Certain yoga poses are effective for stimulating peristalsis, which is necessary for digestion, and yoga is an excellent way to calm down after overeating. You'll feel the calming effect throughout your body, even into the digestive tract.
If you experience any pain while doing these poses, stop immediately. You should do these stretches slowly and steadily rather than attempting strenuous exercise.
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Try this pose:
Sit with your legs straight out.Inhale and move your knees toward your chest while keeping your feet on the floor.Arrange your left leg so the heel of the foot is touching your right glute.Move your right leg over your left. Your knee should be pointing up, toward the ceiling, and the right ankle should be near the left knee.Breath in.While you exhale slowly, move your left elbow to the outside of the right knee. Your body will twist to the right.You should hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat the same steps for the other side.
A yoga stretch commonly referred to as the wind relieving pose can be beneficial if you're feeling bloated.
Start by lying on your back and putting your knees to your chest. Hold your knees tightly and rock back and forth.Stretch out your legs on the ground and repeat as necessary.
Other physical activities can aid in digestion. Tai chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that is calming for the body and the digestive tract. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, more than 22 million Americans participate in yoga.
Ask a gastroenterologist about other activities that will encourage digestion. To find one in your area, check Angie's List. For example, you can find more than 50 gastroenterologists in Denver alone.
A lifestyle full of physical activity is good for your digestive system. Strenuous exercise is harmful to the digestive process when it happens right after a meal, but doing light exercises like these will improve your overall digestive health.
This article originally appeared on AngiesList.com.
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