8 Foods to Eat for Healthy Digestion

Many people suffer from different types of digestive disorder. Constipation, for one, results from the slow passage of digested food in the colon. It can also come from physical and emotional stress. Before resorting to medicines, there are certain foods that will help you have a better digestion. Here are 8 types of food you should consider including in your diet.

Fiber-rich food. Fiber helps your digestive system function well and aids in removing waste from your body. Some fiber-rich foods you can indulge on are whole grain breads and cereals. Legumes and nuts are also high in fiber. If grains and cereals make you feel bloated, you can always go for fruits and vegetables—the most reliable fiber-rich foods.

Tea. Drinking tea has a lot of benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory components that can help digestive problems related to inflammation such as Crohn’s disease. Since tea also contains antioxidants, it protects the lining of your small intestines from free radicals brought about by stress. Green, white, and black teas have digestive components that help ease constipation and other digestive problems.

Fermented foods. These are somewhat pre-digested food that makes it easy for your digestive system to process. Yogurt, miso, pickles, aged cheese, and kimchi are some fermented foods you can include in your diet. Also known as pro-biotic food, the thing that makes these foods special is the bacteria in it. It basically helps in breaking down the fats, carbohydrates, and protein found in the food so that your intestines have less work to do.

Spices. You may find it surprising but spices help in digestion. The first step to a good digestion is salivation and spices are instrumental in fuelling this process. Aside from that, it also enhances bile production that eventually aids in the absorption and breakdown of fats. Some of the spices you should include in your meals are paprika, coriander, black pepper, garlic, and mustard.

Water. If oil is for machines, then water is for the digestive system. You need to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to have a better digestion. From the easy swallowing of your food to its entry to the esophagus and on to the intestines, water makes every step of the digestive process easier for your body. It clears the way and provides smooth circulation of food in your stomach and intestines. People who also drink more water are less likely to suffer from constipation.

Herbs. Herbs can do wonders for your digestion. Since it’s known for eliminating environmental toxins, it can serve as a natural laxative. Herbs need not be taken in huge proportions. Just add a pinch of these herbs and you already have effective cleansing agents in your body. Some herbs you might want to consider adding flavor to your food are rosehips, aloe, clove, ginger, and peppermint.

Fruits. Fruits are rich with enzymes that effectively help in digestion. It is also in rich in fiber, benefitting your body in more ways than one. Taking lots of fruits will not only make your digestion better, it will also give you huge doses of vitamins C, D, and other minerals. Here are some fruits you can regularly add to your diet: grapes, papaya, mangoes, apples, berries, prunes, watermelon, pears, and bananas.

Olive oil. Having a good digestion starts with food preparation. Use olive oil instead of other cooking oil when preparing your meals. It may be quite expensive but it effectively stimulates digestion. It has antioxidants that help in fighting upset stomach. It is also a better alternative if you want to introduce monosaturated fatty acids in your body. No need for huge intake on this, you just need one tablespoon of olive oil to help your digestive system function well.

A good digestion leads to a healthy lifestyle. By being conscious with the food you eat, you will not only help your body function well but also look well. If our bodies are able to digest the food properly, we’re also able to more effectively absorb the nutrients in the food we eat. Start by injecting some of the foods mentioned in your diet. A healthier you can be achieved one meal at a time.

Author bio:

Alexis Thompson is a former Mountain Backpacker and a 26 year old mother of 2 daughters, Sophie and Rhian. She is into almost all types of Music especially The Fray and Hillsong. She also has a passion in Singing and Scrap Booking. Follow her escapades on her Twitter.