Best Food for Digestion

1. Bananas Bananas help restore normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea (say, from too much alcohol). And they restore electrolytes and potassium that may be lost due to runny stool. This fruit also has lots of fiber to aid digestion. 2. Yogurt You have trillions of bacteria in your gut that help you digest food, and yogurt contains some types of these healthy bacteria. (Although not all yogurts have them—check for "live and active cultures" on the label.) 3. Kimchi Kimchi is a Korean favorite usually made with cabbage, radish, or onion, along with lots of spices. The main ingredient is usually cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. And cabbage is a type of fiber that's not digested, so it helps eliminate waste, keeping bowel movements regular, Anderson says. Sauerkraut is good for the same reasons. This dish can be spicy, however, so it might not be a good option if you’ve found that spicy foods trigger digestive problems for you. 4. Lean meat and fish If you're going to eat meat, go for chicken, fish, and other lean meats—they'll go down a lot easier than a juicy steak. And lean meats and fish have not been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer like high-fat red meats have. 5. Whole grains Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oats, and brown rice, are a good source of fiber, which helps digestion. Fiber also can help you feel full and lower cholesterol, but it can cause bloating, gas, and other problems in people who quickly ramp up their intake—it's better to take it slow when consuming more. And wheat grains are a no-no for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. 6. Ginger This spice has been used for thousands of years as a safe way to relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, loss of appetite, and colic. But it's best to consume it in moderation. High doses of ginger can backfire; more than 2 to 4 grams per day can cause heartburn.