What are the foods that are most difficult for the human body to digest. How can certain foods impact digestive health and overall wellbeing. Which dietary choices may lead to digestive discomfort or issues.

The Complex Relationship Between Food and Digestion

Our digestive system plays a crucial role in our overall health and wellbeing. The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of bacteria, is responsible not only for breaking down the food we eat, but also for influencing inflammation levels, immunity, and even body weight. Poor dietary choices can lead to a range of digestive issues, from mild discomfort to more serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Understanding which foods are harder for our bodies to process can help us make informed decisions about our diet and potentially avoid digestive distress. Let’s explore some of the most challenging foods for our digestive system to handle.

Carbohydrate-Rich Foods and Their Impact on Digestion

Carbohydrate-dense foods can be particularly challenging for our digestive system, especially when consumed in large quantities. These foods can lead to increased inflammation and potentially transform the gut microbiome in ways that may be detrimental to our health.

Why are carb-rich foods so difficult to digest? The answer lies in their complex molecular structure. Our bodies need to break down these large molecules into simpler sugars, a process that can be time-consuming and energy-intensive for our digestive system.

Examples of Carb-Dense Foods to Consume in Moderation:

• White bread and pasta
• Sugary cereals
• Cookies and cakes
• Sweetened beverages

While carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, opting for complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can be easier on your digestive system and provide more nutritional benefits.

The Digestive Challenges Posed by High-Fat Foods

Foods high in fat content are notoriously difficult for our bodies to break down. The digestive system requires more time and effort to process fats compared to carbohydrates or proteins. This can lead to a range of digestive issues, including diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort.

High-fat foods can also exacerbate conditions like acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This can result in heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms.

High-Fat Foods That May Cause Digestive Distress:

• Fried foods
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Creamy sauces and dressings
• Butter and full-fat dairy products
• Rich desserts

To minimize digestive issues, consider opting for leaner protein sources, baked or grilled foods instead of fried, and lighter sauces based on vegetables or herbs rather than cream or butter.

The Double-Edged Sword of Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet, promoting regular bowel movements and supporting overall digestive health. However, rapidly increasing fiber intake can lead to digestive discomfort, gas, and bloating.

Why does this happen? Our digestive system needs time to adjust to higher levels of fiber. The bacteria in our gut that help break down fiber need to proliferate to handle the increased load. This adjustment period can cause temporary digestive issues.

Fiber-Rich Foods to Introduce Gradually:

• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
• Nuts and seeds

To avoid digestive distress, increase your fiber intake slowly over several weeks. This gives your digestive system time to adapt. Also, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, as fiber absorbs water in the digestive tract.

The Digestive Challenges of Dairy Products

Dairy products can be particularly problematic for many people’s digestive systems. Lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest the sugar (lactose) in milk, affects a significant portion of the global population.

When lactose-intolerant individuals consume dairy, they may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms occur because the body lacks sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose.

Common Dairy Products That May Cause Digestive Issues:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Yogurt
• Butter

If you suspect you might be lactose intolerant, consider trying lactose-free dairy products or plant-based alternatives. You could also try taking lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy.

The Impact of Acidic Foods on Digestion

Acidic foods can be challenging for some people’s digestive systems, particularly those prone to acid reflux or heartburn. These foods can irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach, leading to discomfort and indigestion.

Citrus fruits, while nutritious, are high in acid content and can be especially problematic. They may cause an upset stomach in some individuals, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach.

Acidic Foods to Consume with Caution:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
• Tomatoes and tomato-based products
• Vinegar
• Coffee
• Carbonated beverages

If you find that acidic foods trigger digestive discomfort, try consuming them in smaller quantities or alongside other foods to buffer their acidity. Alternatively, you might opt for less acidic fruits like bananas or melons.

The Digestive Impact of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, while popular among those trying to reduce calorie intake, can cause significant digestive issues for some people. Sweeteners like sorbitol, which is commonly used in sugar-free gum and candies, can lead to cramping and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that consuming 50 grams or more of sorbitol daily can cause diarrhea. However, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort with much smaller amounts.

Products Often Containing Artificial Sweeteners:

• Sugar-free gum
• Diet sodas
• Low-calorie desserts
• Some processed foods labeled as “sugar-free” or “no added sugar”

If you find that artificial sweeteners cause digestive issues, consider reducing your intake or opting for natural sweeteners in moderation. Always check food labels to identify products containing artificial sweeteners.

Spicy Foods and Their Effect on Digestion

Spicy foods can be a delightful addition to our meals, but they can also pose challenges to our digestive system. The compound capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines in some individuals.

