Digestion is the process when your body breaks down food into nutrients used for energy, growth, and cellular repair. Hence, sticking with certain types of food in your diet may result in problems with digestion. Meanwhile, high fiber and low in processed, saturated fat foods may help your digestion function properly. So, a healthy-for-digestion diet includes veggies, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and other great sources of food to improve digestion. As a result, the diet may also reduce bad cholesterol, boost good cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar levels.
Most common digestive problems are short-term and easy to treat. These problems shouldn’t be neglected because a healthy gastrointestinal system is decisive for overall health and well-being.
Here are some usual and common digestive complaints you may face for some reasons:
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- stomach ache,
- gas,
- heartburn,
- bloating,
- indigestion.
Diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference in achieving a healthy digestive system. To fuel up your digestive health you can add these five superfoods to your diet.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt with live cultures supports the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. It also contains a great source of probiotics helping to regulate immunity. Yogurt has lots of vitamin D which is considered to boost the body’s natural defenses against viruses. It’s better to add them to your diet with supplements. You can choose plain yogurt with fresh fruits or honey.
2. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They provide healthy bacteria for the gut and assist in healthy digestion. There are numerous options to consume enough portion of chia seeds such as adding to juices and smoothies, puting on oatmeal, mixing with nuts, etc.
3. Ginger
Ginger is another powerful component used for improving digestion health. Very often people like to boil the pungent root and use it in teas and soups, rare dishes, and desserts to add a flavor punch. Ginger contains heat in the form of gingerol which may possess cholesterol-lowering properties. This digestive-friendly food is a great remedy for gastrointestinal upset and nausea.
4. Apple
From improving gut health to reducing the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and many more, the apple has a nutritious value in it. This one-of-a-kind fruit is loaded with fiber, vitamin C, K, A, E, B1, B2, and B6, and minerals.
5. Dark green vegetables
A healthy digestive diet should also include dark green veggies as a great source of fiber as well as magnesium. As an unseparated and crucial part of a healthy diet, leafy green vegetables come with dozens of health benefits. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals important for your digestive system as well as for improving your well-being. On the whole, the role they play for our digestion is providing both fiber and magnesium to your body and feeding good bacteria in your stomach.
In case you experience severe digestive symptoms, consider visiting your doctor. Feel free to contact Dr. G. Health for consultation.
