If there is a problem that is too common among the millennials right now, it has got to be that of a very weak and problematic digestive system. We all feel very frustrated over having any acidic burps, the mere bloated feeling, suffering heartburns, having that gurgling stomach, etc. Improper digestion doesn’t just become worrisome, it also becomes a matter of embarrassment for most of us especially so in public places. However, a healthy digestive system has the ability to boost your body’s immunity which happens to be the need of the hour in today’s pandemic situation. It also helps in making you proactive in nature; better your skin health advances nutrient absorption and uplifts your mood. So, why face any problems related to your digestion when eating the right foods will help keep such problems at bay, isn’t it? Here’s a quick read for you to know what are the foods that aid better digestion in our bodies. Read on.
- Yogurt
Yogurt screams good bacteria which is downright essential for our gut to help in good digestion of the food that we eat. There are many studies that talk about how consuming yogurt can inhibit problems like inflammation in the bowels, diarrhea, and also improve the bowel movements, and reduce any risks of colon cancer. You can always make it a habit to have a tiny bowl of yogurt after your lunch or dinner for better digestion of food. Please make note that in case you are lactose intolerant, find an alternative, for example, yogurt made from almond or coconut milk.
- Whole Grains
We all know that whole grains are an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fiber. The soluble fiber is known to form a gel-like form in the large intestine. It helps in trapping food and boost satiety while lowering the glucose absorption in the body. Insoluble fibers on the other hand improve the bowel movements in our body. the American Dietary Guideline says that one must consume at least three ounces of whole-grain servings in a day. Broken wheat, sorghum, oats, quinoa, brown rice, etc. are some of the examples of whole grains. However, if you are gluten intolerant then please consider sticking to millets, quinoa, buckwheat, etc. These will not cause any kind of digestive irritation in the body.
- Banana
Bananas are known to be fiber-rich for a medium banana is known to contain at least 3 grams of fiber. Not just that, bananas also contain pectin that aids carbohydrate digestion and improves the bowel movement as well. Another best property about bananas is that they help keep the blood sugar levels low. So, don’t mind and add a banana to your smoothie, breakfast cereal, or even pancakes.
- Ginger
We use ginger roots in most of the dishes as a root spice, isn’t it? And we cannot stop talking about the health benefits that it provides us with. For centuries, ginger has been used for medicinal purposes like treating cold, inflammation, nausea, and also for improper digestion as well. Taiwan scientists talk about how ginger helps in speeding up gastric emptying and also boosts antral contractions. Now you have one more new reason to add ginger to your juice or fruit, isn’t it?
- Cumin
Most cuisines all over the world make use of cumin as a flavoring agent in their food and beverages. But cumin can do more than just that—it contains antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiepileptic, and anticancer properties as well. Cumin also stimulates appetite and helps relieve diarrhea and dysentery. The sodium, essential oils, and magnesium that are present in cumin helps in relieving stomach ache as well.
- Beetroot
This sweet vegetable that is plum-red in color has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help in flushing out the toxins of the body and also prevent any digestive inflammatory disorders from occurring. Beetroots even stimulates bile production which regulates digestion, this includes digestion of fats as well. So, go ahead and toss beetroots into your stew or salad or even bake them into chips.
- Apples
Apple is the favorite fruit when it comes to keeping your body healthy. Apples are a powerhouse of vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals. They also possess an antioxidant property that helps in reducing the inflammation and oxidative damage that could cause to organs because of improper digestion of the body.
- Avocado
If you have been a prey to stomach inflammation, then this green jewel fruits, the avocado must be kept closer now. It helps to cure an inflamed stomach. Also helps change the microorganisms present in the gut—this helps in treating problems like autointoxication, biliousness, and colitis. Include avocadoes in your salads, smoothies, or in any meal at any time of the day. They will improve your digestion and heal your gut.
Now that we’ve told you about what are the best foods that will help improve your digestion, here’s another list that you should keep in mind.
Foods To Avoid Digestion Problems
- Fatty/Oily Food
If you have digestive problems, you must avoid oily and fatty foods at all times. Or else you might become a victim of constipation in the days to come.
- Processed Food
These foods contain artificial sugar, preservatives, large amounts of salt, and they lack fiber which is very essential for a healthy digestive system.
- Spicy Food
Eating food laced with spice will cause irritation to your digestive organs, this might result in stomach ache and discomfort when you’re passing stool.
- Certain Legumes
This holds true especially for larger beans like lima, edamame, kidney, garbanzo for they contain a lot of starch and get difficult when it comes to digesting it.
So, if you have been suffering from digestive problems, you need to keep the above points in mind. They’ll help you in solving your digestive problems in an easier manner. If you have some serious digestion issues, consulting a doctor before trying out any remedy is a must. Eat healthily, eat right, and stay healthy peeps!