From what makes certain foods easier to digest to what you should actually be eating to smooth out the process, here’s everything you need to know about the best ingredients for healthy, easy digestion. “The fiber content1 of a food impacts how quickly it’s digested,” nutritionist Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, recipe developer at Cheerful Choices previously told mbg. “Foods higher in soluble fiber form a gel-like substance in the stomach, which slows down the digestive process. In contrast, foods high in insoluble fiber speed up the digestive process because they quickly pass unabsorbed into the large intestine, where they add bulk to stool.” While both types of fiber are essential to keep within your daily diet, foods that are slightly lower in fiber may be easier to digest. “You generally want to limit sugary, spicy, fried, and fatty foods, as they can be tougher on digestion,” warns registered dietitian Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN. “How much and how often to consume foods that are easier to digest depends on individual factors. For example, when recovering from a stomach bug, you may need to stick to mostly bland foods, or if you have an ongoing GI condition that requires you to limit fiber or fat.” Other easy-to-digest foods include: If you’re struggling with digesting dairy products, it may indicate an intolerance, and eliminating or reducing these types of foods within your diet may also help with digestion. “Some people lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose from dairy,” Coghill adds. Another solution? Digestive enzymes. Find some of our favorites here. As always, if you’re having a particularly difficult time with digestion, check in with a health care professional to create a meal plan specialized to your own body and unique dietary needs.
