Foods that support a healthy digestive system help clean out your bowels and reduce acid indigestion. You can find most of these foods in your neighborhood grocery store. Check with a digestive system doctor in New York City, like our doctors, to be safe if you have a digestive disorder. Everyone’s different, but in general, the following foods will keep your digestive system running smoothly:
1. Fruit
Fiber is the digestive system’s best friend. In addition to supplying healthy fiber, fruit contains antioxidants that can help prevent throat and stomach cancer. Apples, figs, and raisins are high on the list of digestion-healthy foods.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains the good bacterium that replaces the bad bacteria in your stomach. Digestive health relies on a delicate balance of bacteria. In addition, yogurt contains probiotics, which aid digestion.
3. Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in fiber. Many also have the essential probiotics your stomach craves. Asparagus is exceptionally high in probiotics and fiber, including onions, artichokes, soybeans, and leeks.
4. Bread
Whole wheat bread is one of the most available and common good fiber sources, which keeps your digestive system regular. Choose whole-grain options whenever possible, but keep the servings slim. Even though whole grains are great for digestion, too much of a good thing has a detrimental effect.
5. Bananas
Bananas are so good for your digestive system that digestive doctors recommend fruit for both diarrhea and constipation. The simple carbs in bananas are easy for your stomach to break down, giving you the energy you need when you’re not feeling well.
6. Rice
Brown rice may be a healthier alternative to bread for getting your daily fiber. It moves quickly through your digestive tract, promoting regularity. While it has more calories than most fruits and vegetables, it’s less fattening and more filling than bread.
7. Spices
Some seasonings are nature’s remedies for relieving gas and aiding the digestive process. Ginger helps your stomach empty properly and is known to calm nausea. Other seasonings good for your digestive system include cardamom, cinnamon, and caraway.
8. Beans
Beans are another source of fiber. They also contain protein, which can help you reduce the amount of meat you eat, leading to a healthier digestive system. Red, black, soy, white, and kidney beans are low-calorie and well suited to many healthy, tasty recipes.
9. Nuts and Seeds
While healthy, you should handle nuts and seeds with care. Nuts tend to be very high in fiber but high in calories too. Seeds can be healthy but also can affect a range of digestive conditions. If you have digestive issues, consult our gastrologists before turning to nuts and seeds.
10. Water
It’s not a food, per se, but water is one of the most critical ingredients for a healthy digestive system.
Drink water while you eat and between meals. Your daily requirement may vary depending on how much you exercise and whether you’re taking medication. Still, every system in your body, including your digestive system, needs water to function correctly.
Your gastroenterologist should diagnose all gastrointestinal symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
