How To Detox Your Digestive System And Start Fresh

Digestive issues are one of the most common health problems, and there is not one solution for it. From your food intake and your way of living to certain infections, there are many factors affecting your gut well-being. Similarly, there are a combination of things that can help cleanse and detoxify your digestive system.

If you’ve been feeling bloated, sluggish, or uncomfortable after meals, it might be time to give your digestive system a rest, and that doesn’t necessarily mean going on extreme juice fasts or cutting out entire food groups. Instead, it’s about making small, consistent changes that support your body’s natural processes. Here’s what an expert has to say.

Also Read: Beyond A Stress Buster: How Coffee Affects Your Gut Health

Foods To Detox Your Stomach

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhageerath, Senior Gastroenterologist, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad, advises focusing on eating foods that are easy on your stomach and support your digestion.

“Try to include leafy greens like spinach, vegetables such as carrots, beetroot and cabbage, and fruits like berries and citrus. Whole grains like jowar and ragi are also great for your digestion,” he says.

Furthermore, don’t forget to add fermented foods like curd, as they help keep your gut healthy.

Moreover, staying hydrated is key. “Drinking plenty of water will also help flush out toxins and soothe your digestive system,” the doctor emphasises.

Role Of Fasting

According to Dr Bhageerath, fasting, or intermittent fasting, can actually give your digestive system a much-needed rest.

“It helps to mobilise the stored body fat for energy expenditure, useful calorie burning. It can also improve the health of the liver,” he says, sharing that when done properly, fasting can even help with controlling your blood sugar and weight loss also.

A 2024 review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition looked at how intermittent fasting affects the gut microbiome. Out of over 1,300 studies, only 8 human studies fit the criteria. Most showed that fasting can increase the richness and variety of gut bacteria, but results were mixed and specific changes varied widely.

If you have stomach issues, Dr Bhageerath recommends speaking to a doctor about fasting.

Can Supplements Help?

Some natural supplements, like fibre and probiotic supplements, can support your digestive detox process.

As is known, fruits have antioxidants and fibre content. And therefore, if you have trouble with bowel movements, psyllium husk or other fibre supplements can help. Additionally, probiotics (curd, yoghurt) are helpful for maintaining a balanced gut by increasing the healthy gut microbiome.

Also Read: Are There Any Health Benefits Of Having Pineapple On An Empty Stomach? Expert Weighs In

Lifestyle Changes For A Healthy Stomach

“A digestive detox happens every everyday depending on your health and how closely you follow the diet and lifestyle changes regularly. It is not just a one-time event. Maintaining healthy habits and lifestyle is very important,” says Dr Bhageerath.

Along with eating the right foods, staying active is really important for your digestion, the doctor adds, sharing that regular exercise helps everything move through your system more easily.

“You also need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, as this helps your digestive system function well. Managing stress through things like yoga or deep breathing can also be beneficial for your gut health.”

More importantly, smoking and drinking alcohol harm your digestive system, so it’s best to avoid them.

Conclusion

Detoxifying your digestive system doesn’t require extreme measures; it’s all about making small changes that eventually become a regular habit. Eating gut-friendly foods, staying hydrated, and maybe trying intermittent fasting can all help. Supplements like fibre and probiotics can give your system a boost, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor first. Moreover, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management can also keep your digestion in check.