The Best and the Worst Foods for Digestive Health

When it comes to digestive heath, there are factors like your stress level and lifestyle that have to be considered, but I find the biggest thing to think about is the food you eat.

Depending on what condition you are diagnosed with, the diet that might be recommended to you by your doctor could vary from what I’m going to talk about.

 There are general foods and drink that can help keep you from experiencing constipation or bloated.

The National Health Service (NHS) says the best way to help your digestive system is eating more fiber like whole meal bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, beans and oats. If you are still having problems with grains and cereal, then get your fiber from fruits and vegetables.

Other food that are good (according to Health.com) are:

• ·         Yogurt: It is known as “live” food because there are microscopic bacteria inside it that are also known to resident in the stomach. Some of these micro-organisms are called Probiotics and they are good for you.
• ·         Cabbage: It’s a type of fiber that can’t be digested, so it helps healthy bacteria to grow and cleans out waste.
• ·         Lean Meat: Meat like chicken and fish don’t have high-fat like red meats do.
• ·         Bananas: If you have diarrhea, then the electrolytes and potassium will help.
• ·         Ginger: This spice must not be eaten all the time, but it will help relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, loss of appetite and colic.

Foods that could give you trouble are:

• ·         High-fat and fired food: It could cause acid reflux and heartburn.
• ·         Chili Peppers: Anything spicy can cause an irritation in the esophagus and heartburn.
• ·         Dairy: If you are Lactose intolerant, it can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating and cramps.
• ·         Alcohol: This can cause acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea and cramping.
• ·         Berries with Small Seeds: If you have Diverticulitis, the seeds can cause inflammation and infection.
• ·         Chocolate: It contains milk and caffeine, so it can give you cramping, bloating and diarrhea.
• ·         Caffeine Drinks: Things like coffee, tea and soft drinks affects the esophageal sphincter (keeps the stomach acid under control). It affects people with GERD.
• ·         Corn: It has a fiber called cellulose, which is hard to break down in the stomach. It can cause gas and abdominal pain.

 Other foods and drinks (according to Huffington Post):

• ·         Artificial Sweetener: Can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
• ·         Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Raw fruit and vegetables have a lot of fiber, which is not good.

• ·         Acidic Foods: Fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and tomatoes can affect people with GERD.  

Here is a video I made that includes some foods that are the best to buy at a  grocery store for digestive health (Mostly comes from the list above):