Doctor Lists Six Everyday Products That Support Digestion and Hydration

Gastroenterologist and health content creator Dr Joseph Salhab has shared six everyday purchases that he believes can make healthy eating, hydration, digestion and meal preparation easier. In an Instagram video posted on August 22, the Florida-based doctor discussed simple items that can support healthier routines without necessarily being expensive. His recommendations included frozen fruit, a smoothie blender, a home water filter, fibre-rich staples, a bathroom footstool and bidet, and glass containers for storing food.

Salhab's first recommendation was frozen fruit, which he said can be a convenient and economical option for people who struggle to consume fresh produce before it spoils. Frozen berries, mangoes and other fruits can be stored for longer and used in smoothies, yoghurt bowls and meals. He also recommended investing in a basic smoothie blender, saying it can make it easier to combine fruits with ingredients such as kefir, yoghurt, chia seeds, flax and oats to create convenient meals or drinks.

The gastroenterologist also suggested using a home water filter to make drinking water more convenient while reducing dependence on bottled water. He linked adequate hydration with digestion and preventing constipation, particularly for people increasing their fibre intake. For fibre, Salhab highlighted options including psyllium husk, chia seeds, ground flax and hemp seeds. These can be added to foods such as yoghurt, oatmeal, smoothies and baked dishes as part of a fibre-rich diet.

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Another recommendation was a bathroom footstool, which Salhab said can help raise the feet and create a more squat-like posture while using a toilet. According to him, this position may make bowel movements easier and reduce straining for some people. He also mentioned bidets as a useful option for people who experience irritation from frequent wiping. These products, he suggested, can make bathroom routines more comfortable, particularly for people dealing with frequent bowel movements or related irritation.

Salhab's final recommendation was glass food-storage containers, particularly for people who regularly reheat leftovers. He said he prefers reheating food in glass rather than plastic and suggested that glass containers can be a useful alternative to takeaway-style plastic boxes. The doctor also pointed to concerns around potential chemical and microplastic exposure from some plastics, although the specific risks can depend on the type of plastic, how it is used and whether it is designed for heating.

The recommendations were presented as practical lifestyle suggestions rather than medical treatment. The source material noted that the claims were based on social media content and had not been independently verified, and that the information should not replace professional medical advice. Salhab's list primarily focuses on making healthier habits more convenient, from keeping fibre-rich foods readily available to improving food storage, hydration and everyday digestive routines.

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