This irritation can lead to various digestive symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, and even diarrhea in some cases. Additionally, spicy foods may exacerbate symptoms in people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Spicy Foods That May Cause Digestive Discomfort:

• Hot peppers (jalapenos, habaneros, ghost peppers)
• Spicy curries
• Hot sauces
• Dishes seasoned with cayenne or red pepper flakes

If you enjoy spicy foods but find they cause digestive issues, try reducing the amount of spice in your dishes or consuming them alongside foods that can help neutralize the heat, such as dairy products (if you’re not lactose intolerant) or starchy foods.

The Digestive Challenges of Processed Foods

Processed foods, while often convenient, can be particularly challenging for our digestive systems. These foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, all of which can contribute to digestive discomfort and long-term health issues.

Many processed foods are also low in fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. The lack of fiber can lead to constipation and other digestive problems. Additionally, the high salt content in many processed foods can lead to water retention and bloating.

Common Processed Foods to Limit in Your Diet:

• Fast food
• Packaged snacks (chips, crackers)
• Frozen dinners
• Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausages)
• Sugary breakfast cereals

To improve digestive health, try to minimize your intake of processed foods and opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives whenever possible. This might include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats from sources like nuts and avocados.

Alcohol and Its Impact on Digestive Health

While not a food per se, alcohol deserves mention due to its significant impact on digestive health. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation and increased acid production. This can result in various digestive issues, including heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract over time, potentially leading to more serious health issues. Alcohol can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients and disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Ways Alcohol Can Affect Digestion:

• Increases acid production in the stomach
• Irritates the lining of the digestive tract
• Interferes with nutrient absorption
• Disrupts gut bacteria balance
• Can lead to inflammation in the digestive system

If you choose to consume alcohol, do so in moderation. The CDC defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and help mitigate some of the negative effects on digestion.

Navigating Food Intolerances and Allergies

While certain foods are generally harder to digest, individual responses to different foods can vary greatly. Food intolerances and allergies can make otherwise healthy foods challenging or even dangerous for some people to consume.

Common food intolerances include lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting dairy) and gluten sensitivity (adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and some other grains). Food allergies, on the other hand, involve an immune system response and can be more severe, potentially leading to anaphylaxis in some cases.

Common Food Allergens:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat

If you suspect you have a food intolerance or allergy, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose the issue and provide guidance on managing your diet to avoid problematic foods while ensuring you still get all necessary nutrients.

Strategies for Improving Digestive Health

While avoiding hard-to-digest foods can help alleviate digestive discomfort, there are also proactive steps you can take to support your digestive health. Implementing these strategies can help improve your overall digestive function and potentially reduce issues with hard-to-digest foods.

Tips for Better Digestion:

1. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
3. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
4. Exercise regularly to promote healthy digestion
5. Manage stress through techniques like meditation or deep breathing
6. Get enough sleep to allow your body time to repair and regenerate
7. Consider keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods

Remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique. What works well for one person may not work for another. It’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your diet and lifestyle accordingly. If you continue to experience persistent digestive issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

By being mindful of hard-to-digest foods and implementing strategies to support digestive health, you can work towards a happier, healthier gut. This, in turn, can contribute to improved overall health and wellbeing, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without discomfort.

The Absolute Worst Foods for Digestion

Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on August 30, 2021

They’re high in fat and can bring on diarrhea. Rich sauces, fatty cuts of meat, and buttery or creamy desserts can cause problems, too.

Choose roasted or baked foods and light sauces that feature vegetables instead of butter or cream.

Because they’re high in fiber and they are acidic, they can give some folks an upset stomach. Go easy on oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits if your belly doesn’t feel right.

Chew too much sugar-free gum made with sorbitol and you might get cramps and diarrhea. Food made with this artificial sweetener can cause the same problems.

The FDA warns that you might get diarrhea if you eat 50 or more grams a day of sorbitol, though even much lower amounts reportedly cause trouble for some people.

Foods high in this healthy carb, like whole grains and vegetables, are good for digestion. But if you start eating lots of them, your digestive system may have trouble adjusting. The result: gas and bloating. So step up the amount of fiber you eat gradually.

They’re loaded with healthy protein and fiber, but they also have hard-to-digest sugars that cause gas and cramping. Your body doesn’t have enzymes that can break them down. Bacteria in your gut do the work instead, giving off gas in the process.

Try this tip to get rid of some of the troublesome sugars: Soak dried beans for at least 4 hours and pour off the water before cooking.

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, have the same sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. It will be easier on your stomach if you cook them instead of eating raw.

Foods sweetened with this — including sodas, candy, fruit juice, and pastries — are hard for some people to digest. That can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps.

