Health Topics

Healthy Eating for the Digestive System

Eating more fiber, fruits and vegetables can help prevent digestive problems.


Healthy Eating for the Digestive System

Healthy Foods to Add to Your Diet

Our diets can contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals, can also be part of the problem. Many digestive problems can be prevented through lifestyle. Be sure to get adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Following are lists of healthy foods that may be incorporated into your diet. Some people with digestive system difficulties might find that they have problems after eating certain foods. Through a process of trial-and-error, you can find a variety of healthy foods to add to your diet.

Fruit

  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Canned fruits (canned in fruit juice or water)
  • Cantaloupe
  • Grapes
  • Honeydew melon
  • Kiwi
  • Mango
  • Nectarines
  • Papaya
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Prunes
  • Watermelon

Vegetables

  • Asparagus
  • Beans (green, kidney, lima, navy, soybeans, yellow)
  • Beets
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Kohlrabi
  • Leeks
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Peppers (green, red or yellow)
  • Potatoes
  • Radishes
  • Rutabagas
  • Sauerkraut
  • Scallions
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Tomatoes
  • Turnips
  • Vegetable juices
  • Zucchini

Meat/protein

  • Eggs
  • Dried peas, beans, and lentils
  • Fish
  • Lean meats
  • Nuts
  • Peanut butter
  • Poultry
  • Seeds
  • Tofu

Grain products

  • Multigrain breads, cereals and crackers
  • Rice (brown or wild)
  • Whole wheat pasta