The digestive system breaks food down into nutrients and energy for the body to use. Foods such as ginger, vegetables, kefir, and yogurt, can enhance this process.
Eating certain types of food or making sudden changes to the diet can result in problems with digestion.
In some people, digestive problems can lead to symptoms including:
- bloating
- gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- heartburn
In this article, we list foods that are good for the digestive system. We also cover which ones to avoid.
As soon as food enters the body through the mouth, the process of digestion begins.
The body gradually moves it through the digestive system, which breaks the food down into smaller, more useable parts.
Various foods can help at different stages of this process. For example, some aid digestion in the stomach, while others support the intestines.
Fiber is essential to digestive health in general. If a person is not used to eating fiber often, it is best to increase fiber intake slowly, starting with soluble fiber such as from oatmeal, apples, and bananas.
Add around one serving of fiber to the diet every 4–5 days. Increasing fiber intake too quickly can be bad for digestion.
Drinking plenty of water is also important, as it combines with fiber and adds bulk to stool.
Specific foods that are good for digestion include:
Foods containing ginger
Ginger is a plant that can reduce bloating and other digestive problems.
Dried ginger powder is an excellent spice for flavoring meals, and a person can also use slices of ginger root to make tea.
Choose a quality ginger root powder for flavoring meals. For tea, choose fresh ginger root for the best results.
Unsaturated fats
This type of fat helps the body absorb vitamins. It also combines with fiber to help encourage bowel movements.
Plant oils such as olive oil are a good source of unsaturated fats.
Always consume fats in moderation. For an adult following a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet, for example, fat intake should not exceed 77 grams daily.
Vegetables with skin
Vegetables are rich in fiber, which is an important nutrient for digestion. Fiber stimulates the bowels to move stool out of the body.
The skins of vegetables are often rich in fiber, and it is best to consume them whole. Some vegetables with skin rich in fiber include potatoes, beans, and legumes.
Fruits
Many fruits are also rich in fiber. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are good for digestion, such as vitamin C and potassium.
For example, apples, oranges, and bananas are nutritious fruits that could help with digestion.
Whole-grain foods
Whole-grain foods also have a high fiber content that aids digestion. The body breaks down whole grains slowly, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Many whole grain foods are available, including brown rice and quinoa.
Yogurt
Many yogurt products contain probiotics. These are live bacteria and yeasts that may have benefits for the digestive system.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is filling and contains probiotics. As mentioned above, these may promote better digestion and gut health.
Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are packed with nutrients that are helpful for digestion.
According to an article in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, these vegetables also contain sulfoquinovose. This is a sugar that may feed healthful bacteria in the stomach, thereby promoting digestion.
Although most foods are fine to consume in moderation, some are not as helpful for digestion.
Some foods and drinks increase the risk of bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea.
- artificial sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols
- carbonated beverages or sugar sweetened drinks
- refined carbohydrates, such as white bread
- alcohol
- milk or white chocolate
- foods high in saturated fats, such as cheese and cream
- coffee and other drinks containing caffeine
- spicy foods, such as some types of curry
- greasy foods, such as pizza
Some habits can also hamper digestion. These include eating too fast and lying down immediately after eating.
The body can also take longer to digest large meals, which may be problematic for some people. To enhance digestion, it is best to eat several small meals instead of one large one.
However, everyone’s digestive systems vary. For example, some people may have food intolerances and allergies, while others do not.
A doctor may recommend that people with digestive problems such as these keep a food diary. This can help identify foods and drinks that trigger digestive issues.
Most foods that enhance digestion are rich in nutrients such as fiber. Examples of fiber-rich foods include vegetables and whole grains.
Some people prone to digestive issues may benefit from eating smaller meals, as well as consuming a healthful amount of fiber and avoiding any trigger foods.
If digestive problems persist after making these changes, it is best to see a doctor for advice and treatment. An underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome could be affecting digestion.