4 Foods That Promote Proper Digestion

Making healthy eating choices is not limited to selecting nutritious foods or portion size. One aspect of good dietary considerations is digestion. Without proper digestion, serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn and other issues can arise. There are easy, delicious foods that help people avoid these complicated, painful and often dangerous health issues. Here are four:

• Yogurt and kefir - Both contain healthful bacteria known as probiotics and can help alleviate the uncomfortable and painful symptoms of lactose intolerance. Probiotics are also thought to ease the problems associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases and even occasional or chronic constipation. It's the live active cultures that are the good guys. A diet consisting of yogurt and kefir on a regular basis is recommended to help control the aforementioned issues.

• Flaxseed - A variety of seed, flaxseed has a delicious nutty taste and provides omega-3 fatty acids and the all important fiber. The omega-3s are thought to promote healthy brain and heart functions as well as the relief of inflammation. The probiotics within flaxseed may enhance immune as well as digestion functions. Flaxseed is often used in the manufacture of yogurt, baked goods, smoothies and cereals.

• Veggies and fruits - Most people are aware of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants, which greatly impact the immune system for protection against infections, colds and diseases. They also contain wonderful fiber, which is great for digestion and healthy bowel functions. Veggies should never be over-cooked as that reduces the amount of nutrients that get into your body. That's why fresh veggies are always better for you than canned.

When eating potatoes, try to include the peels as they are packed with the essential nutrients and fiber. The same goes for pears and apples. In particular, carrots, peas, citrus fruits, berries and avocados are chock full of healthful fiber.

• Whole grains - The benefits of whole grains, meaning grains that haven't been processed, is the way they break down your body's waste products faster. They help your body process and get rid of waste quicker so those unhealthy waste products are removed from your system and not hanging around to cause problems. Some very fibrous products are: pasta, whole grain breads, oatmeal, wild rice, whole grain bran cereal, brown rice and even air-popped popcorn. When selecting bread goods, one should always check for whole grain ingredients.

These wonderful food products are easy to find and well worth the effort and cost. Consumed with regularity, these delicious, healthy food items will help regulate your body's natural flow and general digestive and immune functions. Bon apetit!

Emily is a health blogger and also a contributing writer for a site that focuses on how to treat IBS, including using psychotherapy for IBS symptom relief.