If you struggle with occasional digestive issues, you may have learned the hard way that diet plays a significant role in the way you feel. Some foods can help support your system, while others create problems. Today we’re going to help you make better choices by looking at some of the best and worst digestion-impacting foods.
Five Foods That Promote Healthy Digestion
- Whole Grains
Our bodies need adequate fiber for the colon to function as it should. Consuming whole grains in moderation, whether in the form of bread, rice, pasta, or cereal, is essential to maintaining a healthy gut biome. If you’re gluten intolerant, try options such as oats, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, or quinoa.
- Yogurt
Packed with cultures that cultivate the good bacteria in the gut, yogurt is an easy way to support digestion. Vegan varieties made from coconut, oat, or almond milk are also available if you struggle with lactose.
- Fish
Cold-water fish like salmon, cod, and tuna are loaded with omega-3-fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the colon wall and support overall gut function. And when considering a lean protein source, fish is hard to beat and much easier to digest than red meat.
- Sweet Potatoes
Besides being delicious, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber that promotes bioavailability and regularity.
- Papayas
Digestive enzymes are an essential component of the digestive process. Papayas contain the enzyme “papain” that promotes digestion. High in fiber and water content, they also support regularity.
Five Foods To Avoid
- Corn
Sweet corn contains cellulose, a type of fiber that the human body is unable to digest. Consuming too much of it can cause gas, bloating, and cramping.
- Fried Foods
Loaded with fat, French fries, doughnuts, and other greasy foods are a staple of our fast-food culture. Fried foods are difficult to digest and can trigger diarrhea, heartburn, and other digestive problems.
- Citrus Fruits
Although they’re a delicious source of vitamin C, they contain high amounts of fiber and acid, which can cause serious inflammation leading to abdominal pain, gas, and acid reflux.
- Dairy
Who doesn’t love a cold glass of milk or a delicious bowl of ice cream? Well, if you’re lactose intolerant, you know the discomfort that can result from indulging in dairy. You may find that your body can digest some dairy items while refusing to tolerate the sugars and proteins in others resulting in gas, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Cruciferous Vegetables
For all of their benefits, cruciferous vegetables (including cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli) can send your digestive system into overdrive. They are high in fiber and contain sugars (like beans) that can create gas and cramping. Always cook them if you have digestive concerns. But you can use leafy greens and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and spinach for digestive help.
Aloe: Natural Digestive Support
Now that we’ve looked at ways to adjust your diet, let’s talk about another option for supporting your digestion. Lily’s Stomach Formula is a blend of our organic aloe vera and stomach-friendly herbs that work together to strengthen your digestive system. Our aloe can help balance your stomach acid and create a healthy environment for good gut bacteria to thrive. Our herbal blend includes well-known digestive helpers like ginger, fennel seed, peppermint and more. This formula is a favorite amongst our customers that deal with occasional heartburn and indigestion. And you can take it before meals to help ease the digestion of your foods and help support their nutrient absorption.
Make Lily A Part Of Your Wellness Plan
Feeling good every day is a great goal for your health. We can help you achieve that goal. Most major grocers and health food stores carry our products. You can use our handy store locator to find a retailer in your area or shop online at Amazon, Vitacost, and Swanson’s Vitamins.
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