13 Everyday Foods that Aid Digestion

There is nothing worse than finishing a great meal…and then feeling your stomach start flopping and bubbling.

No matter how tasty the treat, indigestion just isn’t worth it! Sadly, so many of the world’s most delicious foods are horrible for digestion.

The good news is that there are some amazing foods out there that can help boost your digestive powers.

You don’t have to give up eating your favorite foods to keep your stomach happy. And, if sauerkraut and kimchi aren’t for you, don’t despair! There are countless gut-friendly options out there.

In fact, there is a good chance that you are already many of these foods that aid digestion. And once you know what they are, you can add heaps more into your diet!

Foods that Aid Digestion: Beans

There is nothing like a bit of fiber to get your system moving. The current recommended fiber intake is 25 grams per day.

Beans have around 19 grams of fiber per cup so they are an incredibly easy way to meet your fiber needs. On top of that, beans are low fat so they are a perfect choice for those of us who are watching their waistline (and who isn’t?).

And don’t worry about getting too gassy! Unless you dramatically up your fiber intake, you shouldn’t have any issue.

When it comes to increasing your fiber intake, slow and steady is the way to go. If you add just a little bit of fiber at a time, your body will get used to it.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Bananas

Bananas are one of the best fruits out there for healthy digestion. Not only do they have a healthy dose of fiber, bananas are also packed with manganese, vitamin C and potassium. What more could you ask for from an ultra-portable snack?

Bananas are a great everyday pick and they are particularly helpful if you have diarrhea. These little yellow wonder fruits can restore your electrolyte level and help to prevent runny stool.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Ginger

People have been using ginger as a natural remedy for indigestion for thousands of years. Whether you are motion sick, dealing with morning sickness or just plain have an upset stomach, reach for some ginger.

A word to the wise, however: Don’t go overboard with ginger treats. Any more than about four grams of ginger over the course of one day can cause heartburn so eat with moderation.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Yogurt

In case you missed it, yogurt is one of the biggest food trends of the decade. The bacterial in yogurt helps to feed the flora that live within your gastrointestinal tract, which translates into a happy, healthy gut.

Before you stock your fridge with yogurt, shop around. Look for yogurts that are labelled as having probiotics or live/ active cultures.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Chia Seeds

These ancient Aztec treats are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds can provide over one third of your day’s recommended fiber intake while lowering your cholesterol and helping you to stay regular.

If you haven’t tried chia seeds before, go for it! They have an incredibly mild flavor and will blend in with just about anything so toss them in your morning oatmeal or have them on your salad at lunch time.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Coconut Oil

Ditch your old vegetable oil and grab some organic, unrefined coconut oil for all of your kitchen needs. Use it as a frying oil, baking substitute or whatever else you would normally use oil for- you’ll never taste the difference!

Coconut oil is one of those healthy fats that can raise your HDL cholesterol (that’s the good kind) level. On top of that, regularly eating coconut oil has been proven to improve digestion.

Hint: You can even add coconut oil straight into your gut health boosting smoothies!

Foods that Aid Digestion: Whole Grains

Once again, it’s all about fiber! While it is incredibly easy to find high fiber foods, most of us aren’t getting enough of it. While experts recommend getting around 25 grams of fiber per day, a good majority of people are eating less than half that amount.

Load up on brown rice, oats and whole wheat bread to get a good dose of fiber and help with your digestion. As a bonus, you will lower your cholesterol level and keep yourself feeling full for longer.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Pineapple

Piña coladas, anyone? Thanks to the enzymes in the core and stem of pineapples, these sweet fruits will keep your intestinal tract on track! It’s all a great source of vitamin C.

While pineapple juice is a tasty treat, try to eat whole pineapple regularly. The soluble fiber in the fruit will slow your rate of sugar digestion while drinking juice creates a spike in your blood sugar.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Apples

It looks like it is true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Packed with folate, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A, apples will keep you feeling full while regulating your digestion.

Apples are as easy as snacks come so keep them on hand all of the time for the ultimate fast food. If you aren’t much of an apple fan, start experimenting! Did you know there are 7,500 different types of apples in the world? You are bound to find one that you like.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Sweet Potatoes

These delicious spuds are full of manganese and fiber that will keep your stomach feeling great. A single sweet potato will also give you a full day’s recommended intake of beta carotene.

Keep the skin on your potatoes too! The skin is loaded with nutrients and delicious. Whether you fry ‘em, mash ‘em or boil ‘em, keep these as a regular part of your menu.

Foods that Aid Digestion: Cantaloupe

For vitamin A and vitamin C, look to the humble cantaloupe. Just one cup of it will give you more than 75% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake! Thanks to the digestive enzymes, they will help with digestion and can even help to prevent intestinal cancer.

It may not be the most convenient of fruit but you can make it easy. Chop up a big bowl of it so it’s ready to go. It will stay good for a full week in the fridge!

Foods that Aid Digestion: Avocados

Avocados are a seriously impressive little fruit! Loaded with digestion-friendly fiber, these tiny powerhouses are full of healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium and beta-carotene.

To make avocados part of your regular diet, toss some chopped ones of your salads and sandwiches.

If you are feeling a bit more ambitious, grab some garlic, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice. You’ll have some homemade guacamole whipped up in no time!

Foods that Aid Digestion: Zucchini

Feeling a little backed up? Grab a zucchini. This tasty vegetable is actually a mild laxative so it will help you keep your digestive system moving.

On top of being a good source of vitamin A, magnesium, folate, potassium, copper, and phosphorus, zucchinis are also a great source of fibre so they will keep you feeling full for hours.

Now that you know all of the great everyday foods that help with digestion, what are you going to do for your stomach today?

Disclaimer: While our team of medical expert writers makes every effort to convey the correct, relevant, and most up-to-date information, you should never disregard advice given to you by your medical practitioner or delay seeking medical assistance because of something you have read on Gutsify or received in correspondence from Gutsify. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions. 

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