I hate to lie. HATE it! But, a month ago, while having dinner with some new friends, I told a little white lie. I said that I had to rush home because my babysitter called and my kid was sick. The truth? My stomach was erupting like Mt. Vesuvius, and I knew that the Imodium I popped would only last me until I got home before another emergency run to the bathroom. Stomach trouble is a double-whammy of pain and embarrassment. So I decided I would finally take the plunge! After days of researching foods to battle gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation… I came up with this list of “golden foods”… foods that promise to keep you regular and your tummy happy. And guess what? After just a few days, I felt much better. And now, a month later, I am a whole new person. No more Imodium. No more emergency runs to the bathroom. And no more lies when out with friends! After I shared this list in a Facebook group that I’m in, and it worked for tons of people there too, I realized this list was too good to keep to myself. So here it is! Share it around and spread the love!
Brown Rice
Why brown rice and not white rice? Because of the fiber, which is fantastic for your digestive system. It also helps to speed up the the removal of toxins from your gut. If you have constipation or hemorrhoid issues, brown rice is a must try!
Kiwi
So I just told you that fiber is a good thing. And lots of fruits are actually high in fiber. However, a lot of them also are filled with sugar, which makes your gut produce gas. Not kiwi though! Kiwi is both high in fiber and low in sugar… plus, it is delicious, so that makes it a total win!
Beans
Beans, beans good for your heart… the more you eat, the more you f*rt… WRONG! The bad rep that beans got has been debunked. In fact, beans can actually help you to stay regular because they are a great source of fiber. Still worried about gas? Try soaking the beans overnight before cooking them. And special bonus tip – my family’s favorite way to eat beans is in black bean tacos! SO good, trust me!
Almonds
Almonds have high levels of magnesium, which helps to neutralize stomach acid while encouraging stool to move through your digestive tract. You don’t even have to add much to your diet to see a big change. Just one ounce (a small handful) give you 25% of your daily needs!
Yogurt
As long as you aren’t lactose intolerant, yogurt can work wonders. The probiotics (or healthy bacteria) found in yogurt helps to replenish the regular bacteria and flora that live in your gastroinstestinal tract.
Oranges
Oranges are known as the triple threat! Why? 1. Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C, which keeps your stool soft. 2. Oranges contain naringenin, which is a flavanoid that has a laxative effect. 3. Oranges are right in fiber, which helps to push stool through your digestive tract.
Spinach
Popeye must have been incredibly regular! Spinach increases your stool’s bulk, so that it passes through your digestive system more easily. This will keep your bowels healthy, and help to ward off Diverticulitis and Hemorrhoids.
Prunes
Prunes are a great add-in for salads. Or just eat them whole as a snack. Or even just drink prune juice! Prunes are high in fiber, plus prune juice is high in sorbitol which makes it have a laxative effect.
Sauerkraut
You may be thinking, “Sauerkraut??? Really??? A condiment that goes on hot dogs can help fix my tummy troubles?!?!” Yes!!! Sauerkraut is a fermented food, which is full of good bacteria (like probiotics found in yogurt).
Popcorn
Craving a salty snack? Grab some plain popcorn. Three cups of popcorn (air-popped… not the kind soaked in butter!) have just 90 calories and are packed with 3 grams of fiber!
Water
Nothing helps to flush out your system more than water. If you don’t drink enough water, your digestive system will actually slow down. This makes your stool harder and leads to constipation. So definitely increase the amount of water that you drink. BONUS TIP – I find that I can drink much more water when it is infused with fruit. I highly recommend this fruit-infusing water bottle, because it’s one of the only ones made out of glass rather than plastic.
Salmon
Salmon is brain food, right? Yes, but the omega-3 fatty acids are also fantastic for your digestive health. Just make sure that you buy wild Alaskan salmon, and steer clear of the farm-raised fish that aren’t nearly as good for you.
Zucchini
Not only does zucchini keep your digestive tract healthy, it also removes toxins from your body. Zucchini helps to remove carcinogenic toxins from your colon and it even cleans the walls of your intestines.
Raspberries
Raspberries are the berry of choice! They have double the amount of fiber found in strawberries. Plus, it is easy to incorporate raspberries into your diet. Sprinkle a handful on top of yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, or even just grab a handful for a mid-afternoon “pick me up.”
Coffee
Ever notice that you go to the bathroom shortly after drinking your daily cup of Joe? It isn’t a coincidence! A study found that around 30% of people go to the bathroom after drinking coffee (either decaf or regular). Scientists believe the acidity of coffee (specifically the chlorogenic acid that makes coffee taste bitter) is what makes your digestive system start moving.
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