Today we're going to be unpacking the one topic that keeps us divided on the dos and don’ts – digestion. We’re diving deep into the realm of guts, gas and all that good stuff. Pull up a chair because we're about to unveil the tried-and-true foods (and one drink!) for a happy and healthy digestive system.

There are a number of tried-and-true techniques for boosting your digestive system – for one, eating a high-fibre diet is one of the quickest ways to improve your digestive system, and this comes down to preventing the stagnation of food as fibre keeps everything moving. This then prevents constipation and bloating, and encourages regularity in your bowel movements. Whole foods like veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains are all great sources of fibre, and it’s important to consume in both soluble and insoluble fibre, with the latter particularly beneficial to proper digestion and bowel movements as it adds bulk to the stool – psyllium husk, for instance, is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, making it a great addition to your morning porridge. But then we’ve also got foods worth avoiding, like preservatives, trans fats and excess sugars – the latter can be especially detrimental to your digestive system as it promotes the growth of bad bacteria in the gut microbiome. Research shows it lowers microbial diversity and raises our risks for infection and inflammation, with an increased risk for metabolic conditions, autoimmune diseases and a host of digestion problems all resulting consequences. But since you know what not to eat, let’s dive into some of the best foods to get things back in order.

Pineapple

I’ve got one word for you Kim: bromelain. This stuff is one of the heroes responsible for pineapple’s digestion-boosting properties. This enzyme that helps break down proteins in your gut – it’s also known for that stinging feeling you get after eating too much pineapple. But that’s not where it ends – a serve of pineapple is rich in digestive enzymes known as proteases, which break down protein in our food and help us make use of them. Research shows that this enzyme significantly improved digestion in those with pancreatic insufficiency; a condition which impairs enzyme production and digestion.

Ginger

If your digestive system is feeling sluggish, ginger is the fire starter you need. It contains compounds that can help speed up digestion and reduce inflammation in your gut. How? Well, apart from being a powerhouse of antiviral and antibacterial properties, ginger is also loaded with digestive enzymes to make the digestive process that much easier. One such enzyme is known as zingibain, which helps us digest and make use of proteins. Plus, ginger has been found to promote healthy digestion – including the prevention of constipation – by helping food move though our stomach instead of sitting there too long. More impressive yet, research shows ginger helps promote the body’s production of digestive enzymes, leaving a knock-on effect for our digestion and nutritional absorption. 

Water

Last but not least, we have the unsung hero of digestion: water. It may not be as exciting as pineapple, but it plays a vital role in preventing constipation and keep everything running smoothly. It helps flush out toxins and keeps things hydrated and moving along. So don't forget to drink up and give your digestive system the H2O it needs to do its job. Drinking a glass of warm water – especially first thing in the morning – is a great way to break down foods that are moving through your digestive system, along with keeping your organs hydrated. Without adequate hydration here, we end up with symptoms like constipation! Keeping up your fluids means your body will have an easier time from eliminating waste and breaking down food remains. Add a bit of lemon to your water for even better results – not to mention the immune-boost that comes with this vitamin-C rich citrus fruit.

Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or fight off a sugar addiction, we’re here to help. Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
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So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!