What Foods Are Easier to Digest

Some foods can be hard to digest, especially for people who have trouble with their digestive system, and things like bloating, acid reflux, and abdominal pain are all symptoms of this. That said, there are foods that are especially easy to digest and contribute to a healthy diet while being light on the stomach and possibly easing some symptoms.

5-Minute Crafts will tell you about some of these.

❗ This article is merely introductory and can’t replace medical advice. Always consult a dietitian when in need.

1. Canned or cooked fruit and vegetables

Easy-to-digest foods are usually low in fiber. Fiber is one of the many foods that aren’t digested at all, and cutting it out of your diet may relieve the digestive system. While normal fruit has high amounts of fiber, once you cook it, or it gets cooked for canning, the fiber gets broken down. Removing the peel and seeds also helps lower the fiber content.

Similarly, vegetables also contain high amounts of fiber that get partially broken down when cooked.

❌ Raw fruits and vegetables
✅ Cooked and canned varieties

2. White rice

Rice is a source of protein, iron, and energy in the form of carbohydrates.

You should be careful not to choose rice with high fiber content, as brown, black, and red rice will be harder to digest due to their high fiber content and aren’t much help if you’re experiencing any digestive issues. Therefore, white rice is the way to go. That said, be mindful of additional fats or toppings, and pick the ones which are also considered easy to digest.

❌ Brown, black, and red rice
✅ White rice

3. Eggs

Eggs are an incredibly versatile food that can be cooked in a whole range of different ways. Still, the best ones for easy and hassle-free digestion are poached, boiled, and scrambled eggs. These are also the ones that require less fat to cook.

Overall, the white of the egg is easier to digest due to having less fat, but the yolk isn’t usually much of a problem. Boiled and poached eggs are also a source of protein and calcium, among other nutrients.

❌ Eggs cooked in fats, like oil and butter
✅ Boiled, poached, and scrambled eggs (If making scrambled eggs, opt for low-fat milk instead of butter.)

4. Chicken

Chicken contains no fiber and is a good source of minerals, B vitamins, protein, and potassium. Try to avoid eating the skin and go for grilled, stewed, or baked chicken to steer away from adding fats.

❌ Chicken cooked in fats, like oil and butter; chicken with skin
✅ Grilled, stewed, or baked skinless chicken

5. Salmon

Salmon is easy to digest and a healthy source of omega-3, calcium, protein, and potassium. Omega-3 is essential for the body and can’t be made by it like other fats, so it needs to be obtained from food.

Like chicken, it should be baked without any added fats or oils and allowed to be fully cooked before eating, since raw salmon, while tasty, is a lot harder to digest.

❌ Raw salmon, in sushi for example, or salmon cooked in fats, like oil and butter
✅ Fully grilled or baked salmon

6. Gelatin

There are also desserts that can be considered easy to digest. Such is the case with gelatin, which has no fiber or oils that make it hard to digest. It can even be helpful in keeping your body hydrated.
In addition, gelatin can be a source of protein and can provide energy if it’s a sweetened variety.

❌ Desserts with fiber
✅ Gelatin desserts, vegan (the ones with agar-agar) and non-vegan

Extra tips

• Go easy on spices, or skip them altogether. If they’re essential to you, opt for ground varieties.
• Avoid spicy food that can cause discomfort.
• Keep yourself hydrated with plain drinks, soup, water, and tea. Coffee, carbonated liquids, or very sweet drinks can be a source of irritation.
• Avoid foods with lots of fat, like red meats and fried foods.