Eaten your bodyweight in food recently? It’s a common thing to do during the festive period. But while mainlining sugar-rich and starchy foods is fun in the moment, it can cause indigestion, bloating and general discomfort. “It’s that time of year when we might eat a little bit more indulgently than normal and our digestive system might feel a little sluggish,” wrote nutritionist Lucy Miller in a post on Instagram.
“Healthy digestion relies on the right balance of digestive enzymes to break down the protein, carbohydrates and fats that we consume.” When you’re consuming more of these indulgent meals and treats than normal, it can be helpful – for the sake of your comfort levels – to boost these enzymes by consuming the right foods.
9 of the best foods for digestion
Not only do these foods contain natural digestive enzymes, but they also have myriad other health benefits, so may go some way towards making you feel that little bit more energized during the holiday season.
Raw honey
A home remedy used for centuries in many different ways, raw honey is said to help ease gastrointestinal issues, plus it’s packed with micronutrients and enzymes. It’s also anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and rich in antioxidants.
Avocado
A healthy source of fats, avocado is rich in fibre and potassium, which helps promote healthy digestive function. Additionally, research has found that eating avo daily can help create a “happy” gut.
Mango, banana and pineapple
As well as being fibre-rich, mangoes contain amylase compounds that can help dissolve food in your stomach. Bananas also contain a soluble fibre called pectin which normalizes bowel function. And pineapples contain bromelain, a combination of enzymes, that quickly digest protein.
Kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi
Rich in millions of probiotics, kefir is an excellent gut-loving probiotic to add into your diet. Meanwhile, sauerkraut and kimchi aren’t just brilliant probiotics, but they’re also packed with fibre, which helps aid the passing of food through the digestive system.
Apple cider vinegar
Antimicrobial and an all-round wonder ingredient, ACV is (obviously) naturally acidic and can help break down food in the stomach. Whether you take it as a shot or incorporate into your food, make sure you buy one that contains the cloudy “mother”.
Originally published in Vogue.co.uk