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Digestive health is important. This complex system is responsible for breaking down the foods and liquids you put into your body, and transforming them into the chemical components that give you energy, absorb nutrients, and repair cells. This behind-the-scenes work your body does allows you to function to your fullest daily.

Not only does digestive health impact what’s happening on the inside, but it can also play a role in your overall well-being and mental health. When this system is in check, you can feel happier and healthier while avoiding common gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS.

But here’s the good news –you can improve your digestive health by paying more attention to what your body ingests. There are several foods that naturally support better digestion, and here are 8 of them for you to learn about and include in your daily diet.

Avocado

Not only are avocados a trendy food in today’s world, but they are also packed with essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and B6. Avocados are also naturally rich in fiber, which promotes better digestion and can help improve your digestive tract help and prevent constipation.

Avocado is known as a “good” or healthy fat –which means you should still eat them in moderation. If you’re not a fan of the texture or taste on top of toast, try mixing them in a smoothie where they will add a creamy texture, but the flavor will be masked when mixed with fruit, protein powder, or other ingredients.

Leafy greens, like kale or spinach

Like avocados, both spinach and kale are high in fiber. (And also work well in a smoothie!)

These leafy greens in particular contain a type of sugar that is believed to fuel the growth of healthy gut bacteria. They are also rich in antioxidants and can help the body remove unwanted toxins known as free radicals.

Spinach and kale can be consumed in many different ways –from a simple salad where you can add lean protein, fresh fruit, or nuts containing healthy fat –or you can get creative and juice them into a refreshing drink to boost your immune system and fuel you up when you’re on the go.

Probiotic yogurt

Certain types of yogurt contain friendly bacteria, otherwise known as probiotics, which keep your gut healthy by living in your digestive tract. You’ll notice many packages at the grocery store will mention this probiotic property, as it’s an easy food to add into your routine and begin to reap benefits from. What you’ll want to look for on the back of the label is the phrase “live active cultures” or scientifically speaking, "lactobacillus acidophilus" to ensure you’re grabbing the right kind of probiotic yogurt for you.

Lactobacillus acidophilus produces the enzyme lactase, which is also known to decrease bloating and other painful symptoms common in individuals who have IBS. This type of probiotic can help those with a dairy sensitivity eat and digest yogurt more easily.

Depending on how much fat and calories you want to consume, you can also shop different varieties from whole milk yogurt, to 2 percent milk fat to nonfat. It’s totally your preference which style you choose. Some favorite probiotic yogurt brands include Chobani, Fage, Noosa, and Siggi’s.

Whole grains

Whole grains are packed with fiber, and there are many of them out there for you to try and incorporate into your diet while promoting better digestion in your body. Humans have been eating whole grains for centuries, and these grains can bring health benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Whole grains like oats or quinoa add bulk to your stool through their rich fiber content and can reduce constipation, and they can also help add healthy bacteria into your gut. You can also find whole grains in popcorn, brown rice, wild rice, or whole rye bread. As you can see, there is no shortage of whole grain products you can add to your diet and learn to cook in a tasty, healthy way.

Kombucha

If you don’t have time to cook, try grabbing a bottle of kombucha, or fermented tea, next time you are out and about or on the go. Like yogurt, kombucha contains probiotic bacteria, to improve your digestive health in one flavorful drink.

This drink has become quite popular over the years as it’s best known for its tangy, bubbly qualities and variety of fruity flavors. It’s not universally loved, however, as the initial taste can sometimes come off like vinegar or too sour for some. If you can stick with it, though, kombucha can help with digestion, immunity, and balancing your blood sugar.

Eggs

Eggs can help regulate your bowel movements and when consumed in moderation, can help improve your overall gastrointestinal health. They are rich in protein and contain nutrients like iron, and vitamins like A, D, and E.

Eggs are also a great source of protein, can help your “good” cholesterol, and are generally affordable to keep in the house and enjoy in different ways. If you want to take it up a notch, go for the egg whites only, but you can’t go wrong with kicking it old school and starting your day sunny side up.

Salmon

Salmon is another great protein to help your overall gut health. It is an anti-inflammatory food free from additives, refined grains, or sugar. The omega 3 fatty acids are good for digestion and this oily, fatty fish is also rich in vitamins A and D.

If you are unable to eat salmon, you can digest an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, but it’s a tasty protein that can be baked, broiled or grilled and eaten as the main component of your meal or added to salads for an extra boost of protein.

Kimchi and sauerkraut

Both kimchi and sauerkraut are created from fermented shredded cabbage, and that process is what gives both of these foods probiotic properties –along the same lines as kombucha. Fermented vegetables promote the growth of good bacteria in your colon while the probiotics aid in overall digestion.

The longer kimchi ferments, the more of these qualities it’s known to have –and not to mention the flavor is fantastic. Kimchi is also rich in fiber which can help promote regular bowel movements. Sauerkraut contains enzymes which break down nutrients into smaller, more digestible pieces.

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