Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Best and Worst Foods for Digestion
Best
Bananas - They help restore normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea as well as restore electrolytes and potassium that may be lost due to runny stool. This fruit also has lots of fiber to aid digestion.
Yogurt - It contains some types of healthy bacteria that helps you digest food. Note that it needs to say "active & live cultures" on the label.
Kimchi - This is a Korean favorite usually made with cabbage, radish, or onion, along with lots of spices. The main ingredient is usually cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Cabbage is a type of fiber that's not digested, so it helps eliminate waste, keeping bowel movements regular.
Lean meat and fish - Chicken, fish, and other lean meats go down a lot easier than fattier red meats. They also have not been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer like high-fat red meats have.
Whole grains - Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oats, and brown rice, are a good source of fiber, which helps digestion. Take it slow when consuming more as not only can fiber also can help you feel full and lower cholesterol, but it can cause bloating and gas.
Ginger - This spice, consumed in moderation, has been used for thousands of years as a safe way to relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, loss of appetite, and colic.
Worst
Berries - They are good for your health, but ones with tiny seeds can be a problem for people who have diverticulitis, or pockets that develop in usually the large intestine that become inflamed or infected. "It's been theorized that the seeds will obstruct the [pockets] and pose a risk of infection."
If you find that seeds irritate your intestines, stay away from them.
Chili peppers - These can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn pain and can be a particular problem for people with irritable bowel syndrome or those who already suffer from chronic heartburn.
Dairy - Although milk and cheese are good source for calcium, for the lactose intolerant, these can cause diarrhea, gas, and abdominal bloating and cramps. Note: Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and chemotherapy can damage the intestines, which also can lead to lactose intolerance.
Chocolate - Chocolate may be a problem in those with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation. The chocolate itself may not be the villain. For people with milk allergies, the real culprit could be the milk contained in many chocolate treats. And chocolate has caffeine in it, which can stimulate cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Coffee, tea, and soft drinks - These not only over-relax the esophageal sphincter, which keeps stomach acid confined to the stomach, but they also can act as diuretics, which can lead to diarrhea and cramping. Note: Caffeinated beverages can be a particular problem, especially for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Corn - Corn contains cellulose, a type of fiber that humans can't break down easily because we lack a necessary enzyme. If you chew corn longer, you can probably digest it just fine, but not well chewed it may pass through you undigested, and cause gas and abdominal pain.
Alcohol - Alcohol relaxes the body, but, unfortunately, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter which can lead to acid reflux or heartburn. It also can inflame the stomach lining, impairing certain enzymes and preventing nutrients from being absorbed. Too much alcohol can cause diarrhea and cramping.
High-fat and fried food - These types of food can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn, with the body only being able to handle so much at one time. Note: People with irritable bowel syndrome need to stay away from foods high in fat, including butter and cream because they can cause digestive problems.
To go to the article: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/14-best-and-worst-foods-digestion#0
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