Foods for better digestion

Good digestive health is more than just breaking down your food properly; it is essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, detoxification, and hormone production. So by caring for your digestion, you are improving your general health. 

Fibre for good health…

Fibre is often called “your body’s broom.” It is best known to help keep your food moving smoothly and regularly through your body. Eating enough fibre aids in good bowel function. For good digestion, you should incorporate the following into your healthy plan:

• Fruits: Look at fibre-rich fruits like pears, apples, strawberries or bananas as part of your meal as well as snacks.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are a great natural source of fibre, so eat them as a salad, cooked or add them to your meals in any form whenever you can. Broccoli, tomatoes, spinach are good fibre sources.
• Whole grains: Wholegrain breakfast cereals, brown or whole rice and pasta, grains and seeds, especially oats help motivate proper digestion.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas are excellent sources of fibre. Eat a moderate amount of legumes as too much of them can cause bloating.

Other foods and drinks that aid digestion

• Yoghurt: It is an excellent source of probiotics that are live cultures that support the digestive process in many ways. They improve the movement of food in the gut and play a positive role in preventing diarrhoea or constipation, flatulence or bowel wind, bad breath or lactose intolerance. Probiotics are also effective in breaking down proteins for easier digestion.
• Infusions (hot drinks): Ginger, fennel and peppermint tea are excellent digestive aids to enjoy with or after a meal.
• Water: It is one of the most helpful aids in digestion. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water every day keeps the body hydrated and promotes easy digestion in the intestinal tract.
• Soups: A combination of water and vegetables, they help in the digestive process.

Good to Remember: Inactivity slows down all of your body’s processes, including the production of enzymes and acids which are essential for good digestion. While most of us lead busy lives, aim to fit in some physical activity somewhere in your day.

For better digestion, eat small and regular meals

Focus on distributing your meals evenly during the day and avoid having big amounts of food at once… don’t forget to eat slowly!

By caring for your digestive system, you are making an investment in your health. Increased energy, vitality and youthfulness are possible at any age if you take care of the basics. 

Good to Remember: Nutrition experts recommend consuming a balanced diet rich in fibers for a healthy digestive system. Fiber – rich foods include bran, legumes, whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables and fiber supplemented foods.