Some people get indigestion or heartburn after eating them, especially when it’s a large meal.

Studies suggest the hot ingredient in chili peppers, called capsaicin, may be a culprit.

If they trigger diarrhea, bloating, and gas, you may be “lactose intolerant.” It means you don’t have an enzyme that digests a sugar in milk and other forms of dairy. 

Avoid those foods or try an over-the-counter drop or pill that has the missing enzyme.

It can relax the muscle at the top of the stomach, which lets food move back into your esophagus. That can cause heartburn. Other culprits include chocolate or coffee.

Experts say you can lower the pressure that pushes the food back up if you lose extra weight, eat smaller portions, and don’t lie down after eating.

Also, learn what foods give you problems, so you can avoid them.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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(9)     DEX IMAGE
(10)   Jupiterimages/Comstock
 

REFERENCES:

American College of Gastroenterology
American Geriatric Society Foundation for Health in Aging
Choi, Y. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, March 2008.
Fernandez-Banares, F. Current Gastroenterology Reports, October 2009.
Grabitske, H.A. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2009.
Harvard Health Publications
Joanne Slavin, PhD, department of food science and nutrition, University of Minnesota.
Joel Richter, MD, professor of gastroenterology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
King, C. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Nov. 21, 2003.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Rodriguez-Stanley, S. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, January 2000.
Science Daily
Suarez, F.L. Current Gastroenterology Reports, October 2000.

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13 Foods That Are Hard To Digest

By Nikita Banerjee +2
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Last updated: May 1, 2023

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Table of Contents

1

Food And Digestive Health

Our stomach is the prime indicator of our health. The gut flora is responsible for assimilating our food in our bodies but it also decides the levels of inflammation and immunity we will have. How much you weigh, the presence of acid reflux and digestive issues are all decided by the bacteria in the gut. And what we eat has more repercussions than we can imagine. Not eating right can lead to many problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD), constipation or diarrhoea.

And this ‘not eating right’ phenomenon worsens during the festive season! As the New Year approaches, all healthy diets will be forgotten as party plans arise! Nevertheless, let’s take a look at:

13 Hard To Digest Foods

1. Carb-Dense Foods

Consuming carbohydrate-rich food can lead to long-term health damage as it causes an increase in inflammation and transforms the gut flora. For example, potatoes might be considered carb-dense food but they are predominantly made of water. Rice, pasta, pretzels, bagels or doughnuts are more harmful to the body as they are intensely carb-rich.

2. Fried Food

Fried food should be a strict no-no as it harms the body at various levels. Not only does it add to the pounds on the body but also it is hard to digest. Since the body finds it hard to digest them, they may move through the intestines without being broken down and cause diarrhoea or bloating. The fibre content of most fried foods is low and that makes them hard to digest. They may even cause constipation. If you are undergoing a tough digestive time, put low-fat, nonfried food on the menu to restore your gut health. Even those foods that are rich in fat should be cut out from your eat-list. Items like ice cream, steaks, French fries and others are tough to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable and full.

3. Processed Food

Processed foods are one of the worst culprits when it comes to our health. They have zero nutritional value, lack fibre and irritate the gut with the presence of unnecessary additives and preservatives. Some of them may also contain lactose which can add to your digestive woes. Not only do the processed foods increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems, apart from obesity, but they also cause gas, bloating and cramping. If you cannot completely avoid processed foods, pair them with a lean protein or some other food item that gets digested slowly to increase their nutritional value and to reduce tummy troubles.

4. Spicy Food

Spices are added to food to stimulate the digestive system. But for some people, they have an adverse effect as they might have heightened sensitivity towards spices. Many people experience gas, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux and even stomach ache with an increased spice intake. Spicy food items must specifically be avoided close to bedtime.

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5. Artificial Sweeteners

The most common stomach irritant among artificial sweeteners is sorbitol. It is found naturally in some fruits like apples, prunes and peaches. Added to sweeten chewing gum and diet foods, sorbitol causes gas, bloating and diarrhoea. Artificial sweeteners increase inflammation in the body and could give rise to many other health problems. They are even responsible for increasing the belly fat in some people.

6. High Fibre Foods

Food that is high in fibre can be difficult to digest since the stomach needs more effort to break it down. High fibre food includes raw vegetables, lentils, beans and brown rice.

