Health is closely related to the five organs and six viscera of the body, but most people think that the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys are closely related to health while neglecting the intestines. Little do they know that intestinal health also affects life and death.
The intestine is the largest micro-ecological environment in the human body. Its normal or imbalanced state has a significant impact on human health and lifespan. Some scientists believe that if the micro-ecological environment in the large intestine is imbalanced, toxins produced by harmful bacteria that are absorbed by the intestinal wall cells can cause chronic poisoning, leading to aging. This is the theory of "self-poisoning". So how can we maintain a healthy digestive system?
1. Maintain a balanced and reasonable diet
In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, it is important to pay attention to a balanced and reasonable diet. Three meals a day should include a mix of coarse and fine food, both meat and vegetables. It is especially important to eat foods rich in dietary fiber such as whole grains, potatoes, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Research has shown that dietary fiber not only promotes intestinal motility and faster excretion of feces but also inhibits the activity of harmful bacteria in the intestine, accelerates the excretion of cholesterol and neutral fats, and helps stabilize the micro-ecological environment in the intestines. This is consistent with the ancient medical principle that "clearing the intestines leads to longevity". In addition, eating at regular times and in moderate quantities, avoiding overeating and excessive drinking, and paying attention to food hygiene are all crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
2. Drinking vinegar can promote intestinal health
Vinegar is not only a seasoning but also a health food. A Japanese scholar has summarized four major benefits of vinegar after many years of research: ① it helps the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other substances in food; ② it has the ability to kill or inhibit various bacteria; ③ it can lower blood pressure and clear cholesterol; ④ it prevents and eliminates physical fatigue. Experts believe that consuming vinegar regularly in daily life is very beneficial for intestinal health. For example, adding vinegar to cold dishes can not only kill bacteria but also prevent intestinal infectious diseases. Drinking a glass of water with vinegar can help relieve constipation.
3. Drinking yogurt for a healthy digestive system
Yogurt generally refers to sour milk. It is made from fresh milk that has been pasteurized and fermented with beneficial bacteria (fermentation agents). Currently, yogurt products on the market come in various forms, including solid, stirred, and fruit-flavored with various juices. Yogurt not only retains all the advantages of milk but also enhances certain aspects through the processing, making it a more suitable nutritional health product for humans. Experts believe that yogurt is a guardian angel for the digestive system. Drinking a cup of yogurt every day provides probiotics to the intestines and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
4. Maintaining a good mood is also crucial for intestinal health
The intestines are known as the "second brain" of the body, and the state of one's emotions is closely related to the well-being of the intestines. Excessive tension, anxiety, depression, anger, and other negative emotions can disrupt the physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt the balance of the micro-ecological environment in the intestines. Therefore, it is important to learn how to regulate and control one's emotions and maintain a calm and peaceful state of mind, which is beneficial for maintaining a stable intestinal environment.
5. Cultivate good bowel habits
Maintaining intestinal health requires cultivating good and scientific bowel habits. So what is a scientific bowel habit? Experts believe that a good bowel habit means having a bowel movement at the same time every day, with minimal effort, the shortest time, smooth excretion, and a feeling of relaxation afterward. To achieve this, it is important to establish a regular time for bowel movements, keep the stool soft and easy to pass. Avoid intentionally suppressing the urge to defecate or delaying the scheduled bowel movement. When the urge to defecate is strong, it is important to immediately go to the toilet. The best time for bowel movements is before and after breakfast because it aligns with the body's physiological rhythm. Eating stimulates gastrointestinal motility after a meal, which easily generates the urge to defecate. In the morning after waking up, colon movement can also occur, which is why many people need to go to the toilet after waking up. In summary, maintaining a regular bowel movement schedule has certain significance for intestinal health and strengthening the body's constitution.
