Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.
However, on several occasions, this prove difficult in the body as a result of many things.
This is the situation in which we say the body is experiencing indigestion.
Indigestion also known as dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking can happen when the body has difficulty in digesting what has been taken.
Indigestion is a common happening to majority.
Common causes of indigestion include:
1) Overeating, eating on a rush or late night eating.
2) Eating fatty, greasy or spicy foods.
3) Intake of too much of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages.
4) Effects of the usage of some medications.
5) Health conditions
6) Stress
7) Lack of sleep.
Symptoms of indigestion include:
1) Stomach pain or bloating
2) Heartburn
nausea
3) Vomiting
4) Burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus
5) Excessive gas or belching.
6) Inability to eat.
7) Inability to pass stool.
Although indigestion can be cured by embarking on simple lifestyle changes like ensuring portion control of food, sleeping well, avoiding alcohol, not eating late at night, etc but on the other hand, there are some people that will/might still experience indigestion as a result of their slow metabolic rate.
On that note, there are foods that actually enhances or aids easy digestion that should be included in our diets on the right proportions.
These include:
1) Vegetables:
This is my number one go to remedy for easy digestion.
Vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber which helps to quicken the pace of digestion.
Vegetables are also good sources of magnesium which help relieve constipation
by relaxing the digestive tracts and pull water into the intestines to make faeces softer and easier to poo.
They are also rich in nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A.
2) Whole Grains:
Whole grains have been known to enhance digestion to promoting.
Grains (also known as cereals) are the edible seeds of some grasses.
For a grain to be called whole grain, it must contain 100% of the kernel including the bran, germ and endosperm.
Example of whole grain includes oats, quinoa, brown rice, and millet.
Whole grains are rich in fiber which aid or improve digestion.
3) Ginger
Ginger aids digestion and prevent nausea.
Like I said in one of my recent post on Ginger, I mentioned that I love to take it as tea.
Click here to read more about ginger and ginger tea.
Ginger also reduces the risk of heartburn, nausea and stomach discomfort.
4) Coconuts:
Coconuts are also high in fiber which helps bulk up the stool and supports bowel regularity.
Recently, I ate coconut and I found myself using the toilet. It was as if the coconuts washed my stomach 😂.
5) Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit:
They contain less fructose making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas.
6) Bananas:
Bananas are another low fructose fruit that also contain fiber. They also contain inulin, a substance that enhances the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
7) Apple:
Apple contain pectin which increase the bulk of stool and movement through the digestive tract.
8) Lemongrass Tea:
Lemongrass tea has been shown to help soothe the stomach and keep digestive functions in check. Lemongrass contains a compound called citral which has anti-inflammatory properties which also makes it effective against bloating invariably aiding digestion.
9) Water:
Water is still the number one best drink that aids digestion. Before I will even think of vegetables or any other thing that will enhances digestion, I would have taken enough water to an extent. When you are experiencing indigestion, the very first and most accessible thing to take is water. Some people experience indigestion just because they don’t take enough water.
Click here to read more on why water is essential in the body.
Drink plenty water in addition to taking high fibre foods. Remember that your high fibre foods are also meant to be taken in moderation and right quantity.
