America may run on Dunkin’, but our bodies run on ENERGY. (Although we personally prefer Krispy Kreme…)

Where does energy start? With your digestive system! If you don’t digest and break down nutrients, then you don’t supply your body with the energy it needs to function! So, it’s important we keep that digestive system healthy! Here’s how:

1) Follow a CLEAN diet.
Diets high in fiber tend to keep food moving through your digestive tract, pushing the bad right on out. There are 2 types of fiber, actually, and it’s important to try and get some of both. Insoluble fiber is roughage that can’t be digested by the body, so it helps to solidify and keep things moving. Soluble fiber collects water and liquids remaining in the digestive tract, helping to remove it from the body.

2) Exercise!
No surprise here. Regular exercise helps to move foods through your digestive system. A sedentary body is no friend to the digestive system.

3) Relax.
Too much stress or anxiety can push a digestive system into overdrive, resulting in an overworked system, which can lead to complications.

4) Eat on schedule!
Your body does actually get in to a routine, so when possible - eat on regular daly intervals. If you throw too much in in a short period of time, or if there are prolonged periods of inactivity, your digestive system gets all out of whack.

5) Drink water!
Fiber pulls water into the colon, so passing stools is easier on the body.

6) Choose leaner meats for your diet.
It makes a difference. Fatty cuts of meat can lead to uncomfortable digestion. Work more pork loins or skinless poultry into your diet! Also, fatty foods generally slow down the digestive process, so the system can get backed up, causing stress and issues.

Follow the above tips for a healthier digestive system. And the occasional Krispy Kreme isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just don’t eat the whole box! (Easier said than done!)