Do holiday travel and extra sweets have you feeling fuller and more tired than usual? People often feel bloated this time of year with all the added stress and eating that can come with large family gatherings. Fortunately, eating nutritious organic foods can aid with your digestion and help you start the new year feeling like yourself again.

3 Organic Foods That Improve Digestion

1. Ginger

Ginger has been a traditional remedy for nausea and upset stomach for thousands of years. The root is commonly eaten fresh, pressed into juices and oils, or dried and ground into a spice. No matter how it’s prepared, ginger boosts saliva production and helps calm the stomach by stimulating bile and gastric enzymes to help your food digest properly. Try some in an herbal tea before meals, between meals, or eat it like a candy afterwards to eliminate indigestion.

2. Bananas 

If you get heartburn easily, then consuming low-acid organic foods, such as bananas, can help keep symptoms at bay during the holidays. Add frozen slices to a breakfast smoothie for a cool, creamy start to the day, or top a piece of whole-grain toast with peanut butter and banana slices. Your bowels will thank you for the added fiber and probiotics, which will help keep you regular throughout the holiday season.

3. Yogurt

Traveling throughout the holiday season can cause constipation and upset stomachs. Avoid feeling full all month long by incorporating yogurt, into your diet. Yogurt contains essential calcium, protein, and vitamin B12 to keep you feeling satiated. Read the labels carefully—many products are full of sugar and won’t alleviate your stomach issues. Look for products with fewer than 10 grams of sugar, active S. thermophilus or L. bulgaricus cultures, and at least 5 grams of protein per serving. 

Need help getting through the holidays and keeping your nutrition on track through the new year? Then stop in and see the team at Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Honolulu, HI. They proudly serve local organic foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can enjoy the lighter side of island flavor. Visit them online to browse their complete menu, and call (808) 923-1100 to reserve a table or plan a post-holiday gathering.