World Digestive Health Day 2024: Know How Digestive Health = Overall Well-Being

We live in a health-conscious world, where we monitor our sleep with wearables, push ourselves to dance classes and prioritise mindfulness practices. However, amidst these pursuits, we often overlook a fundamental aspect of well-being – DIGESTION. Digestion is at the core of our health, and it must function properly for the whole body to be in top condition.

On World Digestive Health Day, Dr, Bhavna Sharma, Head Nutrition Science Department, ITC Limited, shares insights on how proper digestion is critical for our body.

For good digestion, it is essential to consume fibre rich diet along with physical activity, regular exercise, adequate sleep and hydration. Fibre is a powerhouse of goodness and is essential for maintaining normal digestion. Here are a few benefits of fibre that help maintain digestive health and promote over all well-being.

1. Promotes normal digestionDiet rich in fibre aids normal digestion of food and prevents constipation. Fibre adds bulk to the stool and helps in bowel movement. It further prevents bloating, diarrhea, heartburn etc.
2. Keep one satiated for longFiber takes longer to digest which helps keep one full for longer duration. This is beneficial particularly to reduce overeating tendencies, unhealthy snacking curb sugar cravings etc.
3. Uplifts moodA good gut is equal to a good mood. Poor digestion often leads to constipation, bloating etc which tends to cause mood swings, anxiety, irritation. Fibre, helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels, it nourishes the gut thereby resulting in a good mood. People who consume adequate fibre tend to have a positive and happy vibe.

According to the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), the recommended daily intake (RDA) for adults is between 25-35 grams, varying with age, gender, and activity level. However, data by Aashirvaad Atta’s Happy Tummy reveals that around 7 out of 10 Indians lack enough fibre in their diet, often leading to severe complications related to digestive health.

Dietary fibre is present in several veggies, fruits and cereals. For example – beans, soya, millets, seeds & nuts, berries etc. However, one simple way to include fibre in your daily diet is through staples in your diet – that is the flour you use! Choose atta/flour with multigrains that contain key grains like wheat, soya, channa, oat, maize, and psyllium husk over regular flour. Packed with fibre 3 rotis made with multi grains atta will help meet 35% of the daily requirement of fibre.