Connect with us

    Hi, what are you looking for?

    Food & Nutrition

    Best Nutritionist-Recommended Drinks For Better Digestion

    Image Source: Ginger Tea / Shutterstock

    Sometimes, it’s enjoyable to extend the evening after dinner with a comforting beverage in hand. Many of us might opt for another glass of wine, while those facing a long night may prefer a small cup of coffee. However, what truly matters is selecting a drink that aids digestion to help your meal settle more comfortably. Fortunately, there are numerous post-meal beverages available that promote digestion.

    To gain insights into which drinks can offer a boost to your digestive system, we consulted gut health nutritionist Amanda Sauceda, RD. Here’s her expert advice on the drinks you should consider.

    6 Post-Meal Drinks to Enhance Digestion

    Enjoy these beverages after dinner or any meal that was satisfying yet left you feeling overly full.

    1. Water

    The top beverage on our list is an essential one that is likely already in your kitchen. Your body requires water to break down food into its nutrient form and to soften stools, thereby preventing constipation, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. “It’s always my first choice,” Sauceda mentions. “If the taste feels too plain, I like to add a splash of juice for flavor without too much sugar.” Thankfully, there are many inventive ways to enhance your water. You might try infusing it with ingredients such as cucumbers, strawberries, or mint.

    2. Ginger Tea

    This warm and spicy tea ranks high on Sauceda’s list after indulging in a heavy meal. Ginger boasts over 400 beneficial compounds, including those with carminative properties that can relieve cramping, reflux, gas, bloating, and feelings of fullness, according to a study published in Food Science & Nutrition regarding ginger’s digestive effects.

    You’ll experience the greatest advantages from making your own ginger tea using fresh ginger root instead of tea bags, Sauceda advises. She suggests adding a one-inch piece of peeled ginger to eight ounces of water, bringing it to a boil, letting it simmer for 10 minutes, and then straining it before drinking.

    3. Peppermint Tea

    According to Sauceda, “Peppermint tea is commonly recommended for soothing an upset stomach.” Research indicates that most benefits arise from peppermint essential oil, which has been found to alleviate abdominal pain after eating, particularly among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

    However, if you are prone to heartburn after meals, it may be wise to avoid peppermint. “Mint can trigger acid reflux, making it unsuitable for those with heartburn or GERD,” cautions Sauceda. To prepare an after-dinner drink with peppermint, steep one to two tablespoons of fresh mint leaves in eight ounces of hot water for 10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Alternatively, peppermint essential oil capsules like IBGuard ($26.07, Amazon) can be taken before or after meals.

    4. Kombucha

    If you’re in the mood for something fizzy after dinner, kombucha is a splendid choice. “It’s a fermented tea beverage available in various flavors, serving as a delightful way to cleanse your palate while providing a boost of gut-friendly probiotics,” Sauceda states. Notable options include Health-Ade Kombucha ($39.95 for 12, Amazon) and Humm Probiotic Kombucha ($36 for 12, Amazon).

    A 2023 study published in Current Developments in Nutrition found that daily consumption of kombucha aided in alleviating short-term constipation in individuals with IBS. The carbonation might also help settle an uneasy stomach, although it could potentially trigger heartburn, so those with acid reflux or GERD should exercise caution.

    5. Kefir

    If you’re experiencing discomfort after a spicy dish, a dairy product can have a soothing effect. Drinking kefir—a fermented milk beverage akin to thin yogurt—might be beneficial, according to Sauceda. “I prefer kefir over regular milk due to its additional probiotic benefits and lower lactose content,” she explains. (This is great news for anyone dealing with lactose intolerance!) Kefir is available in both unsweetened and flavored varieties, but the plain option is often the best choice as it contains no added sugars.

    Consider trying Lifeway Unsweetened Kefir ($3.48, Walmart) or Maple Hill 100% Grassfed Organic Plain Kefir ($6.99, Instacart).

    6. Digestive Bitters

    Digestive bitters, which include components like artichoke leaf, licorice root, or wormwood, can enhance saliva and digestive juice production, support the transit of food through the digestive tract, and help maintain stable post-meal blood sugar, according to a 2021 review in Nutrients. “Adding a few drops to water is a time-honored remedy thought to aid digestion, which may benefit those experiencing gas or bloating after meals,” Sauceda recommends.

    We suggest Urban Moonshine Citrus Bitters ($27.99, Amazon) or St. Francis Herb Farm Digestive Bitters ($33.92, Amazon).

    So, the next time you’re considering what drink to enjoy after a satisfying meal, think about these six options that can assist your body in digesting your food more effectively.

    Image Source: Ginger Tea / Shutterstock

    You May Also Like

    Fitness

    I have always embraced physical activities with open arms. From my youth spent sprinting across diverse terrains and city streets to eventually penning a...

    Well-being

    When Allie Wilson earned her place on the Olympic team, she attributed her achievement not only to her athletic abilities but also to her...

    Fitness

    stopping this practice could lead to a resurgence of discomfort. While evidence suggests that maintaining physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing relapses,...

    Fitness

    commonly activated. Start standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a wide step to the right, lowering your body into a squat while...