Does Bad Posture Cause Digestive Problems?
There are various bad effects of a bad posture for us. Several types of health issues are caused by poor posture and lifestyle. One of these is having digestive issues. Have you ever experienced eating a small size of the meal and then you feel too full? Not only that, you seem to be bloated and not comfortable most of the time. Well, it can be due to your diet and a merely poor posture of yours.
Common Digestive Issues Due to Poor Posture
So, for the question, “Does Bad Posture Cause Digestive Problems?”, the answer is YES.
Total Wellness Health shared an article about how poor posture hurts office workers. It mentioned,
“When you stand up from your desk, do you notice how you almost feel lighter? Slouching compresses your abdominal organs, including your digestive tract. This can lead to heartburn, slow digestion, and potentially a nutritional deficiency. Not only that, when your digestive tract is bunched up, it slows your metabolism because your digestive tract isn’t able to push food through the way it should.”
This study was supported by an article published by Harvard Health Publishing. It was stated in the article that aside from neck and back pain, they were also eyeing other possible effects of a poor posture such as poor balance, breathing difficulties, and digestive problems.
Below are some of the digestive issues caused by the poor posture that you should be aware of :
#1 Bloating
Your posture can have a significant impact on your digestive system. One example is by having a great amount of as trapped in the system. That is often caused by sitting for long hours. That is why it is advisable to sit up straight while eating. It will help in keeping a small amount of gas in your stomach as compared to while you’re lying flat or being hunched.
Of course, you should also avoid talking while eating. According to Healthline.com, bloating is sometimes due to sensitivity. Bloating is very common and a big part that contributes to this is your diet.
“Chewing gum, drinking through a straw and eating while talking or while in a hurry can also lead to increased amounts of swallowed air”, Healthline also added.
#2 Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is another common problem experienced by office workers. When you sit for long hours or slouch while sitting, then you can be prone to suffer from abdominal pain. This is because your internal organs are compressed and your abdomen is constricted.
#3 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
People suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome are often reported to have abdominal symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating. According to the Posture Clinic, poor posture, mainly the forward head posture, can cause IBS. It mentioned on one of its published posts:
“Poor posture- specifically Forward Head Posture — typical for people spending hours sitting and using handheld devices, also exacerbates the problem. In our new technologically advanced society, most people spend hours hunched over in their chairs working on laptops and computers. This is in addition to leisure hours spent slouched over ipads, tablets and smartphones. As a result of this, more and more people are starting to develop Forward Head Posture, improper pelvic tilting, rounded shoulders as well as a more rounded spine.
The area where the spine begins to incorrectly round, from the lower rib cage through to the lower back, affects the location of the spine that houses the nerves responsible for communicating with the large intestine.”
IBS requires proper treatment because once neglected, it can lead to other health issues.
#4 Constipation
Constipation is characterized by having less than three bowel movements each week. Stools appear to be dry and hard. It leads to difficult bowel movements. Poor posture, such as hunching, can contribute to constipation by closing the anus and make it more difficult for the abdominal muscles to release the feces.
#5 Heartburn caused by acid reflux
Heartburn is described as a condition when acids on the stomach go up in the esophagus. Poor posture, such as slouching can put pressure on your abdomen and may lead to acid reflux and heartburn.
All these health conditions must be given the right medical attention or change your lifestyle to prevent these from happening.
Ways on How to Prevent Digestive Problems
Having issues with your digestive system will not only give worries to other possible health concerns. It certainly can affect your daily performance at work and other activities. The pain and the discomfort that digestive issues can bring can hinder you from giving off your best effort physically and mentally.
Here are some helpful ways to prevent digestive problems:
#1 Eat fibre-rich foods.
When it comes to your digestive health, eating foods rich in fibre is highly necessary. According to an article published by Mayo Clinic, “Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet”, we need to eat more fibre to prevent indigestion and other tummy problems. It stated:
“Dietary fiber — found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.”
The article mentioned as well that other health benefits of fibre-rich foods include normalizing bowel movements, helping to achieve a healthy weight, lowering cholesterol levels, and maintaining bowel health.
#2 Have a regular exercise.
Regular exercise can help a lot in maintaining a healthy digestive system by reducing constipation. That is the reason why we should stay active daily to maintain good health. You can have a weekly schedule at a gym or perform exercises at home.
#3 Learn how to manage stress.
Stress can contribute a lot to a sedentary lifestyle. When a person is under stress, there can be several physical, emotional, and mental effects. Stress, according to health experts, can lead the digestive system to not function properly. It is crucial to manage stress to make sure all bodily functions are working accordingly. Various stress-reducing tips and activities, such as meditation, can be a big help.
#4 Make sure to promote proper posture.
The way you sit and stand can also impact how your digestive system works. When you sit for long hours, your stomach muscles can be compressed and some organs can be constricted. Make sure to sit straight while working, eating, or doing some work while seated. It is not also advisable to sit or lie down just after eating. Avoid slouching or hunching to make sure that blood circulation and digestive processes are functioning well.
#5 Use ergonomic equipment and tools at work and at home.
Whether you’re working at home or office, using ergonomic equipment, tools, and accessories are highly advised. They will aid in promoting proper posture and healthier lifestyles. Some of the ergonomic equipment that you should consider using are the following:
Standing desks can aid individuals to stay away from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. They can also help to prevent digestive issues since you can easily shift from sitting to standing, preventing long hours of inactivity.
Browse AnthroDesk’s standing desks and their features here.
If you’re already using a table or desk for your work, you can try using desk converters without buying a new table. Just attach it to your existing desk and you can work while standing anytime. It is a practical choice since this does not require a new table for you to use. It also does need to have a large space in your workplace, thus, it can be a space-saver.
An ergonomic chair provides comfort and aids in promoting proper posture while seated. In choosing an ergonomic chair, make sure to look for features like lumbar support, arm support, headrest, and comfortable seat.
Another common issue that workers are experiencing is when their computer monitors are not set up properly. This may lead to slouching or hunching, causing health issues and work problems.
It is also best if you will avoid bad habits such as alcohol, smoking, and too much coffee. These are factors that can also contribute to digestive issues and other worse health conditions. Remember that a good posture will not only ensure you to have a healthier body. It will certainly support you in giving your 100% performance in every task assigned to you.