Introduction
You may have experienced indigestion at some point in your life. It’s that uncomfortable feeling characterized by bloating, nausea, heartburn, and gas.
Though indigestion can be caused by stress, certain foods, or even dehydration, there are some foods that can help ease the symptoms. Here are 7 digestion-friendly foods to have on hand.
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is packed with probiotics, which are live bacteria that help promote a healthy gut. Probiotics are excellent for gut health and can also help relieve constipation and diarrhoea. It also helps break down food so that the body can more easily absorb the nutrients. Look for yoghurts that say “live and active cultures” on the label.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a popular remedy for nausea and vomiting. It can also help relieve indigestion by calming the stomach muscles. Try adding ginger to your smoothies or juices, or grating it into your stir-fries or soups. You can also purchase ginger supplements from your local drugstore. They are also available in candy form. You can chew on ginger candies when you have an upset stomach and they will provide relief within minutes. Consult your doctor if you have heartburn after consuming ginger as it may trigger acidity and heartburn for certain individuals.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential for proper digestion. Fibre helps in adding bulk to your stool and prevents constipation. It also promotes regularity and reduces your risk of gastrointestinal disorders. An average banana contains 3 grams of fibre approximately. The recommended amount of consumption is 25 grams of fibre per day.
4. Oats
Oats are high in fibre, which helps regulate digestion by keeping everything moving along smoothly. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation. Oats are easy to add to your diet – just make sure to choose plain oats rather than flavoured instant oatmeal packets, which contain sugar and other unhealthy additives.
5. Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are full of nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K. They’re also a good source of soluble fibre, which helps promote regularity and reduce cholesterol levels. Aim to eat 1-2 cups of leafy greens per day. Add them to smoothies, salads, or sautéed as a side dish.
6. Capsicum
Capsicum is rich in vitamins C, A, and B6. Capsicum is also rich in folic acid, which is important for all women and especially pregnant women. Peppers have been shown to improve digestion by stimulating gastric juices. Add peppers to your stir-fries, salads, or pasta dishes. You can also stuff them with ground meat or rice for a quick and easy meal.
7. Fennel
Fennel has a mild anise flavour and is often used in Indian cooking. It’s a good source of dietary fibre, which is essential for proper digestion. Fennel has also been shown to relieve gas and bloating. Add fennel to your soups, salads, or rice dishes. You can also drink fennel tea after meals to aid digestion.
Conclusion:
If you suffer from indigestion, there are many different foods that can help you find relief. Yoghurt, ginger, bananas, oats, leafy greens, peppers, and fennel are all excellent choices. And while some foods may work better for some people than others, adding any of these seven digestion-friendly foods to your diet is a good place to start if you’re looking for ways to ease your digestion woes.
