Relationship Between Digestive Problems And Weight Gain

Whenever people discuss about the issue of weight gain or weight loss, the role of the digestive system is often overlooked. Some of us are yet to realize the important part that a healthy digestive system plays in weight loss. Also, when your digestive system is healthy, there is a possibility for it to easily absorb needed nutrients from the food you eat which is great for your overall well being. In this post, you shall see some facts and relationships between digestive problems and weight gain. Read on!

Also read: 5 Steps of Improving digestion for efficient weight loss

Digestion And Weight Gain

Poor or unhealthy digestion can lead to weight gain, because your digestive system cannot properly break down foods. This results to nutrients not being properly absorbed and a reduction in the elimination of wastes and toxins in the body, which consequently leads to constipation and bloating.

Must read: 10 Simple and practical tips to reduce bloating fast

When the body cannot properly absorb essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals it affects the metabolism, lowering the rate at which it burns calories and leading to excess body fat, as well as constant fatigue.

Symptoms Of Poor Digestive Health

Common symptoms that are experienced include:

• Bloating
• heartburn
• constipation
• diarrhea
• Gas
• Indigestion increases feelings of stress and discomfort, potentially leading to fatigue, depression, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrient absorption and weight gain.

Poor Elimination and Weight Gain

When the body is not able to properly eliminate food wastes, it leads to a buildup of toxins in the body. Toxic buildup worsens constipation and bloating, which leads to fluid retention and puffiness.

When you constantly consume foods that are high in bad fat, it slows down digestive processes, as these foods take longer to break down. Fatty foods are also often higher in calories, so eating too much of it might lead to weight gain.

Not all fats are bad for you, however – you need healthy fats for good brain and heart health.

Replace unhealthy trans- and saturated fats with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

Also read: 10 Health and nutritional benefits of Avocados

Fiber and Digestion

Fiber-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains should be a big part of your diet. Fiber improves digestion by helping push food waste products and toxins through the body for elimination, which in turn aids in weight loss.

Daily fiber intake recommendations for people between the ages of 19 and 50 are:

• 25 grams for women
• 38 grams for men

Include vegetables such as sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and corn in your diet, plus fibrous fruits such as dates, pears and apples, as well as whole-grain breads, beans and lentils.

How Lifestyle affects Digestion

Digestion is also affected by lifestyle habits such as stress and poor exercise habits. These can slow down digestive processes, leading to fat storage. During periods of chronic stress, the body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to an increase in appetite, digestive distress, altered metabolic rate and weight gain.

A lack of exercise slows down the rate at which foods are digested, leading to constipation, less calorie burning and more weight gain.

Reduce stress in your life by making time for friends and family, meditating, and exercising with daily walks or hitting the gym. Exercise not only reduces stress but also improves digestive processes and burns calories, in order to avert weight gain.

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