6 Foods That Help To Improve Digestion

Studies have shown that the balance or imbalance of bacteria in your digestive system is responsible for your overall health and disease. Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits. Having the right balance of bugs may keep us well in the long term. Probiotics, the friendly bacteria, cannot only help support digestive health but may also be involved with mental health and disease prevention as well.

They help treat certain gastrointestinal conditions, including colon cancer, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea and lactose intolerance. Probiotic foods may give your immune system a boost and hinder the growth of harmful gut bacteria. No doubt, we can take probiotics from supplements but when it comes to potency, probiotic foods are far more potent than probiotic supplements. This is because probiotic foods naturally contain more functional ‘superfood’ benefits than supplements.

# Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains nearly every nutrient that your body needs. Eating it regularly may boost several aspects of your health. Being a fermented food, it naturally contains lots of probiotic cultures that strengthen the digestive tract. But before purchasing, check the label and ensure your yoghurt contains effective probiotics. Always go for one that contains live, active cultures.

Yoghurt which contains probiotics may boost digestive health by reducing the symptoms of common gastrointestinal disorders, such as bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. It also improves immune function by increasing cytokine-producing cells in the intestines.

# Idli

Idli is a healthy breakfast option as it contains a good amount of intestinal bacteria and is low in calories. It is eaten with chutneys which also have some fermented ingredients. The fermentation process creates the perfect environment for the growth of good bacteria. By undergoing fermentation, the bio-availability of its minerals increases, helping the body in better digestion.

In fact, most dishes in South Indian cuisine are rich sources of probiotics like buttermilk, dosa, appam, dhokla, uttapam. They are all made by fermenting rice and lentils, which makes them high in live cultures of the good bacteria.

# Kimchi

Kimchi, an Asian fermented vegetable probiotic food, is made by fermenting cabbage, radishes, and scallions with seasonings such as sugar, salt, onions, garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers. You may stir a spoonful of kimchi into your soups, salads, or even pasta dishes just before serving.

The unique strains of good bacteria found in kimchi will not only heal your gut but may also help you stay fit and fine. Kimchi’s digestive benefits carry over to your immune system, too. Kimchi also promotes weight loss, fights inflammation, and even slows the ageing process.

# Indian Cheese (Paneer)

One of the best and well-known examples of Indian probiotics food, Indian cheese, or paneer, is a rich source of probiotics. No doubt, most types of cheese are fermented but it does not mean that all of them contain probiotics. Paneer helps in keeping the body’s digestion and immunity intact as it happens to be a great choice of probiotics.

This rich source of protein contains magnesium also which can prevent constipation because of its laxative effect. Paneer is light on the stomach and easy to digest. However, uncooked Paneer or large amounts of it can cause bloating and slight indigestion problems.

# Green Peas

According to a Japanese study, green peas may contain the probiotic leuconostoc mesenteroides to help foster a favourable gut balance. Gut bacteria need fibre to flourish and green peas are full of soluble and insoluble fibre that help keep your system in balance. This good bacteria in green peas may also raise the level of antibodies in the immune system. Thus peas may be able to help fight off infections and colds.

Make sure not to cook your green peas. Just add them raw to your salad or eat them as a snack. You may also try raw green pea and almond dip on crackers.

# Kefir

Kefir is a combination of bacteria and yeast fermentations. The probiotics and yeast in kefir have been shown to restore balance in the gut, thereby improving digestion, helping the body alleviate constipation, among other health benefits. The probiotic contents of kefir can modulate the immune system to suppress infections from viruses

It is a cultured, fermented milk drink that is similar to yoghurt – but thinner in consistency, making it more of a drink. You can try this tangy drink alone or pair it with fresh fruit, or add it to a smoothie. Kefir is also good for those who are lactose intolerant.