• News
• lifestyle
• health-fitness
• The 10 best foods for digestion, revealed by Harvard trained gut doctor

Trending

1/11

The 10 best foods for digestion, revealed by Harvard trained gut doctor

Our digestive system goes through a lot everyday – lack of water intake, heavy, greasy food, and hardly any exercise. The result? Burping, bloating, indigestion, stomach discomfort, and gas. The good news is that apart from lifestyle changes such as exercise, we can improve our digestive system by simply picking the right foods. Yes, that is right. According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, leading gut doctor, trained at Harvard and Stanford, here are the 10 foods with the best digestive enzymes…

2/11

Kiwi

Buried inside the exterior of a kiwi lies actinidin, an enzyme that slices proteins into minuscule, more readily absorbed peptides. Because of this the fruit is excellent for anyone struggling with protein‑related upset or the puffiness post meals. Actinidin gives the gut tract a nudge, softening the uneasy churn in both stomach and intestines. Research points to the fact that making kiwi a part of the diet can calm those indigestion woes, and help maintain bowel movements.

3/11

Avocado

Avocado boasts a concentration of lipase, the enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, thereby easing lipid digestion. This enzymatic fruit hence, is a good option for individuals who have trouble processing fatty food. Its generous fiber load also nourishes the gut microbiota, bolstering health. Emerging evidence suggests that the interplay between avocado’s fiber and its monounsaturated fats, can enhance gut function while damping inflammation. Regularly incorporating avocado into meals tends to promote digestion of fats.

4/11

Miso

Made from soybeans, miso is an umami paste boasting of excellent digestive enzymes-especially proteases and amylases. These biochemical agents nibble away at proteins and carbohydrates, paving the way for the body to pull out and absorb nutrients efficiently. Besides this, miso also houses a suite of microorganisms that tend the gut flora, giving intestinal health a gentle boost. An ever‑growing body of research points to miso’s ability to ease digestion, calm gut inflammation, and keep pathogens at bay. For best results add a spoonful of paste into soups, and sauces.

5/11

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage with a host of good enzymes. It also doubles as a probiotic, feeding the microbes in the gut, and in turn giving a boost to both digestion and the immune system. Those enzymes get to work tearing fiber and other tangled food components, which eases digestion. Studies have found out that regularly eating sauerkraut can dial down bloating, cut back on gas and generally ease the gut symptoms that many people with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, experience.

6/11

Raw honey

Raw honey teems with an ensemble of enzymes-amylases that unspool starch, and invertases that turn sucrose into the absorbable glucose and fructose. These microscopic helpers not only facilitate carbohydrate breakdown, but also give the gut a gentle push. Moreover, raw honey is a reservoir of antioxidants, and carries traits that help maintain a healthy digestive tract. Scientific investigations suggest that raw honey can ease discomfort, while fostering the growth of gut bacteria. Tucking a spoonful of honey into one’s meals everyday can help digestion

7/11

Papaya

Papaya contains plenty of papain-a protein‑cutting enzyme that is akin to pineapple’s bromelain. By breaking down the protein fibers in meat, dairy and legumes, papain helps smooth out digestion and wards off the bloating or gas, that often follows a heavy meal. Clinical observations have linked papain‑based supplements to relief from IBS woes, constipation and abdominal distension.

8/11

Mango

Mangoes brim with amylase, an enzyme that converts carbohydrates into sugars such as glucose and maltose. As the fruit ripens, the amylase increases, which is why ripe mangoes are especially easy on the stomach. This enzyme breaks down starches that often cause gas and bloating. Moreover, mangoes deliver a helping of fiber, and a whole range of antioxidants, both of which nurture the gut. Making mangoes a regular part of the diet, can enhance your body’s ability to handle heavy meals with discomfort.

9/11

Pineapple

Pineapple isn’t just tasty, it is also a fruit that eats you back! Yes, that is true. The fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks proteins down into peptides and amino acids. This means that pineapple makes it easier to digest those heavy, meat heavy meals that can otherwise be hard on the stomach. This enzyme has calming effects on gut irritation. Clinical studies indicate that bromelain supplements can boost efficiency and ease stomach discomfort.

10/11

Ginger

Ginger, or adrak is known for its digestive enzymes, especially amylase and lipase. Those enzymes work essentially on carbohydrates and fats, making it easier for the gut to break them down, and absorb the nutrients. At the same time, ginger relaxes the smooth‑muscle lining of the digestive tract, which can soothe nausea and indigestion. Research shows that ginger can accelerate bowel movement, allowing food to glide through the intestines smoothly.

11/11

Banana

Bananas are a source of enzymes-amylases and glucosidases-that convert starch into simpler sugars. As the fruit ripens, those enzymes get more effective, which is why a ripe banana tends to sit easily on the stomach. The fruit also supplies fiber and prebiotic compounds, that feed the bacteria living in the gut. Research has shown that bananas can help normalise bowel movements, and ease symptoms of indigestion. Incorporating bananas into the diet on a regular basis, therefore supports carbohydrate breakdown, and promotes overall gut health.

Follow Us On Social Media

Photostories