What Are the Best Foods for Digestion? A Guide

Did you know that there are about 100 trillion bacteria living in and around your body right now?

We live in symbiosis with our own microbiome of bacteria at all times, and often our health is reflected in the health of the microbiome and vice versa. It’s in our interest to nourish our gut and the bacteria that help digest the food we eat.

That being said, food science is often ambiguous. What fats are good for us again, and which aren’t? Were carbs good or bad?

Read on to find out what we consider the best foods for digestion and for nourishing your gut.

Best Foods for Digestion: A Guide

At the end of the day, what’s most important is our digestive health. This is because the digestive system converts food into essential nutrients for the body. The more efficiently it can do this, the better.

There are certain foods that are better for this than others. These foods keep your digestive system functioning optimally. Additionally, those at Wholistic Matters have shown the importance of the brain-gut connection; a healthy gut equals a healthy mind.

1. Low Sugar Yogurt

The jury’s out. Yogurt is good for you (the right type, that is).

You will want to look for a low-sugar yogurt and add a touch of sweetness yourself with some fruit or sugar-free sweetener. This is because sugary foods can lead to the wrong type of bacteria flourishing in your gut.

Healthy yogurts include Icelandic skyr and many types of Greek yogurt.

Yogurt is a natural probiotic that may increase the variety of good bacteria in your gut. It is also high in protein and calcium, which are essential to bodily health.

If you have a starter, you can even make yogurt yourself. It could be a fun DIY project.

2. Ginger

There’s a reason why ginger is a home remedy for ailments from bloating to menstrual cramps; it’s been shown to aid a lot of problems down there.

Ginger speeds up the digestive process and helps food move through your tracts.

It is a beloved ingredient in many Asian cuisines and is known as an amazing food for digestion.

3. Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds

This wouldn’t be a post about digestion if it didn’t mention fiber. Chia seeds and flax seeds are definitely superfoods in this regard.

Fiber is essential for bulking up your stools and helping food pass smoothly down there.

Fiber promotes healthy bowel movements and the health of your digestive system in general.

4. Other Fermented Foods Like Miso or Kimchi

Yogurt is not the only probiotic out there!

You can try foods like miso, kimchi, or kombucha. These all contain active bacteria in some form, which when consumed boost your gut microbiome.

Kimchi especially also contains fiber, which puts it among the best foods for digestion.

5. Vegetables or Fruit With Skin

Other foods that are super high in fiber and nutrients are fruits and vegetables consumed with their skin on.

If you don’t eat an apple with its skin, you’re missing out on a lot of the amazing nutrients. The same goes for foods like sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and kiwis. The skins are edible!

Sure, the texture might not be amazing, but your bowel movements and glowing skin will thank you.

Eat Variety

One of the best things you can do for your digestive health is to eat a variety of foods to promote the flourishing of all kinds of bacteria in your gut.

The more variety, the better. The caveat is that variety should come from fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The best foods for digestion leave you feeling great, not bloated, and glowing.

Find out more in our consumer resources section!