Proper digestion is critical for good health, energy and well being. Digestion is important, when everything works the way it should you will feel lighter throughout the day, waste is removed from your body more easily and nutrients are absorbed more effectively. Bad digestion, on the other hand can cause bloat, constipation, discomfort – even long-term health problems. Good thing the food in your diet can help support healthy digestion. And while you certainly don’t want to take that reality to an exaggerative extreme, adding some healthy, gut-and digestion-promoting foods can help keep your digestive system on the right track and working as efficiently as it should. Discover 5 super foods that can dramatically improve your digestion, and each one is explained in great detail.
A food that aids digestion and is best for gut it yogurt, especially those with live active cultures. yogurt contains probiotics — beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy balance of gut microbiome. These friendly bacteria help to digest food, process nutrients and avoid digestive problems like bloating or constipation. Eating yogurt regularly helps feed the good bacteria in your gut and, interestingly, can also help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance. For the most bang for your buck, opt for plain unsweetened yogurt instead of flavored varieties laden with added sugar. Greek yogurt is particularly good as it’s higher in protein and also thicker and creamier so many find it more palatable.
Another excellent food for digestion is ginger, a natural cure that has been applied for digestive issues from time immemorial. Ginger Sip on some tea, nibble a ginger snap or chew a ginger candy: This spicy root contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol that stimulate digestion, decrease inflammation and calm the GI tract. It stimulates the passage of food through the digestive tract, so it can help reduce symptoms of nausea, gas and indigestion. Whether sipped as tea, blended into smoothies, cooked in meals, or eaten plain as a small slice of raw ginger, this spice is fast-acting to soothe upset stomachs. For anyone who gets motion sickness or wake up with morning nausea, ginger is very helpful and easy on our digestive system.
Leafy greens are also incredibly supportive when it comes to digestion. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, Swiss chard and lettuce contain fiber that can help soothe the intestines and prevent constipation. They’re also magnesium, a mineral that relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract and helps regulate bowel movements. And leafy greens are a good source of chlorophyll, which may cleanse the digestive system and reduce bloat. Adding a serving of greens into your meals (such as salads, smoothies or sautéing) provides an added punch for digestion, nutrient absorption and gut health.
Whole grains are another great holistic digestion food such as oats, brown rice, quinoa barley and whole wheat products. Whole grains contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which have major digestive functions. Insoluble fiber helps bulk up stool and makes it move through the digestive tract more easily, so it is particularly effective against constipation. Soluble fiber becomes a gel in the digestive system, which can help maintain weight and balance blood sugar levels, promote healthy cholesterol and feed beneficial gut bacteria. Take oats, for instance: They contain beta-glucan, a fiber that helps promote good gut health and solid stool. Opting for whole grains instead of refined grains keeps your digestive system moving along smoother.
Finally, papaya is a tropical fruit that helps you digest your food because it is full of an enzyme known as papain. Not only does papain support breaking down the proteins, but it’s been known to reduce gas and bloating while promoting smooth, quick digestion. It’s especially useful for those who deal with acid reflux, bloating or slow digestion after eating heavy meals.” In addition, papaya contains a lot of water and fiber, making it good at preventing constipation and contributing to a healthy bowel movement. When you consume fresh papaya every morning or incorporate it to smoothies, you could reduce digestive distress and enhance the overall functioning of your gut.
Add these five digestion-friendly foods to your diet every day and you will feel a big difference. Yogurt feeds good bacteria, ginger calms the stomach and leafy greens promote regularity; while whole grains keep your gut robust, papaya deposits potent enzymes that pack a punch breaking food down. In addition to water, stress management and mindful eating, these foods can help you keep your digestive system healthy — as well as comfortable. If you nourish your gut, you are nourishing the rest of your body—one craving at a time—and these common foods just happen to be natural cures for the ill-advised treat.
