We can all agree that there’s nothing fun about struggling with digestive issues. They’re not only uncomfortable, but they can also be unpredictable and embarrassing. There are many ways to improve digestion – but the most reliable way is to eat nutritious foods that agree with your system. Unfortunately, not all foods are easy to digest – especially heavily processed foods. When those digestive blocks do pop up, it’s important to ensure that your body doesn’t have to work harder to keep things moving. Here are ten foods that are easy-to-digest and will give your gastrointestinal tract a break when necessary.

Instant oatmeal

Do you love oatmeal but have a tough time digesting steel-cut oats? Give instant oatmeal a try. Oats are one of the most nutritious grains in the world. They’re naturally gluten-free, and they contain more protein than other grains. They also contain high amounts of important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B1, manganese, zinc, and iron. Instant oatmeal is the easiest type of oat to digest – and you can get creative with toppings to mix up the flavor.

Soups and broths

On a cold day, soups and broth are so warming. However, broth is also loaded with nutrients and is extremely soothing to the body. That’s one reason that bowl of chicken noodle soup was grandma’s standby for childhood tummy troubles. In addition, letting ingredients in soups and broths soak and cook makes them softer and easier to digest.

Applesauce

Applesauce is far more than a convenient way to preserve your favorite fruit. It’s a nutritious and versatile treat that is easier to digest than a raw apple. Cooking breaks down fiber, which helps it move more easily through the digestive tract. The soluble fiber in applesauce is called pectin, which also acts as a prebiotic and feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Plain applesauce is also low in calories and fat.

Ripe bananas

No matter what color they are – green yellow or brown – bananas contain many essential nutrients, such as potassium, Vitamin B6, manganese, and even Vitamin C. However, if you need the best banana for your gut, a very ripe banana is the easiest to digest. If the texture is an issue, there are ways to make very ripe bananas taste delicious, like using them in your favorite smoothie, Matcha Nice Cream, or mixed into oatmeal.

White rice

Most of the time, brown rice gets all of the credit for being the more beneficial rice. However, there are some perks to white rice. It’s low in fiber and very easy to digest, making it a good option when you need something easy on the stomach. It’s bland too, which makes it a good choice if you’re struggling with nausea. Although it doesn’t have the same nutritional profile as brown rice, white rice still has its place and is fine in moderation.

Sweet potatoes

Like applesauce, sweet potatoes are a good source of soluble fiber that helps increase good gut bacteria. They’re also a good source of potassium – a nutrient you might be missing if you experience digestive issues frequently. Sweet potatoes are also high in Vitamin A and antioxidants.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin spice fans rejoice – pumpkin is easy to digest! Since pumpkin is fiber-rich, it slows down digestion and helps to keep you fuller longer. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that support healthy eyesight. Another pumpkin perk is that it’s low in calories. The key is to make a pumpkin treat that isn’t loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, like the Teami version of the pumpkin spice latte or our favorite pumpkin soup.

Avocado

Avocados are a superfood that we love around here! These versatile fruits do a lot more than make a great face mask or a mouth-watering bowl of guacamole. Avocados are an incredible source of healthy fats, contain more potassium than bananas, and are a source of folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, magnesium, and more! And according to the Cedars-Sinai healthcare organization, avocado actually helps your body better absorb fat-soluble nutrients so they get where they need to go in your body.

Eggs

Eggs have so many benefits – they’re affordable, easy to cook, go with just about everything, are loaded with nutrients, and are easy to digest. They contain all nine of the essential amino acids humans need: leucine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, and valine. “Essential” means that people must consume them through their diet because they aren’t made by the body. Eggs are also one of the best things to eat before a workout.

Watermelon

When you think of watermelon, you probably think about a refreshing summer treat. However, watermelon is not just going to look cute as a side dish at your picnic table. It’s incredibly hydrating (it’s made of more than 90% water) and packed full of nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Watermelon is also a source of prebiotics!

Keeping your digestive tract running smoothly depends on many factors. This includes not only staying hydrated but ensuring you’re eating foods that are easy to digest. If you really want to give your gut some extra love, you can do it with Teami Gut Love, a combination prebiotic and probiotic powder that contains seven different strains and 20 billion probiotics. Another option to restore gut balance is the Teami 30-Day Detox Pack!

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