Digestion is something we take for granted until it becomes a problem. Even then, digestion problems can be easily solved by combining the right foods. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these food duos are celebrated and known to boost digestive health when eaten together. Consuming meals containing the synergy of two or more ingredients provides better support for your gut and improves nutrient absorption throughout the body. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to some delicious and nutritious food duos that can help restore harmony to your digestive tract!
According to Ayurvedic medicine, here are 11 combos with surprising powers on digestive health.
1er combo: yogurt and cucumber.
A classic combination that has been eaten in India for centuries as a refreshing snack. Yogurt probiotics have long been known to have many health benefits by aiding digestion and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Cucumbers, on the other hand, contain antioxidants called flavonoids that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
2ᵉ combo: radish and coconut.
Likewise, these foods are a powerful duo that helps improve digestion thanks to the cleansing properties of both ingredients. Radishes can stimulate saliva production, which helps break down food more easily during digestion, while coconuts are packed with antimicrobial properties that help rid the intestines of toxins and parasites.
3ᵉ combo: yogurt and mung beans.
When eaten together, they both contain essential nutrients that can aid digestion. Since yogurt is rich in calcium and magnesium, it helps neutralize the acids present in the stomach; as for mung beans, they are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes the regularity of intestinal transit.
4ᵉ combo: ghee (clarified butter) and rice.
They form a nourishing pair; ghee contains healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, while rice provides soothing nourishment that aids digestion.
5ᵉ combo: fish and lemon juice.
Fish is naturally rich in healthy omega oils, while lemon provides vitamin C which aids iron absorption. Adding lemon juice to fish dishes can therefore optimize mineral absorption.
6ᵉ combo: spinach and eggs.
Spinach on its own is high in vitamins A and K, but pairing it with eggs increases the protein content, making for a more complete diet.
7ᵉ combo: olive oil and garlic.
Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties while garlic contains allicin which serves as an antimicrobial; by combining them, we obtain a powerful duo against infections and inflammations.
8ᵉ combo: black pepper and honey.
Honey is renowned for its healing properties, but when combined with black pepper can become even more effective as it stimulates the circulation of prana (life force) throughout the body. This facilitates digestive function.
9ᵉ combo: curd and chia seeds.
Curds offer probiotic benefits, but when consumed with chia seeds, the elimination of toxins is enhanced due to their detoxifying qualities.
10ᵉ combo: banana and almonds.
Almonds provide fatty acids that promote the elimination of toxins from the body, especially when eaten with bananas that provide natural sugars suitable for energy production during the detoxification process.
11ᵉ combo: apple cider vinegar and turmeric.
The combination of apple cider vinegar and turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, is a powerful source of energy to treat digestive problems such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, heartburn stomach and food sensitivities. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down proteins more efficiently, while the curcumin in turmeric helps reduce inflammation.
In nutrition, other foods are great for digestive health if combined.
Whole grains and legumes:
Whole grains and legumes are a great combination for digestive health because they both contain dietary fiber and plant-based protein. By adding these two foods to your meals, you are feeding your gut with essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Plus, the dietary fiber found in whole grains like oats and quinoa helps move things through the digestive tract to promote regularity and prevent constipation. Legumes, like beans, contain insoluble fiber that can help bulk up our stools to improve digestive function and help us feel full longer. Additionally, legumes are also great sources of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that play a vital role in gut health.
Acidic foods and alkaline foods:
Like citrus fruits with leafy greens or tomatoes with olive oil or broccoli. This balance of acidity and alkalinity is essential for good digestion, and combining acidic and alkaline foods can be a great way to maintain good digestive health.
Acidic foods create an ideal environment for enzymes to break down complex carbohydrates, while alkaline options neutralize acids in the body for a smoother digestive process. The combination of these two types of food helps to properly regulate stomach acidity, which is necessary for efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Therefore, this combination provides more powerful antioxidants than those consumed separately, making it an ideal duo to protect against oxidative stress, inflammation and other common digestive disorders.
Healthy fats and leafy green vegetables:
Like avocado and kale, this combination offers an abundance of fiber as well as key nutrients like vitamin C which helps our bodies absorb iron more efficiently into our cells; all the essential components to boost overall long-term digestive health! Plus, avocado contains healthy fats that help slow the digestion process, so you feel full longer between meals, which means less snacking throughout the day!
