Digestion is a complex process that starts when you put food in your mouth until it reaches the intestines for mineral absorption. Usually, we care little about digestive health until problems such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea arise. But the good news is that eating the right foods can prevent common digestive issues. Here’s a list of 6 digestive-friendly foods to add to your daily diet to stay healthy.
#1. Yoghurt
If you’re not a yoghurt lover, don’t worry because there are many other foods on this list to eat. Thanks to its tasty nature and innumerable health benefits, yoghurt is a favourite among kids and adults. This dairy product is rich in probiotics such as streptococcus, thermophiles, and Lactobacillus, good bacteria for your gut. These cultures support good digestive health by balancing gut microdata. Yoghurt can also reduce constipation, high blood pressure, and inflammation.
#2. Mushroom
Although mushrooms are fungus, this doesn’t deter most people from adding them to their meals. It adds a savoury flavour to food without adding too many calories, fats, and sodium. Eating mushrooms more often promotes healthier gut health by stimulating the growth of good bacteria. Because of its hard-to-digest nature, mushrooms reach the colons unchanged, encouraging bacteria growth. There are several ways to include it in your diet, including one-pot pasta, baked eggs, mushroom jacket potatoes, etc.
#3. Apple
Apple is a nutritious food that provides multiple health benefits. You can eat it whole or use it in recipes like salads, oatmeal, cookies, pies, and more. Research shows that eating apples can protect you from high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Apples also contain pectin, a fibre that increases the production of gut-friendly bacteria. This means a higher stool volume, resolving common issues like constipation and diarrhoea.
#4. Pepper
Some people find spicy food the most delicious, with several cultural cuisines offering dishes with pepper. Pepper contains vitamins A, C, and K, which boost immunity, suppress inflammation, and maintain good eye health. Some types of pepper, such as cayenne pepper, can also benefit the digestive system using a primary compound called capsaicin. This compound increases the secretion of digestive juices, preventing bloating and constipation.
#5. Ginger
Ginger is often used as a remedy for nausea and tummy aches in most Asian cultures. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities, making it another food to add to your shopping list. Interestingly, ginger benefits gastrointestinal motility, thanks to the gingerol component. This component increases the rate at which food exits the stomach, encouraging efficient digestion. So, eat ginger to ensure food doesn’t stay long in your gut.
#6. Beans
Eating kidney, navy, and black beans is another effortless way to ensure smooth digestion and gut health. According to a study by the US Department of Agriculture, you’ll get 19g of fibre for every cup of navy beans you consume. We all know that eating a high-fibre diet boosts the production of beneficial microbial metabolites and lowers the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
This list could go on to include other foods like fish oil, turmeric, avocado, and more. The trick is adding as many healthy foods as possible to your diet. But most importantly, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and keep things moving.