Originally published August 5 2012
Five foods that can help improve your digestion
by Jonathan Benson, staff writer
(NaturalNews) Digestive upset is one of the most prolific, chronic conditions people suffer from today -- and in many cases, digestive disorders are a direct result of eating a poor diet composed of processed, genetically-modified (GM), and dead foods. And if you are one of the many millions of people who suffers from digestive problems, incorporating foods that are rich in enzymes, probiotics, fiber, and other important nutrients is absolutely vital, and could change your health dramatically for the better.
Below is an outline of five fantastic foods that can help you promote and maintain proper digestive balance in your intestinal system, which will in turn ensure that nutrients are properly assimilated, and waste properly eliminated. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a few strong suggestions for improving your health and well-being that you can implement in your life today.
Fruit, particularly pineapple and papaya. Snacking on junk food, or even just food that is high in carbohydrates, tends to "clog" up the digestive tract and lead to bloating in many people. Instead of reaching for the crackers or chips when the hunger pangs start, why not grab some fruit instead? Pineapple and papaya are particularly beneficial foods for promoting good digestion, as both contain proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain that possess anti-microbial and anti-ulcerative properties, and that helps break down other foods and assimilate their nutrients.
Fermented, probiotic foods. Unless they are freshly squeezed, most juices and other beverages are pasteurized, and contain no living enzymes or beneficial bacteria that are meant to help maintain a healthy flora balance in the gut. To help improve intestinal health, it is important to consume foods and beverages that have been fermented, cultured, or that otherwise contain living nutrients essential in proper digestion. Such foods include yogurts, kefir, kombucha, raw apple cider vinegar, kimchi and other fermented vegetables, and sauerkraut, just to name a few.
Miso soup. Traditional miso, which is not necessarily the same thing as the miso soup served at your local Chinese restaurant, is another fermented food that happens to be high in protein, and has long been a staple food in traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Authentic miso, which involves a double fermentation process, contains cultured soybeans or grains combined with natural salt that can be steeped in warm water to produce a hearty, savory beverage that will make your stomach feel happy and healthy.
Avocados. Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados are an excellent gut-friendly food that is well-digested by virtually everyone. The unique combination of healthy fat and fiber -- avocados are one of the most fiber-rich foods known to man -- promote proper digestive flow, as well as maintain a vibrant pancreas, gall bladder, and liver, three organs that deal with body cleansing.
Red beets and their greens. Another vegetable rich in fiber, the red beet, greens and all, is known for maintaining the proper flow of food through the digestive tract. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial enzymes, red beets promote a healthy gut lining and smooth muscle fiber function, which encourages normal and regular bowel movements. When eaten whole or juiced, red beets and their green tops help to promote healthy liver, kidney, and gallbladder function, as well as provide the body with natural choline, iron, potassium, and magnesium, the latter of which is vital for proper digestive health.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4044/Foods-for-Better-Digestion.html
http://bodyecology.com/articles/nancy_spahr_colon_therapist.php
http://www.rawfoodexplained.com
http://www.southrivermiso.com/
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