Foods That Aid Digestion

An upset stomach may already be a regular experience for you but you can easily rid yourself of discomfort, and also prevent any

serious problems in the future, by avoiding certain kinds of food and making others a regular part of your diet.

Foods to Avoid

Dairy. Eating dairy is the best way of getting calcium through foods but if you’re lactose intolerant, you should stay away fro milk, cheese, and other dairy products as these foods would give you gas, bloat, and/or diarrhea.

Chocolate. Some studies have claimed chocolate has health benefits. If you suffer from chronic constipation or IBS, however, the caffeine in chocolate can give you cramps, bloat, and diarrhea, while the milk in some chocolate products can trigger IBS symptoms.

Fatty, Fried, Spicy Foods. Excessive consumption of fatty/fried foods can be overwhelming to your digestive system; in response, the body gets rid of the excess fat through the feces, creating a condition called steatorrhea. Other conditions associated with eating too much fatty/fried food include heartburn and acid reflux. Spicy foods can also cause heartburn, in addition to irritation of the esophagus. Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often also experience digestive problems after eating foods that are fatty, fried, and/or spicy.

Berries. They’re healthy but if you have diverticulitis – a condition wherein pockets develop in the large intestine and become infected or inflamed – experts theorize that the tiny berry seeds can cause obstruction in the pockets and increase the risk of infection.

Tea, Coffee, and Carbonated Beverages. These beverages often cause hyperacidity in some people because they make the esophageal sphincter over-relax. Others experience the diuretic effects of these drinks, which can cause cramping and diarrhea. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid caffeine.

Corn. This is a staple food in most countries and it has its health benefits, but it is not common knowledge that humand lack the necessary enzyme to break down the cellulose in corn. In short, our digestive system cannot completely digest corn. If you break it down enough by chewing, however, you may prevent abdominal pain and/or gas that usually comes after eating corn.

Alcohol.You probably drink alcohol to help you relax but drinking can also give you heartburn or acid reflux when your esophageal sphincter also becomes relaxed. Too much drinking can also lead to stomach lining inflammation; enzyme impairment; nutrient malabsorption; and even cramping and diarrhea, especially for those with a gastrointestinal disorder.

Foods That Aid Digestion

Yogurt. Our digestive system is aided by countless numbers of good bacteria. Eating yogurt with live and active cultures (check the label) will give the same benefit and make your gastrointestinal tract healthier. Whole Grains. The daily recommended intake of fiber is between 20 and 30 grams and one of the best sources are whole grains. It is well-known that fiber is good for digestion, in addition to helping lower cholesterol levels and making you feel full longer. It is important to remember, however, to eat whole grains slowly especially when eating them in high quantities to avoid gas, bloating, and other stomach discomforts. If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, wheats should be avoided altogether.

Bananas. Other than apple, a banana is another fruit that you should try to eat everyday. It’s high in fiber to aid in digestion; it helps treat diarrhea by restoring normal bowel movement; and it also helps restore potassium and electrolytes if you’re suffering from diarrhea.

Kimchi. If eating spicy foods does not upset your stomach, then you can enjoy the benefits of this Korean staple, especially with regards to the digestive system. Kimchi is often made using cabbage (other vegetables that can be used are onions or radish) and this vegetable makes the colon conducive for the growth of good bacteria. Cabbage also helps keep bowel movement regular because it is high in fiber.

Fish and Lean Meat. If you love your meat, always opt for lean meats; they’re healthier for your digestive tract compared to red meats which are often fattier and have been associated with an increased colon cancer risk. Ginger. Ginger is a popular treatment for nausea, motion sickness, gas, colic, vomiting, morning sickness, and loss of appetite. Just make sure not to consume more than 2 to 4 grams a day as too much ginger can also give you heartburn.