The Best and Worst Foods for Digestion

How Food Can Make Anyone’s Day.

All around the world, whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, whenever food is the subject of the conversation you’ll definitely feel a loud thunder inside your stomach. As people always say, good food can make a bad day go the other way around. It can change your mood and boost your energy. But what if the food you’re eating is giving you a hard time?

There are different types of food that can cause digestive problems. In this article, we will be discussing the best and worst foods for digestion.

The Worst Foods for Digestion

1. Processed Foods

Processed foods are one of the worst enemies of our digestive system. They are high in unhealthy saturated fats, artificial additives, and preservatives that can wreak havoc on our gut health. Processed foods are also hard for our bodies to break down and digest, which can lead to a number of digestive problems like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These foods can also trigger inflammation in our gut, which has been linked to a number of serious health conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and even cancer.

2. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can be difficult to digest for some people. This is because they contain a type of sugar called lactose that our body has a hard time breaking down. However, there are ways to make dairy easier to digest. One option is to choose dairy products that are lower in lactose, such as hard cheeses or yogurt. You can also look for lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk and dairy products.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods are usually high in unhealthy fats and calories that can tax our digestive system. When we eat fried foods, our body has to work overtime to break them down. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and gas. Fried foods are also notorious for causing weight gain. They're often loaded with empty calories that can add up quickly. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it's best to avoid fried foods altogether.

4. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your gastrointestinal system and cause indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's best to stay away from spicy dishes. Foods that are high in capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot, can be especially hard on your stomach. Capsaicin activates the production of gastric acids, which leads to heartburn. It also quickens peristalsis—the muscle contractions that push food through your intestines—which results in diarrhea.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine can cause heartburn by stimulating acid production in your stomach, as well as make you feel jittery and lead to dehydration. To avoid caffeine's effect on sleep, don't drink coffee after 2 PM. Coffee isn't the only problem-causing beverage--any caffeinated drink can do this. The real issue might be acidity; if you're sensitive to it, try a decaf variety or another caffeinated beverage altogether. If you love coffee but just can't seem to escape its side effects, try adding milk or cream to help reduce acids.

6. Alcohol

When consumed in excess, alcohol can cause dehydration and stomach irritation. Drinking too much alcohol can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients and increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems. In addition, alcoholic beverages are high in calories and sugar. This can lead to cravings for unhealthy foods, which may contribute to weight gain. If you're struggling with digestive issues, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, if you do drink alcoholic beverages, be sure to drink in moderation and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods.

7. Sugar

Sugar has many negative impacts on digestive health, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, and bad bacteria growth. It can also lead to weight gain. Many people are unaware of just how much sugar they're consuming because it's hidden in so many foods - even some that are marketed as being "healthy." The next time you're grocery shopping, be sure to read the food labels carefully to see how much sugar is actually in each product.

The Best Foods for Digestion

1. Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is an important nutrient that helps to promote regularity and prevents constipation. Good sources of dietary fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes. Fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk powder, are also available. Psyllium husk is a water-soluble form of fiber that expands in the intestine, helping to create a soft, bulky stool that is easy to pass. For people who suffer from constipation or irregularity, fiber can be a helpful addition to the diet.

2. Probiotic-Rich Foods

Probiotics are live bacteria that help preserve the balance of advantageous and disadvantageous bacteria in the gut. They exist in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotics can also be taken as supplements. There are various types of probiotics available, each with their own personal effect on the body function; like aiding digestion, bolstering immunity, or enabling weight loss.

3. Water

Water is critical for optimal digestion; it Keeps the intestines lubricated, prevents constipation, and also aids in flushing out toxins from the body—which is crucial for good health. Moreover, water can help stave off headaches and migraines. If you are susceptible to headaches, drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. Not only does water have all of these benefits, but it is essential for proper metabolism as well. It helps to transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, and it helps to remove waste products from the body. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day in order to keep your metabolism functioning properly.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a versatile herb that has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems for centuries. It can also be effective in relieving the symptoms of motion sickness, such as dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. Fresh ginger root can be grated or sliced and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, or curries. You could also add ginger to smoothies or juices; alternatively, you could make tea by steeping fresh ginger in hot water. Dried ginger powder can be used to make capsules which, when taken as a dietary supplement, ignore potential side effects like stomach aches and upset stomachs.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb that can help relieve digestive issues like indigestion, heartburn, and gas. It can also help relax the muscles of the GI tract. This is why it's one of the best foods for digestion. You can find peppermint in tea, capsules, or oil form. Just be sure to avoid peppermint if you have GERD.

How to Choose the Right Foods

Although delicious dishes can make anyone feel alive, we should remember that some foods we should eat less often because of their negative effects on our bodies. We often get too focused on the pleasure the food provides and ignore all other factors. There are some foods that can cause discomfort in our guts since they're difficult to digest.