Angelica Montero Your digestive tract is responsible for absorbing nutrients and digestion. However, it could also be the one causing you discomfort. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and vomiting are definitely among the things you don’t want to happen especially in public. These are just some of the symptoms for digestive problems. The lack of certain nutrients such as fibre and probiotics often cause this. Thus, it is important to mind what you eat. Here we listed the top food for better digestion.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt has become popular among consumers. This is due to the many health benefits it provides. Yogurt is packed with important nutrients for different body functions. Calcium, B-vitamins, and phosphorus are among the contents found in yogurt. It is also loaded with magnesium, vitamin D and protein. One important compound found in yogurt is probiotics. Trillions of bacteria live inside your body. Though majority of these are harmless, others can cause diseases. Probiotics are good bacteria found in your gut. While these bacteria occur naturally in your body, not having enough amount of it may lead to digestive problems. Thus, it is helpful to take probiotics from food that are rich in it. Such food include yogurt. It is in fact the most popular source of probiotics. This helps in easing digestion and keeping your gut healthy. A scientific evidence supports the link between probiotics and certain health benefits like improved digestion. If you are one who frequently experience constipation and diarrhea, you definitely need to add yogurt to your diet. However, you must take note that not all yogurt contain probiotics. When purchasing yogurt, look for the label that says “Live and Active Cultures”.
So, switch to a healthier choice! Choose yogurt! Ice cream is so yesterday anyway!
2. Pineapple
Who doesn’t love the freshness of sweet and juicy pineapple? This fruit is among the list of top food for better digestion. It contains loads of nutrients that are good for your body. Among these nutrients are protein, iron, manganese, potassium and many others. Not only that, since it is low in calories, it is perfect for people who are trying to lose weight. Vitamin C and antioxidants found in pineapples are essential in fighting off diseases and having healthy immune system. Most importantly, pineapples contain bromelain. It is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down food that you eat. It speeds up conversion of nutrients in your digestive tract. Bromelain may also help in reducing pain, swelling and sinuses. It can, not only potentially treat digestive problems, but may also be beneficial in treating cancer and osteoarthritis. Additionally, pineapples are rich source of fibre that regulates digestion. Consuming enough fibre may help prevent constipation. It can also lower the risk of colon cancer – a type of cancer involving digestive tract.
Thus, it is best to add pineapple to your diet for a healthier gut!
3. Papaya
Papaya is among the favourite tropical fruits. However, there’s more to it than its luscious taste. This fruit is one of the top food for better digestion. It contains papain which is a digestive enzyme that helps improve digestion. It works by breaking down proteins into amino acids, thereby allowing better digestion. Apart from that, it prevents harmful gut bacteria from growing, thus maintaining healthy gut. Since papaya is also high in water, it can aid in preventing constipation and regulate bowel movement. In a study involving 200 people suffering indigestion, papaya extracts were effective in reducing stomach inflammation. It relieved stomach pain, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, nausea and burping. Combining papaya enzymes with bromelain (digestive enzyme found in pineapples) will allow you to reap more benefits. One study found that the combination of bromelain, trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain decreased TGF-beta levels and lowered inflammation. There are plenty other benefits that one can obtain from papaya such as potential treatment for heart diseases, skin and hair problem, bone health, cancer, diabetes and asthma.
Wait no more and treat yourself to a bowl of papaya goodness!
4. Ginger
Ginger has become a favourite spice in various cuisines. People started trading ginger since the 1st century. Since then, it has become widely popular for the many health benefits it provides. Ginger is a common home remedy to cure fever and certain ailments. Not only that, it is among the top food for better digestion. It greatly contributes to your healthy gut. Ginger helps in expediting the movement in your stomach. A study concluded that ginger helps in emptying the gastric faster and stimulates antral contractions. When you consume ginger, its metabolites tend to accumulate in your digestive tract. Thus, it is only likely that it aids in treating many ailments related to that part of the body. While many herbs work in preventing build-up gases in your stomach, nothing does it better than ginger. It breaks up intestinal gases exceptionally, thus getting rid of pressure, cramping and nausea.
Hence, try a soothing cup of ginger tea or add it to your recipe!
The Bottom Line:
There are plenty other foods that contain essential nutrients for better digestion. Foods that are rich in fibre and probiotics allow better digestion. While there are plenty of choices available, you should seek help from a medical professional should more serious problems persist.
