Proper digestion plays a vital role in your overall health and how your body functions day to day. A supported digestive system helps keep everything running smoothly. Digestion is important for nutrient absorption, energy levels, proper waste elimination, and more. How can you show your gut some love and keep things moving in the right direction? Read on for 5 tips to support digestive health.* Why is healthy digestion so important? Proper digestion is essential to your overall health. It’s the process that breaks down the food you eat so your body can absorb important nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients fuel energy production, support growth, and help repair cells. When your digestion is functioning properly, your body is also able to efficiently process and eliminate waste. 5 tips to support digestive health #1: Fiber, fiber, fiber Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet with digestive superpowers. It is essential in keeping things moving in the digestive tract. Fiber is a carbohydrate that is often categorized into one of two forms: soluble and insoluble fiber, which both promote digestive health in different ways. Soluble fiber is dissolvable and absorbs water, helping to slow digestion. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve, adding mass to stool to help it pass more quickly throughout your intestines and help regulate bowel movements and reduce the risk of occasional constipation.* Both soluble and insoluble fiber can be found in various whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. The daily recommendation for fiber is 21 grams for women older than 50, 25 grams for women 50 or younger, 30 grams for men older than 50, and 38 grams for men 50 or younger. The Daily Value (DV) for dietary fiber found on food and supplement labels is 28 grams. #2: Eat slowly to promote proper digestion Eating too fast can hinder proper digestion, as your body can’t process large quantities of food in shorter periods of time as easily. Slowing down and chewing food thoroughly helps break down food into smaller pieces for better digestion. Practice intuitive eating and take a slower pace when having meals to keep your digestive system happy. #3: Incorporate fermented foods into your diet Fermented foods have beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut promotes smoother digestion and contributes to general health. Fermented foods to try: Yogurt Kefir Sauerkraut Kimchi #4: Stay hydrated throughout the day Staying hydrated is important to help keep things moving through the digestive tract. An adequate daily fluid intake is, on average,15.5 cups (3.7 liters) a day for men, and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. Are you drinking enough water? It might be time to check in with yourself and your H2O habits. Some tips to stay hydrated: Make it a routine to start your day with a glass of water. Indulge in a reusable water bottle. (Trust us, it makes you want to drink more water.) Make your water a little more exciting by adding fresh lemon, cucumber, mint, or liquid supplements such as Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll. Take a water bottle with you on the go so that it’s always available for you to drink. #5: Supplements that support digestive health* Probiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms, also known as “good bacteria,” that help support a healthy gut microbiome.* Probiotics are one of the supplements to support digestive health.* Check out our full collection and add one to your routine for everyday digestive health support.* Cayenne Fruit: You probably know cayenne for its role as a flavorful spice, but Nature’s Way Cayenne Fruit is inspired by traditional uses of the herb and is used for traditional digestion support.* Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow has been used for centuries, and Nature’s Way Marshmallow Root is traditionally used to soothe digestion.* Fiber Fusion™ Daily: Made with a special fiber formula, this daily fiber supplement helps support digestive health.* Keep your digestive system supported with these tips.* From probiotic supplements to fiber and fermented foods, there are plenty of ways to support digestive health in your daily routine.* Explore Nature’s Way full collection of digestive health support supplements here.*