Do you feel like your digestive system is sometimes slow and takes too long to digest your meals? You are not alone; this is a common problem for many people, and poor digestion can lead to issues like constipation, gas, stomach pain, and uncomfortable bowel movements. Your body will not even be able to absorb nutrients properly, and it can also lead to poor gut health.
However, the good news is that multiple science-backed research has proven that there are effective drinks that can aid digestion after a meal, and that is what we will be discussing in this guide. So, to get your digestive system back on track, keep reading to explore the best drinks that can aid digestion after a meal.
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Drinks That Can Aid Digestion After a Meal
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the most popular and effective drinks for digestion is apple cider vinegar. It is made from fermented apples and has a small amount of gut health bacteria. The best part of this drink is that it is very high in acidity and can quickly break down food in the stomach by adding more acid to your stomach acid.
Apple cider vinegar may be especially beneficial after eating carb-dense meals. However, because of its high acidity, it can cause heartburn, so it is not suitable for people suffering from stomach ulcers.
Herbal and Spiced Tea
For many centuries, herbal teas and spices have been brewed to aid in the treatment of nausea, constipation, and indigestion because they contain certain ingredients that can help break down food and prevent gastrointestinal problems. Such ingredients and teas include:
- Curcumin in tumeric tea.
- Menthol in peppermint tea.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis tea.
- Phenolic and terpene compounds in ginger tea.
These active ingredients can relieve constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, stomach pain, intestinal problems, etc. The teas are also rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some other herbal teas include black tea, gentian root tea, fennel tea, dandelion tea, angelic root tea, senna tea, and marshmallow root tea.
Kombucha
Kombucha is also a fermented tea loaded with probiotics; it is made from fermenting yeast and bacteria, and probiotics are known as healthy live bacteria that can make the gut run smoothly.
Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce gut transit time, so things will take less time to pass through your digestive system. They can also decrease bloating and increase stool frequency. So kombucha is definitely one of the most effective drinks that can aid digestion after a meal, and it can also reduce blood sugar and boost the immune system.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is made by mixing aloe vera gel with water. The plant is succulent and contains 99% water, but it doesn’t taste very nice. However, it is highly effective for lubricating the digestive system to relieve constipation, ease digestion, and ease some IBS symptoms. The plant has also been used as a topical treatment for some skin conditions and burns.
Smoothies
Smoothies are made by pureering ingredients like fruits, milk, yoghurt, and spice in a blender. It contains a lot of fibre, which is good for the body. The body does not digest dietary fibre, so it goes through the digestive system and aids the movement of food particles to make digestion faster. Fibre constitutes the bulk of the stool and increases its softness; also, smoothies can keep you fuller for longer.
All these amazing qualities make smoothies one of the perfect drinks for digestion. Some fruits that are very good for making smoothies include pears, apples, oranges, mangoes, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, green peas, carrots, broccoli, etc.
Chia Seed Tonic
This tonic is similar to smoothies; when used with the right ingredients, they can deliver soluble and insoluble fibre, which keeps the digestive tract healthy. Chia seeds are very high in fibre; one tablespoon can give you at least 4 grams of fibre, making up 45% of the recommended daily amount. To make this tonic, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in a glass of water, stir it, and let it sit for some minutes before drinking it.
Water
This is the last and the best of all the drinks for digestion; water is common, and we all drink it every day, so it might not come to your mind when considering drinks for digestion, but it is vital. If you do not take enough water, you will easily experience digestive issues and constipation.
Your body needs water to function, so stay hydrated, especially after a meal. The recommended daily water intake is between 2500ml to 3000ml. It would also be best to take warm water for faster meal digestion.
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Whether your digestive system is naturally slow or you have a health condition that affects it, these 7 drinks that can aid digestion after a meal are very effective and good for your health. They can reduce inflammation, aid in the absorption of nutrients, and improve gut health.
However, if you consistently take these drinks and you still experience digestive problems, then talk to a doctor so you can be sure you don’t have a severe health condition. You can also see a dietician or nutritionist to get additional help.
