Ways To Help Your Digestion During Keto
Proper digestion is important no matter which diet you are following. Without proper digestive health, it’s hard to reach optimal wellness. When following the ketogenic diet, constipation is a common complaint as your body adjusts to the new way of eating. You may feel like your digestion is out of whack since your body is used to breaking down carbohydrates and a certain amount of fat. Your body now has to adjust to very little carbs and significantly more fat which can take some time.
The great news is that there are some steps you can take to help your digestive system along, so that you can feel your best faster!
5 Ways to Help Your Digestion During Keto
#1 Consume Fibrous Foods:
Foods rich in fiber are going to help keep your digestive system running smoothly. While you want to be limiting the number of carbohydrates you’re eating, the carbs that you do eat need to be rich in fiber. Things like dark leafy greens, avocados, chia, and flax seeds are all excellent options.
#2 Reduce Your Stress:
Have you ever had an upset stomach during times of stress? Stress can certainly take a toll on your digestive health. Reducing your stress will help you feel better. Try meditation, exercise, and getting more sleep.
#3 Avoid Binging:
Eating large meals or starting intermittent fasting too soon after starting a ketogenic diet can cause further digestive upset. It is best to avoid any other significant dietary changes as your body adjusts to this new way of eating. If you find that three bigger meals throughout the day is too much on your digestive system at first, you can break your meals into smaller portions and eat them more frequently throughout the day. This may help your digestive system catch up as your body adjusts to the higher fat content in your diet.
#4 Avoid Processed Foods:
One of the biggest benefits of the ketogenic diet is avoiding processed foods. Processed foods are incredibly damaging to overall health and can certainly interfere with proper digestion. Things go avoid: foods that come from a box and processed meats commonly found at fast food restaurants.
#5 Lower Your Alcohol Consumption:
Having a drink here and there is okay. However, too much alcohol can cause digestive upset as alcohol can affect the acids in your stomach. This can lead to acid reflux and indigestion, so limit alcohol as much as possible.
While starting any new diet can affect your digestive system, there are plenty of steps you can take to help support better digestion! With the proper steps, you may not even experience any type of digestive upset. Be sure to eat clean, unprocessed foods and plenty of fibrous foods. Reduce as much stress as possible and cut back on your alcohol consumption. You can even supplement with a high-quality probiotic to help support overall digestive wellness!