What is Lactose Intolerance?

Foods that Promote Healthy Digestion

Our digestive system is designed to break down almost all types of food; however, several factors can affect its function. Consumption of processed food and the type of lifestyle we live can alter the mechanism of how food is digested. The truth is, we rarely pay attention to what goes on inside our bodies and what our bodies really need until something goes wrong. Right? Right.

The Digestion Process

By now you’re already familiar that digestion is what happens when food enters your body, but while the general idea is that the stomach processes the food that we eat, digestion is actually a lot more complicated than what we think.

Digestion involves two parts – the mechanical and chemical process. When you eat an apple, for instance, chewing the apple into bits and pieces is part of the mechanical digestion where the apple is physically broken down and pushed down into your stomach with the help of your digestive organs. In addition, substances called enzymes break down food chemically so that nutrients can be extracted and distributed to the different organs in your body.

The digestive organs are also responsible for segregating waste material that will be taken out of the body. When your digestive system is not functioning as intended, you may experience problems such as diarrhoea, constipation, and other symptoms of poor digestion.

What to Include in Your Diet

Yoghurt

Bacteria? In your body? If it supports digestion, then why not?

While many think that bacteria are those bad guys that bring illnesses and diseases, there are also friendly types of bacteria (probiotics) that aid in certain bodily functions. This includes the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that are involved in digestion.

Yoghurt is a good source of these cultured and active bacteria – just make it a point to check the label for presence of healthy bacteria before placing that tub of yoghurt in your grocery cart. And with dozens of flavours to choose from, you’ll definitely enjoy your daily serving!

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as whole wheat, are super rich in fibre. And why would you need fibre? Well…it’s to get things moving, so to speak. The insoluble fibre found in these sources promotes movement in your digestive system which, in effect, prevents constipation. So if you’re having one of those days, increasing your whole grain intake can encourage things to get going.

Lean meat

If you want your system to digest meat much easier, then go for the lean choices. Chicken, chops without the fats, as well as fish, are processed by the body much more efficiently than fatty meats. Not to mention, these are also better choices if you want to avoid the risk of high cholesterol levels.

Ginger

Research has shown that ginger is effective in supporting digestive health by increasing the speed by which the stomach is emptied. You can have a cup of ginger tea, or simply add slices of ginger root in a cup of warm water, and let it sit for a few minutes before drinking. But of course, don’t forget that there are recommended daily limits when it comes to the amount of ginger you can have – no more than 4 grams a day for adults and 2 grams a day for children.

Bananas

Watery stools ruining your day? Grab some bananas to improve your bowel movement. Bananas are not only rich in fibre, which increases stool bulk; it is also a source of electrolytes, which you need to constantly replenish to avoid dehydration due to diarrhoea.

Fluids

Fluids help ease the movement in the tummy and are necessary for fibre to be able to do its job. While water, on its own, is the most important and beneficial type of fluid in the metabolic process, fluids can also be obtained from fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.