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Role Of Diet In Digestive Health: Foods That Help And Harm

How diet and digestive health are closely associated explains Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant Hepatology and Gastroenterology Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj.

Written By Tavishi Dogra
Updated : November 17, 2024 6:54 PM IST

Foods that are gut-friendly

A good and nutritious diet is the foundation for a healthy body. You must mindfully add foods to your daily diet, as certain foods can be gut-friendly and cause smooth digestion, while some cause gastric discomfort, such as constipation, bloating, flatulence, etc.

Spinach

Spinach is an excellent source of folate. They contain healthy components that act as a food medium for the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Their interaction with the gut microbiota leads to the formation of gut-friendly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Oats

Oats are rich sources of fibre, a nutrient that contains magnesium, a mineral that aids in relaxing the gut muscles.

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Yoghurt

Yoghurt or dahi is a fermented food that contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that aid in gut health. They help colonize healthy gut microbiota and improve digestive health.

Ginger

Traditional medicine has been using ginger since ancient times to treat nausea. Ginger helps secrete digestive enzymes and speeds up the digestive process. Adding ginger to your tea is a great relief from indigestion, bloating, etc.

Foods that harm the gut

Diet and digestive health are closely associated. So, be mindful of your food choices to avoid issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Alcohol

Those individuals who regularly consume alcohol are taking inside the irritants of the gut, which inflame the gut lining and lead to acid reflux or even ulcers.

Spices

Cryogenic ones, especially, contain a stomach irritant known as capsaicin, which predisposes the gut to symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, or loose stools.

Full-fat dairy products

Milk products are hard to digest, and individuals who are lactose intolerant should avoid them at all costs, leading to indigestion or acidity.