There are many reasons as to why someone might focus on consuming foods that are comparatively easy to digest. If someone is getting over the seasonal flu, or has a condition that exacerbates gastrointestinal stress, then there is much to gain from ingesting foods that digest swiftly and effortlessly. Below are some instances in which consuming easy to digest foods might be necessary.
Recovery Period
If you are recovering from an injury or disease, eating foods that are easy to digest can shorten your recovery time. When your body is trying to recuperate, diverting energy that might otherwise be beneficial elsewhere to your digestive tract may well lengthen the period of time needed to make a full recovery.
Gastrointestinal Stress
This uncomfortable phenomenon can stem from a temporary problem to a long-term condition like Crohn’s disease. In such instances it becomes even more important to eat easy to digest foods so as to not aggravate the condition and make matters worse.
For the most part, foods that are prepared simply and do not include a ton of spice or fat are easier to digest than their counterparts. Highly refined foodstuffs and alcohol are quite commonly associated with gastrointestinal stress. Fresh foodstuffs like fruit and dairy produce are excellent alternatives that do not place additional stress on your digestive tract. Some other amazingly easy digestible foods include: boiled rice, bananas, green leafy vegetables, boiled chicken, brown bread, gelatin, yoghurt, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes.
Bibliography
Benardot, Dan. Advanced Sports Nutrition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2006.
Campbell, Bill I., and Marie A. Spano. NSCA’s Guide to Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2011.
“Easy to Digest Foods | MD-Health.com. “MD-Health.com – Better Health Information from Doctors. Web. 16 Sept. 2013. <http://www.md-health.com/Easy-To-Digest-Foods.html>.