The digestive system is incredibly essential to a person’s wellbeing. It breaks down the food you eat and absorbs the calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary to sustain life-supporting functions. It also removes waste from your body to ensure that your systems remain in balance.
However, millions of Americans suffer from digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. While many of these problems are relatively minor, some conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diverticulitis can lead to more serious issues. Luckily, you can always get IBD treatment.
Since your digestive system processes the food you eat, certain food items can promote or hinder proper digestive function. Here are some foods you can eat to improve your digestion:
1. Beans
Beans such as peas and lentils help promote proper digestion. They are low in fat, high in fiber, and provides essential roughage, which aids the movement of food through your bowels.
However, many people avoid beans because they believe it increases flatulence. Well, here’s some good news: A Nutrition Journal study has revealed that the increase in gas due to bean consumption is negligible at best.
2. Yogurt
Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, help promote proper digestion. Eating food rich in probiotics such as yogurt helps increase the bacterial population in your gut. While your body produces probiotics on its own, there’s no harm in lending a helping hand through eating good food.
If you suffer from chronic constipation or bloating, a cup of yogurt a day can help ease some of your digestive problems. You can also combine yogurt with fiber-rich foods such as beans and oats for added nutrition.
3. Apples
Another food that is rich in fiber and nutrients is the apple. Apples contain high amounts of pectin, a type of fiber that helps improve gut health and provides relief from diarrhea and constipation.
Studies have shown that increased apple consumption helps lower inflammation in the colon and can normalize your stool movement. It also aids weight loss by making you feel full for a more extended period.
4. Fish oil
Many people consume fish oil for its cardiovascular benefits, but it can also be good for your digestive system. You can get fish oil from dietary supplements or from eating fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and tuna.
Fish oil also lowers the risk of some digestive issues. For instance, studies have shown that people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. If you want to reap the benefits of fish oil, you need to make it a part of your regular diet.
Digestive problems can be difficult and embarrassing, but eating certain food items can help promote good digestion and provide relief from some of the symptoms. As some people say, you are what you eat, and the best way to improve your digestive health is to remove processed junk from your diet and consume more mineral and fiber-rich foods. Most importantly, always stay hydrated.
