Digestion is one of the vital functions of the body and a happy gut means healthy life! A healthy digestive system breaks food into nutrients providing body with necessary energy, growth, besides aiding in several other important functions.

Digestive issues have become a common complaint among many, due to unhealthy eating habits, unmindful snacking, lack of physical activity, binging on processed food, etc.

However, thank Mother Nature for bestowing us with some amazing natural foods that strengthen and improve gut functioning and safeguard digestive lining from spicy, fatty fried and junk foods, easing stomach issues. 

Top Foods To Improve Digestion

Yogurt

Your gut is loaded with trillions of good bacteria that help in smooth digestion of food. Yogurt or homemade curd is a natural probiotic that improves the functioning of good, gut friendly bacteria. Eating yogurt, curd or buttermilk daily, eases digestion and keeps several gut issues at a bay.

Fennel

Fennel is a spice that is extensively used in improving the flavour of the dish. The antispasmodic agent in fennel relaxes smooth muscles in intestine, alleviate various digestive issues like bloating, flatulence and cramping.

Whole Grains

Whole grain cereals such as whole wheat bread, steel cut oats, quinoa and brown rice are loaded with fibre that help in easing digestion. The fibre in grains keeps you satiated, adds bulk and lowers the risk of constipation. In addition, some grains act like prebiotics that help feed gut-friendly bacteria.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the best root vegetable/spice widely used in traditional medicine for years as a safe and effective way to alleviate nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, flatulence, loss of appetite and colic issues. However, consume it in moderation, as more than 4 grams of fresh or dried ginger may cause heartburn.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a dish made with cabbage, radish, or onions along with lots of spices. The chief ingredient in kimchi is generally cabbage which can enhance the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. The fibre present in cabbage helps in eliminating the waste in regulating bowel movements.

Apple

Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fibre that increases the bulk to relieve constipation and diarrhoea. Further on, it also lowers the risk of intestinal infections and inflammation in the colon.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are super rich in fibre, that form a gelatin-like substance in your intestine. It works like a prebiotic promoting the growth of gut-friendly bacteria and improves digestion.

Prebiotics are a kind of fibre that is not digested in the small intestine but travels to the colon and is fermented to offer food for gut-friendly bacteria. Good bacteria or probiotics need food to survive, and prebiotics are valued as the food for probiotics.

The simplest way to get adequate prebiotics into your diet is by consuming plenty of vegetables and fruit. Ensure to get at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis to augment your gut health.

Prebiotics To Add 

Artichokes

It is an impressive source of inulin, a type of fibre that acts as a prebiotic. Adding this vegetable to the meal offers other health incentives like fortifying bone, shielding the brain and regulating blood pressure.

Dragon Fruit

This vividly coloured fruit offers umpteen health incentives, including gut-related ones. Being intrinsically rich in fibre having dragon fruit on a regular basis treats constipation and improves overall gut health. Add dragon fruit to your smoothie for a yummy, filling and gut-healthy treat.

Garlic

Garlic works amazingly for optimising gut health as a prebiotic, offering food for good bacteria. Further potent antibacterial and antiviral qualities of garlic help trigger the immune system and keep you free from diseases.