Top 13 Foods That Are Good For Digestion

Ayurveda refers to the digestive system as agni, or digestive fire. A strong agni breaks down food into nutrients and energy that the body uses for day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, many people struggle with digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, and more, due to unhealthy eating habits or lifestyle choices.

The food we eat plays a major role in our digestive health. Fiber-rich food like broccoli, beans, and legumes are some  foods good for digestion. The reason is, fiber makes your stool heavier making it easier to pass through the digestive tract. Apart from roughage, cereals, grains, and vitamins also helps maintain the health of your Agni. We will dive deeper into foods good for digestion in the sections that follow, but before that, let us first understand the problem at hand- indigestion, and what causes it.

What are the Reasons for Indigestion?

Indigestion occurs in the body when your agni is imbalanced due to the tridoshas that help agni to digest food. Indigestion is a common lifestyle issue that can be caused by multiple factors. There are several reasons for indigestion which can include: 

• Overeating 
• Eating too quickly
• Too much caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Anxiety
• Certain antibiotics like pain relievers and iron supplements
• Diabetes
• Inflammation of the stomach
• Foods causing indigestion

Indigestion can also lead to incomprehensible pain and digestive problems like:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarhhea
• Heartburn
• Vomiting,

However, with a sattvic diet and active lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of indigestion and balance your agni. Let us learn about some of the top foods good for digestion. 

Foods Good for Digestion

We have learned that improper digestion can lead to imbalanced agni in the body. So, it is important to understand the role that food plays in good digestion. Digestion helps break down food into nutrients which in turn becomes energy for the body. Consuming food good for digestion can help your blood easily absorb nutrients. Sattvic aahar that helps with digestion can improve your agni’s health:

1) Leafy Green Vegetables

Consuming leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, green beans, and beets contain nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. These foods to improve digestion help fuel the growth of healthy bacteria that improve gut health. 

2) Whole Grain Foods

Whole grain foods are known to have high fiber content that helps with digestion. The body is able to break down the grains slowly which helps control blood sugar levels. Consume these foods good for digestion like brown rice and quinoa for good digestion. 

3) Ginger

Ginger is an ayurvedic herb that is famous for its digestive properties as it helps reduce bloating. You can consume dried ginger powder to flavor your meals and add ginger to your tea. 

4) Lean Protein

People with bowel sensitivities and indigestion should consume lean protein like red meat that promotes colon bacteria that produces chemicals associated with an increased risk of clogged arteries.

5) Avocado

Avocado is a superfood that contains fibers and essential nutrients that promote healthy digestive health. This food is good for digestion as it is high in nutrients and good fat 

Fruits Good for Digestion

There are several foods good for digestion as they have high fiber content that helps with easy digestion. You can consume fruits that can help subside heartburn, bloating, and other symptoms of indigestion.

6) Apricots

Apricots are high in Vitamin C which is critical in boosting immunity. They have high fiber content that allows for bowel regularity, which helps prevent constipation and boosts colon health.

7) Apple

Apples are known to balance kapha dosha. Apple is high in pectin fiber which provides relief from constipation and diarrhea. It is a great gut-cleansing food that helps keep toxins away from your body and eliminates them from the body.

8) Kiwi

Kiwi is known to improve digestion as it contains an enzyme called actinidin that helps with protein digestion. You can regularly consume this food to improve digestion as it has a mild laxative effect that helps with your digestion. 

9) Bananas

Bananas are known to have high fiber content and facilitate bowel movements. Its antacid effects protect the stomach from ulcers and help ease heartburn. 

Consuming these fruits good for digestion can help you cleanse your gut and improve your digestion in a regular manner. 

Best Drinks for Digestion

There are several drinks that can help improve your digestion. With these easy-to-make drink combinations, you can support your digestive system. Let us learn about some of the best drinks for digestion:

10) Ginger Tea

You can consume Ginger tea before or during your meals to improve your digestive health and prevent symptoms like heartburn, stomach ache, and indigestion. You can add ginger tea to your list of gut-cleansing foods as it reduces inflammation and improves overall digestive and gut health. 

11) Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass tea is known to soothe the stomach and keep digestive functions on track. It is one of the best drinks for digestion as it is caffeine free and does not cause bloating or constipation. 

12) Coffee

Coffee works as a great laxative as it helps with bowel movements and works as a stimulant for your digestive tract. However, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to diarrhea and constipation. So, we recommend consuming coffee only in a limited amount. 

13) Water

Water is undoubtedly the best drink for digestion as it works as nature’s digestive aid. Water allows your food to pass easily and keeps tissues in your digestive tract pliable. 

Foods causing Indigestion

Tamasic foods include fried foods and processed foods that can imbalance your agni. There are several foods that you must not eat if you are already struggling with indigestion. They can trigger heartburn and cause multiple other symptoms of indigestion. Let us learn about these tamasic foods causing indigestion: 

• Fried foods 
• Fast foods
• Potato chips and other processed foods
• Pizza
• Chilli powder and pepper
• Peppermint
• Fatty meats like bacon and sausage
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Tomato-based sauces
• Carbonated beverages