10 Foods for Improved Digestive Health

Ideally, your body should be able to digest almost any food you put in your mouth. However, recent changes in the way food is processed and prepared, as well as lifestyle changes, mean our bodies are not able to efficiently handle everything we eat.

Some foods, such as fatty meats, are best to avoid if you want to maintain proper digestive health. The good thing, however, is that there are plenty of foods that can ease digestion.

The first step to fixing your digestive health is to take a good look at your diet and alter it as necessary. For the best digestive health, your diet should include both healthy fats and foods that are high in fiber, while avoiding processed and fried foods.

It is critical to incorporate leafy green vegetables and fruits every day to help maintain your regularity. Eating three meals each day that are well-balanced, not skipping meals, and avoiding eating too much at one time all contribute to healthy digestion and superior gastrointestinal health. It is also important to stay well hydrated. Here are ten foods for improved digestive health.

Yogurt - Your gut already has trillions of bacteria that help you digest your food, and yogurt naturally contains a lot of healthy bacteria, which are noted as "live and active cultures" on the label. The bacteria in yogurt replenish the healthy and normal flora in the digestive tract to keep it healthy.

Kimchi - This Korean favorite is typically made with cabbage, onion, radish, and spices. With its main ingredient being cabbage, it promotes the growth of healthy and beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Cabbage is a kind of fiber that is not digested, so it helps your body eliminate waste, which keeps your bowel movements regular.

Beans - Beans contain much-needed fiber, which is an important part of keeping your digestive system on track. Beans are a great food for their high fiber content and low-fat characteristic. Try some dried beans and lentils to help give your digestive system a boost.

Fish - The healthy oils in fish have anti-inflammatory properties. This can benefit your heart and your digestive tract. The best fish to eat are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. However, it is important to note that the amount of fish oil that your body needs for a real boost to your gastrointestinal system is extensive, which may require supplementation.

Ginger - Ginger is a traditional Asian remedy for stomach aches and nausea. It is great for digestion and a natural remedy among pregnant women who are suffering from nausea. Ginger aids digestion by helping food move quickly from the stomach into the small intestine.

Chia, Flax, and Acacia - These high fiber additives are great to put into your morning smoothie or incorporate into a filling breakfast bar that you can grab on your way out the door. While they are high in fiber, they are also high in omega 3s, which also help keep your digestion healthy.

Fresh Carrot Juice - Fresh carrot juice contains enzymes that help your body digest food properly. These enzymes are created naturally by your body, but giving them an extra boost with fresh carrot juice is an excellent way to aid your digestive system.

Lean Meat - If you are going to eat meat, choose chicken or other lean meats, which will be digested a lot easier than red meats such as steaks. Red meats are much fattier. Your body can handle lean meats like chicken a lot better.Additionally, lean meats have not been associated with an increased risk of other health concerns such as colon cancer like red meats have.

Whole Grains - Whole grains like oats and brown rice are a great source of fiber. In addition to helping your digestive system, this fiber also helps you feel full longer and lowers your cholesterol. Complex carbohydrates are slowly digested by your body, so you will not have a blood sugar crash a few hours later.

Bananas - Bananas help to restore your normal bowel function, especially if it has been compromised. Bananas also restore electrolytes and potassium, which can be lost if you have poor gastrointestinal health. Bananas also have a lot of fiber that helps aid digestion.

It is so important to eat things that your body can process easily without causing stress to your digestive system. It is best to avoid processed foods or anything your body sees as unnatural. Try to eat foods that only have one ingredient and are as close to their original source as possible.

Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading Chiropractor in Brooklyn who uses Nutrition Response Testing to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet modification and whole food supplements. Learn more by visiting her website at www.healthieruny.com.
 
Additional Resources

• Healthy Eating When You Have Digestive Problems - WebMD