What is easily digestible food

Foods low in fiber tend to be easy to digest so choosing the following foods may help you feel better. White rice is well-known for being an easy to digest food. It is low in fat and fiber, making it easy on the stomach. Many athletes prefer white rice instead of brown rice because it is not associated with any gastrointestinal issues.

To digest white rice even more easily, eat it alone or pair with other foods that are low in fat. Some foods that are high in fat, such as vegetable oils, take longer to digest and may cause discomfort. Opting for fortified white rice may provide more vitamins and minerals. Ripe bananas are a great fruit that is easy to digest for many people.

While some fruits are high in fiber, bananas only contain a moderate amount of fiber. Bananas are also associated with improvements in both constipation and diarrhea, so people with a variety of digestive issues may experience relief when incorporating bananas into their diets.

Per the USDA , 1 medium raw banana contains the following:. Cooking bananas makes them even easier to digest since cooking food can make some nutrients more available for absorption. Make sure your bananas are ripe enough for consumption as unripe bananas will be more difficult to digest. Cooked potatoes of all varieties are examples of easy to digest foods. Sweet potatoes are especially gentle on the digestive tract because they are mostly made up of insoluble fiber , which speeds up digestion and promotes regularity.

According to the USDA , 1 medium sweet potato that is cooked and peeled may provide:. To make potatoes even easier to digest, remove the skins and mash the inside of the potatoes. Removing the potato skins decreases the fiber content, and mashing them up makes digestion easier. Soft foods like applesauce are recommended for some conditions like gastroparesis. Applesauce is a great source of vitamin C. According to the USDA , a 4-ounce serving of applesauce contains:. Despite being made from apples, applesauce is low in fiber.

Canned, cooked, or processed fruits tend to be lower in fiber and therefore easier to digest. Like ripe bananas, applesauce may help relieve both constipation and diarrhea. It is a go-to food to calm a variety of stomach-related ailments. Like white rice, plain white bread is easier to digest than breads made with whole grains like wheat bread. This is because white bread is lower in fiber than other baked goods.

Since white bread is a pantry staple in many households, you likely already have this food in your kitchen. Pair with low-fat toppings for an easy-to-digest sandwich for lunch or dinner, or try plain toast for breakfast. Per the USDA , 2 slices of plain white bread may provide:. In addition to being easy on the stomach, white bread is usually fortified with nutrients including folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin D3, and more.

Many eating patterns allow for yogurt as a healthy breakfast or snack. Yogurt is associated with gastrointestinal health, weight management, and nutrient density. According to the USDA , 1 cup of plain yogurt made from whole milk contains the following:.

In addition to fiber, certain cooking methods, like frying, may upset your stomach. Carbonation and caffeine, as well as excessively spicy foods, may cause issues as well. Most fresh fruits contain a hefty amount of fiber, especially if they have the skins or seeds. Examples of fruits that are easier to digest include bananas and avocados. Fruits to avoid include:. Stay away from any fruit or vegetable juices that contain pulp. Tomatoes and citrus fruits may cause issues specifically for people with GERD.

Raw vegetables should be avoided as they contain much more intact fiber than cooked or canned. In addition, you may want to avoid:. Some people may want to skip sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles as well. These beneficial bacteria predigest food and help you better absorb the nutrients.

Check labels carefully on commercial products to ensure the food does indeed contain probiotics and other beneficial bacteria and does not contain too much added salt or sugar. Beans, chunky peanut butter, and whole nuts are other protein sources that may give you some trouble going through your digestive system. Most refined grains are easily digestible. That means that whole-grain breads, rolls, and bagels are not necessarily good choices.

Look out for grain products that contain raisins, nuts, and seeds, such as multigrain crackers. Also avoid cereals that contain nuts, dried fruits, and bran.

While people who are lactose intolerant may want to avoid most dairy products, they may tolerate yogurt or kefir. The healthy bacteria in these foods help to break down the lactose sugar, making them easier to digest. Also, avoid any dairy products that are mixed with fresh fruit, seeds, nuts, or artificial sweeteners.

Before you cut out all potentially hard-to-digest foods, you may find it helpful to keep a food diary. That way, you can identify and avoid foods that cause gas, bloating, stomach pain, or other discomfort.

You can also provide this information to your doctor to help diagnose and treat any medical issues you may have. How long does it take to digest food? Find out all you need to know about digestion. Digestion problems can be uncomfortable and can disrupt your daily activities. Learn about common digestion problems such as food intolerances…. But how does your body process it? We explain the process and how to up your protein absorption.

The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. Choose plain drinks. Hydration is important, but you want to be careful when you choose what to drink. For some, carbonation or caffeine or both can be irritating. For others, the sugars in sweetened drinks are problematic. So start with water or an herbal tea and then slowly and in small quantities introduce other beverages. Skip alcohol altogether, as well as juices with pulp.

Skip spices, at least temporarily. We're talking about the hot ones that can sometimes cause heartburn or indigestion. Go slow with dairy. Even if you aren't lactose-intolerant, after a bout of GI illness, some people experience a temporary lactose intolerance. Don't worry—your ability to digest dairy should bounce back within a few days or weeks. Reintroduce it slowly and choose lower-lactose dairy products like Cheddar and yogurt. Consider a probiotic.

Broth-based soups and smoothies can be good for a sensitive stomach and help you stay hydrated at the same time. Try a fruit smoothie made with almond milk, or chicken soup made with white rice or pasta.

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