1. Ginger
To improve digestion and prevent digestive problems, you must include ginger in your diet. It stimulates digestive juices and the flow of enzymes needed to properly digest food. It is effective for preventing and reducing nausea, vomiting, flatulence, indigestion, bloating and diarrhea.
In addition, it has carminative, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent digestive problems.
- Drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea daily. To make the tea, boil 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in 1½ cup of hot water. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, strain out the ginger, add some raw honey and enjoy your tea.
- Alternatively, add 2 teaspoons of ginger juice and 1 teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water. Drink it once or twice a day.
- To improve digestion, chew a small piece of ginger after your meals.
2. Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods help keep your digestive system healthy and functioning efficiently. Probiotics contain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria (good bacteria) that help restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria. They can help treat and prevent digestive problems like diarrhea, abdominal bloating, flatulence and IBD.
A 2010 study published in the Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology journal highlights the efficacy of probiotics, as either a single strain or a combination of probiotics, in treating several digestive issues.
Some of the best probiotic foods include Greek yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, buttermilk and sour pickles. You can even take probiotic supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.