When it comes to eating, it's not just about what's nutritious, but also what's easy to digest. Some foods can be difficult for the body to break down, leading to stomach discomfort, indigestion, and even gastroenterology problems. To help you make the best food choices for your health, here is a list of the 10 hardest foods to digest and how they can cause problems.
Fried and fatty foods
are not only unhealthy, but they are also difficult for the body to digest.These types of foods are high in fat and can cause diarrhea. They are also high in fiber and acidic, which can cause stomach discomfort for some people. If you have an appointment or are trying to get some sleep, it's best to avoid fried fish or chips and opt for something cleaner, such as fresh produce.
Coffee
is quite acidic and can cause indigestion if the stomach produces too much acid.Other acidic foods include red or processed meat and refined grains. If you're looking for something with a kick, try herbal tea instead.
Raw vegetables
are great for your health, but they can be difficult to digest. If you're having trouble digesting them, start small with lentils, chickpeas, or fermented beans like tempeh or tofu.As your body gets used to eating beans more regularly, these side effects should go away unless you need a low-FODMAP diet.
Toast
is easier to digest than bread because the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates. Toast can help reduce nausea and heartburn, but not all toast is the same. If you have trouble digesting whole wheat toast, try it without butter first.For more flavor, choose fruit jellies instead of spread creams like nut butter.
Processed foods
are high in sodium and can be difficult to digest. The American Heart Association recommends a maximum intake of 1500 mg of sodium per day for most adults. If you can't completely avoid processed foods, combine them with lean protein or some other food that digests slowly to increase their nutritional value and reduce stomach problems.Spicy foods and large amounts of chili pepper in food can cause abdominal discomfort and acid reflux. If you're looking for something flavorful without the heat, try herbs like basil or oregano instead. Making smart food choices is important for your health in terms of nutritional value as well as digestion. Foods that are easiest to digest include toast, white rice, bananas, eggs, chicken, salmon, jelly, applesauce, and oatmeal.
By avoiding the 10 hardest foods to digest and opting for these easier-to-digest options instead, you can help keep your stomach healthy and happy.