Even vegetables make it to the list of ‘worst foods for digestive health list’ Yes, raw vegetables are good for your health and most nutritionists have gone hoarse speaking about their benefits but the key is moderation. Since raw vegetables are rich in fibre, the insoluble kinds, they can give rise to gas, bloating, diarrhoea and other such stomach problems. Lentils should also be consumed in moderation since they can get difficult to digest.
For those with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, digesting such fibre-laden produce becomes difficult. They can gorge on stir-fried or steamed veggies as cooking them breaks down their fibre and makes them easier on the stomach.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol is bad for the stomach and the liver. It is toxic to the body and causes severe health problems like cirrhosis and addiction. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can relax the oesophagal sphincter and could cause heartburn and acid reflux. In high amounts, it can cause inflammation of the stomach lining, cramps and diarrhoea. Moreover, alcohol has just empty calories and it slows down the fat metabolizing processes in the body.

8. Coffee

For those who cannot function without their daily cup of coffee, this is bad news but too much caffeine is harmful to your digestive system. It increases gastrointestinal tract motility and this reduces the time food spends in the gut. This leads to diarrhoea and low nutrition levels. Since it is a diuretic, it can cause dehydration and therefore lead to constipation. Also, caffeine leads to increased acid production in the stomach. Someone who is undergoing tummy troubles should stay away from caffeine in colas, chocolates and even tea. Limit your coffee intake and preferably don’t have it on an empty stomach.

Also Read: Impact Of Caffeine Overdose You Should Know!

9. Dairy Products

Milk and milk products are tough to digest for everyone, more so for some than others. This is due to the presence of Lactose, a kind of sugar found in dairy products. When someone is unable to digest this food group, they develop gas, bloating and in some cases nausea even. Consuming too many dairy products can lead to diarrhoea as they enter in the large intestine and entertain it. To make up for the lost nutrition due to avoiding dairy products, one could consume yoghurt and hard cheese as they do not have lactose present in them.

Also Read: 6 Best Lactose-Free Substitutes For Regular Milk

10. Acidic Foods

Food items like tomato sauce, citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lime, lemons and limes have an acidic nature. They cause irritation to the stomach lining and disturb the gut environment. Even colas and carbonated beverages can cause gas and bloat. Acidic foods must be avoided generally in too large quantities especially more so when one has a stomach upset or diarrhoea as they can irritate the body further. 

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11. High Fructose Foods

Foods that are artificially sweetened with fructose including fruit juice, sodas and pastries cause bloating and gas and can be difficult for people to digest. If consumed too much can lead to diarrhoea and cramping. 

12. Peppermint

Although peppermint is consumed by people for a burst of freshness after having a meal it is also responsible for doing just the opposite which is causing heartburn. It relaxes the muscles which are situated at the top of your stomach, causing the food to move back in your oesophagus.  

The best way to lower the pressure created by food that pushes back is when meals are consumed in small portion sizes, the excess weight is shed and you do not lie down immediately after eating. 

13. Corn

People love too much crispy corn and corn chaat during parties or festive occasions. They are tasty and a hit amongst people of all ages. But then at night or in the morning, you might have noticed a few corn kernels in your stools and probably wondered why that happened. Well, here is the answer. Corn is made up of cellulose and the human body does not have the right enzymes to break it down. This makes it difficult for the digestive system to fully break down corn and can sometimes lead to gas and bloating.

Facing digestion issues? Here’s the best kit to support your digestive system

Conclusion

Although some food can be difficult to digest, it does not mean that they are harmful. Food that is rich in fibre is essential for maintaining the proper formation of stool. Food like cabbage and beans can also aid your weight loss journey. The key is to consume in moderation and according to the signals of your body. If you have been eating healthy and are still experiencing digestive issues, you need to relook at how your food choices are troubling your stomach. If you feel that certain food causes digestion issues, you should avoid them.

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Also Read: 15 Reasons Why Spinach Is Called A Superfood

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

The enemy of metabolism: food that is difficult to digest

In our intestines, food softens, grinds and breaks down into components. And the easier the food is to digest, the easier it will be for food to move through the intestines. Heavy foods provoke heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, nausea and excessive gas formation. What foods interfere with the harmonious digestion of food and, as a result, digestive problems?

Fried foods

If fatty foods are provided with additional fat during cooking, then the digestive system will most likely not be able to cope with such an amount of fat. He will spend a lot of energy on splitting, being distracted from digesting other foods and extracting useful substances from them.

Spicy dishes

On the one hand, spicy food helps digestion and stimulates blood circulation in the internal organs of the digestive tract. But an excess of spicy ingredients, on the contrary, leads to irritation of the walls of the stomach and esophagus, which will result in indigestion, heartburn and pain.

Beans

Read also: 3 products that cleanse the body and speed up metabolism

Beans are a source of vegetable protein and dietary fiber, which makes them a useful product. But beans also contain carbohydrate oligosaccharides, which are hard to digest and cause gas. To avoid this effect, beans should be soaked before cooking.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are prepared with the addition of milk or cream, and a rare adult, and even a child, can completely digest lactose. Potato itself is a starchy vegetable with complex carbohydrates in its composition, and in combination with milk leads to bloating and heaviness of the stomach.

