Have you noticed it was so much harder to get moving in the winter months? Your natural inclination to stay in and rug up might be cosy, but a sedentary lifestyle, dehydration from heaters and poor choices in food can lead to your digestive system slowing down.

If you feel like you need some ideas to get things going again, here are four tips to get your digestive system moving again.

1. Fuel up on fibre

Many people think of fibre as an uninspiring bowl of bran, but vegetables can make fibre a whole lot more fun. Foods like kumara, carrots, pumpkin and celery are high in fibre and can be used in delicious soups and stews. They are also rich in starch that acts as a prebiotic to feed your good bacteria. Legumes such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are also bursting with fibre and make a stew or soup hearty. Other fibre-packed vegetables that your digestive system loves are the brassica family. Cabbage makes a refreshing coleslaw, while cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli can be steamed or roasted with a sprinkle of salt and herbs like cumin, turmeric or smoked paprika, and a splash of olive oil.

2. Stay hydrated

A lack of moisture in your body can affect bowel mobility, and staying inside with the heater on can dry you out. Drink water, try herbal teas, or have a slice of ginger root in hot water to warm up your digestive system. Also, limit caffeinated teas and coffee as these can be dehydrating. Soups also have a hydrating effect, but miso paste is a great way of making a quick, nutritious soup in a cup.

3. Get moving

Exercise is important for digestive health. Even a walk will make a difference! Stretching is also great for getting your digestion going, so perhaps hot yoga might be appealing.

4. Avoid intolerances

Gluten-containing foods can slow down bowel health in some people. If you are someone who does not have a bowel motion daily, it might be worth cutting out gluten for a week to see what happens. This does not mean you have to give up bread, a rich source of fibre, as there are plenty of tasty gluten-free options!