List of Healthy and Easy to Digest Foods

Diet, as we all know, plays the most important role in helping to maintain a good health. A diet plan consisting of healthy foods will help to prevent obesity and also keep various gastrointestinal issues at bay. On the other hand, a diet that consists of unhealthy foods will result in weight gain and digestive issues. To maintain good digestive health, you should eat more of those foods that are easy to digest.

Your body finds it a lot easier to digest foods like vegetables, fruits, fish, grains, etc. People who suffer from digestive problems and those who have undergone a recent surgery are often advised to eat these foods. A diet that is rich in these foods will help to prevent irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and many other digestive problems. Below is a list of some foods that are very easy to digest.

Easily Digestible Vegetables

Your body finds it easier to digest thoroughly cooked vegetables when compared to the raw vegetables used in salads. Beans and pulses should always be steamed, germinated, or sprouted for quicker digestion. It is highly recommended to limit your consumption of beans, pulses and lentils since having them in excess can result in several digestive problems. You can boil or mash vegetables like yams and potatoes. Some of the best vegetables that are easily digestible include carrots, beans, lentils, peas, kale, yams, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Easily Digestible Fruits

Like vegetables, fruits are also easily digestible. The large amounts of fiber that fruits contain speed up the digestion process. Your body finds it much easier to digest fresh fruit juices than raw fruits. Some easily digestible fruits include avocados, apples, bananas, figs, plums, blueberries, strawberries papaya, pears, and watermelon.

Other Easily Digestible Foods

There are many sources of carbohydrates that are very easy to digest. Fermented foods are also known to be beneficial for your digestive system. Since fermented foods have different effects on different individuals, it is a healthy option to consult a dietician before consuming them. Some other foods that are easily digested by the body include boiled white or brown rice, whole grains, rice pasta, quinoa, rice crackers and cakes, toast, millet, oats, whole wheat bran, fish, soup, skinless and boneless chicken, yogurt, and porridge.

Any form of properly cooked rice is the easiest to digest. People who are suffering from various illnesses, elderly people, infants, and those who have undergone a surgery are often advised to eat properly cooked rice. Eating boiled form of chicken or fish is the fastest way to digest them.

Besides eating these easy to digest foods, you should also have knowledge about the foods that take a long time digest. Soy products, nuts, seeds, cake flour, super fine wheat products, what, milk, and rye are not at all easy to digest. Eating large amounts of these foods on a regular basis can cause constipation. Other foods and drinks that when consumed in excess lead to digestive issues include spicy foods, curry, tea, and coffee.

Along with making healthy dietary changes, you will need to make certain lifestyle adjustment.  A nice way to enhance digestion is to have frequent small meals instead of opting for two or three larger ones. You should also avoid lying down or sleeping immediately after having a meal. These healthy eating habits along with regular exercise will promote proper digestion.

Factors that Cause Stomach Bloating

A bloated stomach is an indication of an underlying medical condition. There are a number of causes for bloating and they vary from individual to individual. To treat this problem in an appropriate manner, it is very important to properly diagnose the underlying issue. A bloated stomach causes a lot of discomfort and might even cause weakness. It also makes you feel full even without eating much.

A bloated stomach is often an indication of some problem in the small intestine. Indigestion that causes the production of more gas than normal is the most common reason for bloating. Eating disorders can cause poor digestion and result in a bloated stomach.  Some of the major causes of a bloated stomach are discussed below.

Certain Food Items

There are some foods that can cause a bloated stomach. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, sprouts, garlic, and onions are known to cause bloating. A few dairy products and wheat may also lead to a bloated stomach. Consuming excess amounts of those foods that contain gluten also contributes to this problem. It is also recommended to avoid a diet that is very high in fiber. Although fiber intake is important for the body, you should not consume too much of it if you want to prevent bloating.

Flatulence

Flatulence is a very common problem, especially in people who spend a lot of time sitting at one place. To prevent flatulence, you should limit your consumption of cabbage, pulses, prunes, apples, and broccoli. This is because these foods can slow down the digestion while passing through the gut.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are more prone to bloating. IBS has an adverse effect on the functioning of the gut. Many IBS patients experience a bloated stomach in the evening or at night time. Avoiding cereal fibers like oats, whole bread, and muesli can help to control bloating.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Women often complain about experiencing fullness and bloating during their periods or during early part of pregnancy. This happens because of a rise in the levels of progesterone in the body during such times, which affects the mobility of food through the gut. Bloating and constipation are two of the most common symptoms of slow movement of food through the gut. To avoid this kind of problem, increase your fluid intake and eat more fiber-rich foods.

