This blog talks a lot about food so today I thought I'd talk about the topic of digestion. Poor digestion can lead to a lot of problems so knowing some of the foods that may help digestion can be beneficial.
Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breaking down of food into smaller components, to a form that can be absorbed, for instance, by a blood stream. [Source: Wikipedia]
Problems that Come from Poor Digestion
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The common symptoms of poor digestion can include constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and heartburn. Other issues that can occur include:
- Weakening immune system
- Skin disorders
- Inflammation
- Overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans)
- Food allergies & sensitivities
- Autoimmune disorders
- Nausea
Foods that Help Digestion
There are some food and beverages that help in digestion. I've always heard that drinking hot tea helps which is why it is good to drink after a meal. Here are several others:
- Pineapple
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Mineral water
- Olive oil
- Flax seed oil
- Papaya
- Garlic
Eating foods high in fiber also help with digestion. Another popular thing to do is consume foods which contain probiotics. Probiotics are known as the "good bacteria" which helps regulate the digestive system. Dairy products often contain probiotics. Also, drinking plenty of water helps to regulate digestion.
Cut Back on Meat Consumption
I've also read that eating meat is more difficult for the body to digest. The body must produce more acid secretion by the stomach's parietal cells, and more active enzyme secretion by the pancreas. However, this doesn't mean that meat should be avoided.
Resources:
Digestive Problems and the Immune System
6 Potential Consequences of Poor Digestion
Is Meat Hard to Digest?
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Glad to see that quite a few of the foods on this list are part of my diet. As you say high fibre foods (i.e. most fruits and vegetables) are a great way to improve digestion and keep your digestive tract healthy.