Foods to Improve Digestion
By Sara Butler
Constipation is way more common than you might think. No matter who you are, your regularity comes down to one thing: fiber. The sad truth is that many people don’t get enough fiber in their diet, don’t exercise enough, and don’t drink enough water. Because of this, their digestive system suffers. If you’re looking to help get things moving for you or someone in your family, then you need to add a few more of these constipation-busting foods to your diet!
Apples
An apple a day just might keep the doctor away! Apples are high in fiber, providing 4 grams of it in just one small apple. Fiber goes through your intestines undigested, helping to form stool to promote regular movements. Apples also contain something called pectin, which helps to get things moving when you’re having trouble. It helps to speed up the happenings in the colon and reduce symptoms of constipation; it also helps to improve digestive health by keeping the bacteria living in the gut healthy.
Prunes
It’s no secret that prunes help to keep things loose! Just one ounce provides 2 grams of fiber. They also contain sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that the body cannot digest. It helps to draw water into the intestines and gets things going, so to speak. Feel free to eat them or juice them; just make sure not to include added sugar.
Kiwi
One medium kiwi provides your body with a little over 2 grams of fiber, helping to stimulate the movement of the intestines. Studies have shown this fruit to speed up foods' transit time through the intestines, improving constipation symptoms. Eat it plain or add it to a smoothie to get its benefits!
Pears
Pears don’t get enough love in the world of healthy digestion but they’re a great source of fiber! One medium pear has 6 grams of fiber and also has a healthy dose of sorbitol just as prunes do. Pears also happen to contain fructose, a sugar that the body can only absorb in limited amounts. That means it’s absorbed slower by the body. Any unabsorbed fructose acts as a natural laxative to keep you regular.
Keeping your digestive system healthy is important, as is staying regular. It’s just one part of the bigger picture of your overall health, so it’s important to take notice of your habits and make changes to support a healthy and balanced digestive system.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Long Beach, Calif.