Staying hydrated is essential for digestion and processing the food you eat. This article teaches you the best post-meal drinks to boost your digestive system.
What Should You Drink After a Meal to Aid Digestion?
You should take drinks that promote nutrient absorption, boost gut health, and help to prevent intestinal inflammation. Some of these drinks include:
● Water: Research indicates that warm water could aid gut bacteria
● Prune Juice: This beverage is full of fiber and can encourage bowel movements
● Herbal and Spiced Teas: The herbs and spices in the tea can lower inflammation and relieve symptoms of digestive distress
● Kombucha: This beverage is a source of many probiotics, and research indicated it could help with nutrient absorption
● Green Juice or Smoothies: These beverages have a high water and fiber content, which can help pass waste smoothly through your digestive system.
What Drinks Should You Avoid After A Meal?
While some drinks can promote digestion, others are clearly less beneficial. For instance, the gas in carbonated drinks can raise stomach acid levels, resulting in bloating and an uncomfortable desire to burp.
Research also reveals that consuming large volumes of alcohol could:
● Increase inflammation in your intestines
● Negatively impact your gut health
● Damage your digestive tract
If you’re lactose intolerant, drinking beverages containing cow’s milk could result in gastrointestinal distress and inflammation.
What Other Things Can You Do After Eating to Aid Digestion?
If a beverage isn’t enough and you still need help digesting your food, you can also try:
● taking a walk: light exercise and gravity can help food get through the digestive system.
● taking probiotics to boost gut health
● participating in activities that reduce your stress levels, such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, and getting acupuncture
● not lying down or going to sleep after eating, which can slow digestion.
● reducing alcohol consumption
● quitting smoking
● food journaling about any digestive issues and foods to avoid
For good digestion, it’s also beneficial to:
● eat a balanced diet loaded with fibrous, water-rich foods
● chew food thoroughly
● choose whole foods rather than ultra-processed options
● monitor the amount you eat and the times you eat
Conclusion
If you have a health condition that affects your digestive system, staying hydrated is a guaranteed way to help your digestion. Drinking warm water, green juices, and herbal teas after you eat can also reduce inflammation, aid absorption, and improve gut health.
If you keep having digestive issues even after lifestyle changes, consult your doctor so they can recommend dietitians and other specialists who could help you.
