Foods that aid digestion

For some people, digestive discomfort becomes a common occurrence. When it is not occasional gas or bloating, it is irregular bowel movements. However, paying attention and making a few changes to your diet can help the digestive system do its job well.
With a weak digestive system, it is hard for the body to assimilate nutrients from the food you eat. It is, therefore, advisable to eat foods that are easy to digest.

Avocados
The fibre in the avocado is beneficial for improving digestion, boosting regular bowel movements and well known to help prevent constipation.
Fusta Akech, a nutritionist at Healthy U Clinic, says this is the reason avocados are often recommended as a mild laxative for people suffering from constipation. “Their fibre is not only good for easing constipation but also helps lower your risk of colon cancer,” she says.

Pawpaw
Pawpaw is excellent for digestive health because it aids easy breakdown of proteins in the stomach enabling good absorption of the nutrients. This, in a long run, facilitates proper bowel functioning.
It helps in good digestion of food, dissolves fats instantly and relieves heartburn and food allergies. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the stomach.

Grains
Whole grains such as wheat bread, oats, and brown rice are a good source of fibre which aids digestion along. Grain foods support good health and reduce the risk of digestive disorders, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, obesity and certain cancers. Whole grains are high in complex carbohydrates and fibre that help fill us up and delay hunger.

Water
Sometimes when people develop digestion problems, it is probably because they are not drinking enough fluids. Drinking water before or after a meal aids digestion. Water and other liquids help break down food so that your body can absorb the nutrients. Water also softens stool, which helps prevent constipation.
Drinking warm water in the morning on an empty stomach helps improve bowel movements.
Bananas
Bananas stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients. The high fibre in bananas can help normalise bowel movement for people who usually get constipated. They also soothe the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea.
“Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux and heartburn. They can also be taken to relieve stomach ulcers. Bananas form a coating on the lining of the stomach protecting it against corrosive acids,” she explains.

Broccoli
Broccoli contains a fibre that supports and checks the speed at which food travels through the intestines and the consistency and bacterial populations in our intestine, thereby aiding digestion.
“Broccoli contains omega-3 fats and phytonutrients, which have the ability to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances and the risk of chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Adequate fibre promotes regularity, which is crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through bile and stool. Fibre helps to regulate the immune system through detoxification,” Aketch says.