Cruciferous vegetables

All types of cabbage are incredibly beneficial for the body. But at the same time, they are fraught with danger – the carbohydrate raffinose, which is hard to digest and inflates the intestines like a balloon. Discomfort and pain are provided to you.

Raw onion

Any raw onion, although useful for the body with its antibacterial properties, vitamins and microelements, is still frankly irritating to the mucous membranes of internal organs. It changes the acidity of the stomach and leads to excessive gas formation.

Ice cream

Ice cream not only carries the risk of lactose indigestion. But in itself it is a very fatty product. This delicacy is fraught with stomach cramps, indigestion. And the sugar content in this dessert is much higher than the permissible norms.

Natural juices

It would seem that a glass of solid benefits. But fruits, especially citrus fruits, are a source of many acids that irritate the delicate walls of the stomach and intestines. And if such a negative effect from one fruit is barely noticeable, then several fruits in one glass are a direct provocation of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Recall that earlier we told you what you need to eat for beautiful nails, hair and skin, as well as what foods cause instant damage to the skin.

Heavy food: what is important to know?

Our brain is well versed in delicious food and distinguishes between hot and cold, bitter and sweet foods thanks to special cells of the tongue – receptors. But the “gourmet” of the body – the digestive system – “knows a lot” in light and heavy food. As you understand, heavy food is not the weight of a serving on a plate, but something else.

The first and main sign of a heavy meal is high calorie content.

It should be noted that the calorie content of food depends on the chemical composition, and not on the recipe for preparing the dish. For example, 100 g of walnuts contains more than 600 kilocalories, and a 100-gram donut contains about 350.

Heavy food

All products of animal origin are considered heavy food:

• meat;
• fat;
• dairy products.

The list is supplemented by:

• sugar;
• flour products;
• chocolate;
• carbonated soft drinks;
• bananas;
• potatoes;
• grapes.

Unfortunately, all the “goodies” invented by culinary specialists are, in most cases, heavy food.

Slow digestion in the stomach and small intestine is the second sign of heavy food.

Cooking method matters. Imagine – ordinary chicken eggs, depending on the method of preparation, can be either heavy or light food. A heavy meal option is scrambled eggs, a light meal option is soft-boiled eggs.

Hard, salty, spicy and fatty foods are hard to digest.

Light food

In contrast to heavy food, light food contains few calories, so it is easily and quickly digested. On the “easy list”:

• zucchini;
• carrots;
• cucumbers;
• beets;
• currant;
• raspberries;
• citrus fruits.

…and in addition:

• vegetable or meat pureed soups;
• boiled meat or fish;
• steamed vegetables;
• fish and meat;
• vegetable purees;
• casseroles;
• well-boiled porridges;
• jelly;
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• mousses without sugar.

Light food promotes mental work, heavy food will provide you with energy for longer during physical exertion.

“The East is a delicate matter!”
Tibetan sages believe that the skillful combination of products changes the quality of food. For example, rice is a light food, while milk is heavy. If milk is heated with saffron, it becomes “light”, while rice boiled in milk becomes “heavy”. You should not mix light and heavy foods in one meal, very cold and very hot dishes, food left over from past meals and freshly prepared food.

Do I need a diet?

“War, war, but lunch is on schedule!” – said the King of Prussia Friedrich Welhelm the First, and he was absolutely right!

It will be easier for the digestive system to work if you start eating at the same time. By the time of the meal, the required amount of gastric, pancreatic juice and bile will be produced.

More high-calorie food should be eaten in the first half of the day in order to stock up on the necessary energy, and nutritionists advise lighter meals for dinner.

The theoretical part of the article is over. It’s time to move on to practice. But in practice, many of us are different. Rushing to work, we do not have time to have breakfast, we have a snack on “cookies” or a hot dog at lunchtime, and in the evening we “come off in full”. The result is indigestion, bloating, heartburn, constipation.

And who among us is able to refuse a picnic and exchange vegetable puree soup for fragrant shish kebab? That’s it! When you feel in your mouth a piece of juicy, grilled meat on an open fire, you, by and large, do not care that barbecue is heavy food!

How to help the body cope with “gastronomic abundance”?

Scientists invented pancreatic enzymes to help the digestive system. For which a big thanks to them! Many of these drugs are your good friends. Mezim-forte, Creon, Festal and other similar preparations more than once helped us out at the “holidays of life”.

We should not forget that in the process of digestion of food many harmful substances are formed.