Try these "digestive friendly" foods to keep your gut in check

When it comes to food, some of my readers have a love/hate relationship.

If you have issues with digestion, like indigestion, bloating, nausea, or pain, there are probably foods you try to avoid.

They're your "triggers."

But the problem is, digestion is so complex, what's a trigger for one person can be just fine for another.

Sometimes, a food that's no issue for you one day is a nightmare the next.

So frustrating.

The good news is, there are certain foods that are typically soothing, and beneficial for more people than most.

They're "digestive friendly." And if you're dealing with gut concerns, it makes sense to try to work them into your diet whenever you can.

Things like ginger. Now, ginger is more of a spice than a food. But it brings great flavor, and a soothing way to reduce bloating, whether you use powder or fresh, or enjoy it in foods or as a tea.

Unsaturated fats like olive oil are also good at helping avoid occasional constipation, and they also help your body absorb vitamins. A nice double-bonus.

Fruits like apples, oranges and bananas contain beneficial vitamins and minerals that aid digestion, like vitamin C and potassium.

Or consider foods that contain probiotics. Fermented foods, like low-sugar yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut or kombucha deliver beneficial bacteria, and have been used around the world to aid digestion and other benefits.

Finally, our good friend leafy green vegetables are also gut friendly, packed with nutrients that help feed your gut bacteria, and promote sound digestion.

One such nutrient is called sulfoquinovose. Quite a mouthful, but if your gut could make a request, it would be to get more of this nutrient, especially from green veggies.

Now, no matter what you eat, it's always best to slow down.

Chew your food slowly, and stop when you're full. Or try to eat several small meals instead of one large one.

And don't forget water. It not only will help you digest what you do eat, if you start your meal with a tall glass of clean water, you'll end up eating less in the end.

Which will typically make you feel less bloated, more comfortable, and more regular.