Every part of your body has its specific job. Most people are concerned about their heart and lungs and making sure those stay healthy, but what about your digestive system? Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down the food you eat into nutrients that your body can use. If your digestive system is not functioning correctly, you may experience various health problems. Fortunately, there are many foods you can eat to improve your digestive system. This article will discuss the best foods to eat to improve your digestive system.
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Beets
Beets are a great food to eat to improve your digestive system. Beets are high in fiber, which can help with digestion, and they also have antimicrobial properties that help fight against harmful bacteria that may be living in your digestive tract. Beets are also high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body and help with blood sugar regulation and detoxification.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a superfood to eat to improve your digestive system. Flax seeds have high levels of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help prevent constipation and promote proper digestion. They also have lignans that help fight off free radicals in the body that could damage cells and DNA. Flax seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation in your digestive system.
Garlic
When improving your digestive system, try adding more garlic to your diet. It contains allicin and selenium, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with intestinal inflammation and other conditions that cause pain in the digestive tract. Garlic also has antibacterial properties, which help fight harmful bacteria in your digestive tract. Additional benefits you can receive from garlic include a reduced risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Greek Yogurt
Not only is greek yogurt delicious it can also help improve your digestive system. The thick texture of Greek yogurt slows digestion down, so you feel fuller longer, preventing weight gain and reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Greek yogurt contains protein, which can strengthen stomach muscles and may help with constipation or diarrhea. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, healthy bacteria that live in your digestive tract and support proper digestion.
Avocados
This green superfood has many benefits, and one of them is improving your digestive system. Avocados contain high amounts of fiber, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and zinc. These components help with bowel function, gastric emptying time, nutrient absorption, and immune health. Avocados also contain antioxidants that can help fight free radicals in your body that may cause cancer or other harmful effects.
Kombucha
Although it is not food, it belongs on this list! Kombucha is one of the best things you can drink aside from water to improve your digestive system. This drink is made from fermented tea, which contains healthy bacteria that can help with bowel movements and liver detoxification. Kombucha also contains antioxidants and probiotics, which promote a healthy immune system and digestive tract. The fermentation process also breaks down sugar in the tea, so it doesn’t contribute to blood sugar spikes.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best foods to eat to improve your digestive system. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help with bowel function and enzyme production that helps break down food in your stomach. Omega-3 fatty acids can also decrease inflammation in your body and prevent conditions such as IBS, heart disease, and arthritis. Salmon is great for supporting the proper functioning of your digestive system.
Bananas
Bananas are good for so many reasons, but one of them is because they can help improve your digestive system. Bananas contain pectin, bromelain, and tryptophan. Pectin can help relieve constipation or diarrhea by increasing bowel movement frequency. Bromelain and tryptophan have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help intestinal inflammation and pain. Bananas are a great food to increase the health of your digestive system while also improving other aspects of your health at the same time!
Papaya
Papayas are another superfood that is great for your digestive system. This fruit can help with digestion by breaking down protein and fiber in the stomach to make it easier to absorb these nutrients into your body. Papaya also contains a healthy amount of fiber that can relieve constipation, diarrhea, or IBS symptoms. Other benefits of papaya are reducing inflammation, improving liver health, and preventing cardiovascular disease. Papayas also contain many vitamins that are great for your digestive system and your overall health!
Honey
Honey is another superfood that can improve your digestive system. Honey is beneficial for your digestive system because it speeds up the rate at which food moves through your intestines. Honey has many components, including iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. You can eat honey on its own or mix it into a tea to benefit from these minerals and antioxidants. Honey also reduces the acidity of your stomach to reduce heartburn and can relieve constipation or other digestive problems.
Ginger
The final food on this list might be one of the most helpful! Ginger is a food that can help fight nausea and gas, as it contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger tea is one of the best things to drink if you have digestive problems or nausea. Ginger can also help with saliva and stomach acid production, which are essential for healthy digestion. Eating ginger can also help reduce inflammation throughout your body, so it’s a win-win no matter what!
Conclusion
As you can see, many foods can help your digestive system! These foods contain everything your body needs to improve its digestive health, from fatty acids to fiber and enzymes. Always be sure to eat a combination of these foods to get the full benefit they all have to offer. If you are experiencing any serious issues with your digestive system, be sure to speak with your doctor so that they can direct you on the best way to clear up the problem!