Overeating or Eating too Fast

Eating too fast and failing to swallow the food properly are among the main causes of a bloated stomach. Overeating, on the other hand, puts too much burden on the digestive system and leads to bloating.

Gastric Distention

Often a result of overeating, gastric distention leads to the creation of pockets of air inside the intestine. These pockets are a result of gas caused due to overeating.

Candida

Candia is yeast that leads to gas formation. It grows in the intestines and is more common in people who have problem with bowel movements. Consuming fast food contributes to the growth of yeast inside the body.

Constipation

Constipation is another common cause of a bloated stomach. Constipation causes fermentation of food inside the stomach and gives rise to gas, which then moves into the digestive tract and exerts a lot of pressure on the stomach.

Aerated Drinks

Fizzy drinks contain gas that can fill the stomach and cause distention. Consuming a lot of aerated drinks can cause bloating and might even lead to weight gain.

Foods to Achieve Higher Metabolic Rate

Metabolism is a process in which the foods that you eat get converted into energy. The bodies of people who have a higher metabolic rate are able to burn calories at a faster pace. The nutrients gained by the body after breaking down these calories are used by it for basic activities like breathing, digestion, and more.

To increase your metabolic rate, you should make smart food choice. A faster metabolic rate will help you to stay fit by burning extra fat and improving overall state of health. Since proteins and complex carbohydrates need more energy to break down and get absorbed, foods that are rich in both these are perfect to enhance metabolism.

Foods rich in protein and carbohydrates lead to less release of insulin in the bloodstream by spreading the release of caloric energy. Fats and sugars, on the other hand, provide you a temporary energy boost, followed by a periods of low energy. This increases your craving for sweets and fat products.

Listed below are some of the best foods to enhance metabolism.

Vegetables

We all know that vegetables are a very rich source of fiber and numerous vitamins and minerals. As a result of this, the breakdown and absorption of minerals takes much longer. This increases the metabolic rate by making your body spend increased amount of energy. Some vegetables that you can consume to enhance metabolism include radish, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip, spinach, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, cucumbers, fennel, leek, gourd, marrow, and lettuce.

Fruits

Fruits are easily the best source of dietary fiber. The natural sugar that fruits contain is much better than refined sugar. Some of the best fruits to enhance metabolism include blackberries, apples, apricots, damsons, blackcurrant, grapefruits, oranges, guavas, peaches, plums, strawberries, and raspberries.

Spicy Foods

Hot and spicy foods like chili peppers contain Capsaicin, which is a compound that generates plenty of heat, thereby helping to burn more calories after eating. Black pepper, chilies, and ginger are some other spices that contain similar compounds and produce similar effects. Studies have shown that having a spicy dish in your meal can temporarily boost your metabolic rate by about eight percent.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like wheat, oats and barley are effective for increasing metabolism. Whole grains contain abundant of protein and fiber, thereby making it difficult to break them down. This increases the amount of energy that the body spends on the breakdown and absorption of these foods, thereby boosting metabolism.

Ginger and Garlic

Ginger and garlic help to stimulate the fat burning mechanism of your body by increasing the body temperature. Moreover, they are also used as diuretics. Regular consumption of ginger and garlic will not only increase metabolism, but also help to strengthen the immune system.

Vinegar

The acid that vinegar contains slows down digestion of starch and maintains balanced insulin levels. This can reduce the blood sugar by approximately thirty percent, speed up metabolism, and also treat metabolic disorders.

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids have a direct effect on the level of leptin, which is a fat hormone that influences the amount of calories that are burnt and stored in the body as fats. People who have low leptin levels manage to burn more calories. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fats include tuna, salon, sardines, and lean white fish.

Healthy Diet Plan to Nourish Your Skin

The best way to have a clear skin and prevent skin problems like acne is to develop a habit of eating a healthy diet. Adopting a skin-friendly diet is a much better way of taking care of your skin than opting for various chemical based products available in the market. These products might contain components that harm your skin more than they heal. Some of the healthiest foods and drinks to obtain a youthful skin are listed below.

Water

Drinking sufficient water on a regular basis is essential to ensure that your skin stays hydrated. Water plays a very important part is supplying necessary nutrients and enough blood to the skin cells. Feeling fatigued, dry lips and dry palms commonly indicate that your body needs water. To keep your skin well-hydrated all through the day, you should drink water after every hour or so.

