helping gravity push the food down, you are helping in your digestion. Don’t go to sleep right after eating a heavy meal.
11. Doing regular exercise helps promote the movement of food in the digestive system.
12. Take a probiotic.
13. Check your medications for seniors.
14. Finally, be careful with what you eat. Avoid raw foods and food poisoning. Know who prepared your food and check whether it’s clean or not.