Because the digestive system is what converts the food we eat into energy and needed nutrients, it is important to keep it healthy.
You are jeopardizing your health if you practice any of these five behaviors, but it is never too late to make lifestyle changes now that will reap big rewards.
1. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
According to Health magazine, alcohol is a sedative that has a relaxing effect on the esophageal sphincter, allowing acids from the stomach to back up into the esophagus causing acid reflux irritation.
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Too much alcohol can irritate stomach lining and block the absorption of some nutrients.
If you have a healthy gastrointestinal tract, you can likely tolerate alcohol, but moderation is key.
2. Smoking
It is no secret that smoking harms your health, but it has especially serious effects on the digestive system.
People who smoke have a weak esophageal sphincter, reports Cleveland Clinic, which leads to acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
Smokers are also much more likely to develop peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, and gallstones.
3. Eating Processed Foods
An endless array of processed food products line supermarket shelves, and they have become a way of life for many Americans.
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Eating these products wreaks havoc on your digestive system by destroying good bacteria in your gut while encouraging the overgrowth of bad bacteria,
explains Dr. Joseph Mercola, a well-known osteopathic physician.
In addition, your body may view the toxic substances found in these products as foreign invaders which can cause it to attack healthy cells in the body.
4. Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Coffee, caffeinated tea, and sodas are all dangerous for your digestive system. Like alcohol, caffeine relaxes the esophageal sphincter causing acid reflux, says Health magazine.
Especially if you are prone to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you should cut down on caffeine.
5. Excessive Use of NSAIDs
Arthritis sufferers and those with chronic pain often reach for widely available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These drugs adversely affect the digestive system.
According to
Dr. Robert Hoffman, chief of rheumatology at the University of Miami, heavy use of NSAIDs leads to significantly increased chances of developing GERD and bleeding ulcers.
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