Healthy digestion

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a passageway that begins at the lips and ends at the anus (Figure 1). Its purpose is to transport and digest food. Along the way, the passageway changes character because different functions are required at different points. In the uppermost portion, the teeth begin the process of digestion by grinding food into small fragments.

We all know fibre is good for us (even though we don't get enough of it). In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a critic of fibre, which has been linked to host a health benefits. It helps the digestive tract, and is recommended in the prevention of colon of cancer. But we don't always appreciate this dynamo's ability to lower cholesterol levels - the type of fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and our body's cells.

Finding time to be physically active is a challenge for most of us. Between the seemingly endless demands of work and family, it may seem like there just aren't enough hours in the day to squeeze in a brisk walk or a pick-up game of basketball.

Suffering from poor digestive health? Learn a few simple ways to improve your digestive health.

If you overeat, you can feel bloated, heavy, lethargic, and generally bummed-out. Try foods and drinks that have a cleansing effect. Think crisp, clear, and fresh. Sip on ginger tea. Ginger helps digestion and can relieve nausea. When you wake, take your water warm and with a twist of lemon. A practice of many yoga practitioners, this may help to gently stimulate your digestion.

Are you trying to think in new ways about what you eat and what it's doing to your body? If you're ready to put down the junk food and commit to eating better, you might want to consider detoxing.

Screening saves lives Make no mistake about it - screening saves lives. Whether it's the mammogram to screen for breast cancer or the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer, tests have the potential to detect abnormalities early - early enough that you can do something about it.