Fish

Fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your skin and overall health. These healthy fats help to protect the skin from the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun. Omega-3 fatty acids are also capable of reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables contain very high amounts of iron, omga-4 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin E. All of these protect your skin and also help to strengthen your immune system. Spinach is particularly beneficial for the skin as it contains folates and phytochemicals that promote skin hydration.

Orange Colored Vegetables

Orange colored vegetables contain high amounts of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a very powerful antioxidant and is effective in preventing the skin from becoming dry. It also protects your skin from pollutants and sun rays. Vegetables that are orange in color contain vitamin A and vitamin C. Both these vitamins can help to repair the body tissues. Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and red peppers are some of the best vegetables. To get more beta-carotene, you should cook these vegetables.

Fruits

Most fruits contain plenty of water, thereby helping to keep your skin hydrated. Fruits are also rich in antioxidants and contain good amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C. Another way in which fruits promote good skin health is by helping to boost the production of collagen. Pineapple, oranges, blueberries, mangoes, watermelon, and strawberries are excellent for skin health.

Eggs

Being rich in lutein and sulfur, eggs help to hydrate the skin and promote its elasticity. Eggs also contain high amounts of protein, which assists in cell regeneration. Eggs are so beneficial for the skin that they are used in a number of beauty products.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil contains very high amount of vitamin E and good fats. Topical application of olive oil will help to moisturize the skin externally whereas consuming it produces similar effect on the inside.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain all the essential nutrients. They are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin E. Nuts and seeds promote skin elasticity, hydrate the skin, protect from free radicals, and regenerate body cells.

Avocado

Avocado is a powerful source of monounsaturated fats, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Monounsaturated fats help to maintain skin elasticity by trapping moisture. You can either add avocados to salads or sandwiches or eat them with olive oil.

 

 

 

Tips to Increase Endorphin Secretion

Endorphins are chemicals released by the brain when you perform intense physical activity or during times of pain or distress. Also known as natural painkillers, endorphins develop positive feelings and improve the mood. The triggers and body’s response to the release of endorphins varies from individual to individual. The intensity at which a person feels the effects of these chemicals also varies. Some people might feel happy and energetic just ten minutes after an intense workout session, whereas others might take up to thirty minutes to experience the effects of endorphins. There are quite a few ways in which you can naturally increase endorphins secretion and improve your mental state. Some good ways to increase the secretion of endorphins are discussed below.

Laughter

Laughing is very important to facilitate the release of endorphins. Laughing is not only a stress buster, but it also develops a feeling of well-being and allows you to deal with problems in a better way. Smiling, giggling, and laughing are the best ways of feeling happy and positive.

Eat Dark Chocolates

The ability of chocolates to release endorphins and calm a person down makes it one of the best comfort food. Besides developing a feeling of well-being, dark chocolates help to lower high blood pressure, reduce the cravings for sugary foods, and improve heart health. However, it is recommended to have just a bite or two of this delicious food. Over-indulging won’t benefit you much and might even harm your health.

Consume Spicy Foods

Chili peppers and other spicy foods contain a component called capsaicin, which promotes secretion of endorphins. This active component binds the pain receptors in your mouth, thereby signaling the brain to increase the secretion of endorphins so as to protect the burning sensation that is caused after eating hot and spicy foods. However, you should consume hot and spicy foods in moderation.

Meditate

Meditating is one of the best ways of increasing the level of endorphins in the body. Meditation also helps you to achieve a peaceful state of mind. It relaxes the brain, lowers blood pressure, and calms the nerves. Meditating regularly is known to improve your mental alertness.

Exercise

Exercise not only promotes the release of these feel-good chemicals, but it also makes you look good. Exercising or performing intense physical activity is the best way of increasing the production of endorphins. Besides improving your mood, exercise is beneficial for the health of your cardiovascular system and improves blood circulation. Daily exercise routine is an excellent way to keep stress and depression at bay.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Yoga, massage therapies, aroma therapy, acupuncture, and certain other relaxation techniques help to secrete endorphins in the body. They are also known to be effective in increasing blood circulation and relieving pain. Acupuncture is particularly beneficial for releasing endorphins as it stimulates the meridian points of the nerves.

Get Exposure to Morning Sunlight

Being exposed to natural sunlight promotes the release of endorphins and makes you feel lively. One of the most beneficial ways to avail the mood enhancing benefits of sunlight is to catch the sun’s rays while playing your favorite outdoor sport. Early morning sunlight will also provide you with vitamin D and keep you healthy.

Listen to Music

Listening to the music of your choice facilitates the secretion of endorphins and also has a soothing effect on your mind and body. It is an easy way to ease stress, and instantly improve your mood.