5 Foods to Eat for Maximum Digestive Health

If you are what you eat, then your digestive tract is where the magic happens. In fact, all the nutritious or less than nutritious food you consume passes from your stomach through your intestines to go on and become the building blocks for pretty much everything. 

The health of your digestive tract is critical to every other aspect of physical wellness. In particular, how well your stomach and intestines function determines whether your body is benefiting from your healthy diet.

Specific foods can boost digestive well-being and help you get the most out of what you eat. So, here are 5 Foods to eat for maximum digestive health.

This tasty tropical fruit contains an enzyme named bromelain. In fact, this enzyme aids in breaking down proteins during digestion. (1)

Bromelain may also prevent intestinal bugs from taking hold in the digestive tract. (2) Hence, this means less risk of diarrhea or other digestive complaints.

This root spice contains the active component gingerol and is widely used to address digestive issues. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are just a few of the tummy complaints it can ease. (3)

Ginger also improves the rate of digestion, which can reduce feelings of bloating and sluggishness. (4)

It should definitely be on your list of 5 foods to eat for maximum digestive health because of its numerous benefits.

Kombucha is a tea that has undergone fermentation. It is usually made with either black or green tea with a small amount of sugar to allow for the growth of yeasts and bacteria during the fermentation process.

Due to fermentation, kombucha contains live cultures of probiotics. (5) These healthy bacteria support a balance in the gut microbiota. A robust microbiome can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Bone broth is made from simmering the animal bones and connective tissues. The nutrients from the bones leach into the water creating a nutritious drink or cooking base.

Gelatin and glutamine are two important nutrients that make bone broth a digestive booster. They bind with fluids during digestion and ease the passage of waste. Glutamine also supports the health of the intestinal walls, which provide a natural barrier against infection and injury. (6)

The tiny seeds of the flax plant are packed full of nutrients and fiber. Their soluble fiber may aid with bowel regulation, preventing constipation and diarrhea. (7)

The fibers in flaxseeds can also act as food for the microbiome, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. (8)

Two things to keep in mind if you consume flax:

1. Drink lots of water! You need fluid for all that fiber.
2. Choose ground flax over the whole seeds. The seeds are too small to digest.