10 after-dinner habits to speed up digestion

Mar 7, 2025 TOI Lifestyle Desk

Smart after-dinner habits for better digestion

Learning appropriate after-dinner routines can largely enhance digestion, avoid bloating, and even boost metabolism. These easy-to-follow yet worthwhile habits maintain health in the stomach and enable the body to efficiently digest food to ensure overall fitness. Canva

Take a short walk

Walking for 10–15 minutes after having dinner aids in digestion, prevents bloating stabilizes the blood sugar levels, and is a stimulus that boosts the functioning of the digestive tract and aids in metabolism. Canva

Drink warm water

A glass of warm water post-meal aids digestion dissolves fats, and flushes out toxins, preventing bloating and constipation while keeping the digestive system functioning smoothly. Canva

Avoid lying down immediately

Lying down right after eating can cause acid reflux and indigestion. Staying upright for at least 30 minutes allows food to move properly through the digestive tract. Canva

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing exercises after meals can reduce stress, promote oxygen flow, and relax the digestive system, preventing discomfort, bloating, and sluggish digestion. Canva

Chew fennel seeds or ajwain

Natural digestive promoters such as fennel seeds and ajwain reduce gas, bloating, and acidity and stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes for easy digestion. Canva

Do light stretches

Light stretches, such as seated twists or child's poses, ease bloating, promote blood circulation, and facilitate better digestion without putting pressure on the stomach. Canva

Consume probiotic foods

Yogurt, buttermilk, and fermented foods introduce good bacteria to the gut, improving digestive functions, nutrient absorption, and gut health, and preventing constipation and bloating. Canva

Consume herbal tea

Consuming herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile soothes the digestive tract, prevents bloating, and eases stomach upset, allowing for easier digestion and improved efficiency. Canva

Sit upright

Taking meals in a sitting posture for over 30 minutes following intake prevents acid reflux, promotes efficient transit of foods within the digestion system, and reduces discomfort or bloating. Canva

Avoiding late night snacking

Having sweet or fatty snacks in the late hours overburdens the digestion system, slows down metabolism, and can induce indigestion or bloating in addition to adding weight if the habit persists. Canva

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