Foods Easy to Digest
By Sara Butler
Every once in a while your stomach gets upset. Whether it's from a bug or something else, foods that are easy to digest are a must for an upset tummy. That's why it's important when you're recovering from a stomach virus or some other condition that has upset your digestive system, you incorporate a few of these foods into the mix.
Go Low-Fiber
Normally we're proponents of foods that are high in fiber because they help your digestive system to stay balanced and keep your blood sugar stable, but when your digestive system is feeling a bit sensitive, then it's important to put those bran muffins away.
Fiber is difficult for the body to digest and that can be a problem if things are moving through your digestive system at a slower pace. As you recover, incorporate low-fiber foods into your diet for a while such as potatoes, white rice, fruits low in fiber such as grapefruit, and white pasta. When you're feeling back to normal, then you can start to have more fiber.
Vegetables
Vegetables are still good for you even if your stomach feels a little raw. The secret is to cook them, which helps to break down the fiber and make them a bit gentler on your stomach. Don't pass them by because they have important vitamins and minerals that can help your body to recover, just make sure you consume them cooked. Vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or pumpkins are great choices.
Bananas
The riper a banana is, the less fiber it has in it. But its ripeness doesn't impact the fact that bananas are very good for you and effortless to digest when your digestive system isn't feeling up to snuff.
White Bread
You can eat bread when your gut isn't feeling great, as long as it's white bread. It's much lower in fiber than other types of bread, especially whole grain. Just make sure you buy a type of bread that's fortified with the vitamins and minerals that are lost during the refining process and make white bread only a temporary choice until you recover.
Protein
Your body needs protein, even when you're sick, but some proteins can be difficult to digest. When you're feeling under the weather, opt for protein choices such as fish, chicken, or more tender cuts of steak. Just make sure you don't consume too much protein when you're will, since it can have an impact on your ability to digest foods and make tummy troubles even worse.
When you're sick or experiencing gastrointestinal upset, give your stomach a break. Eat some easy foods for a while and let you body heal!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Northbrook, Ill.