Diet With Foods That Are Easy to Digest

If you suffer from gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastoesophageal reflux disease or indigestion, it's important to eat foods that are easy to digest in order to prevent discomfort 1. Some foods are digested more easily than others, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Low-Fiber Grains

Carbohydrate-containing foods are among the more easily digested food groups, reports the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, but fiber is not digestible and may cause bloating or diarrhea. Limit your intake of grains with more than two grams of fiber per serving, such as whole grains, brown rice and high-fiber cereals. Bagels, white bread, cornmeal, white flour and white rice are generally easy to digest.

Lean Protein

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Protein is another type of food that digests easily. When choosing protein foods, select those that are lower in fat. Choose crab and imitation crab, lean cuts of fish, skinless poultry or ham, canned tuna, lean lunch meat such as:

• turkey,
  
• low fat hot dogs

Avoid fatty proteins such as corned beef, pepperoni and fried meats.

Fruit and Fruit Juice

Although fruits generally digest well, citrus fruits and fruit juices may lead to heartburn. Some fruit juices may naturally contain sorbitol, a type of sugar which may cause diarrhea. Stick to 2 or more 1/2-cup servings of fruit or fruit juice per day, recommends the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance 1. Cranberry, cran-raspberry and fruit nectars are good juice choices.

Well-Cooked Vegetables

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Well-cooked vegetables are easier to digest than raw vegetables, which may be associated with gas and bloating. Choose 2 or more 1/2-cup servings of cooked vegetables, such as:

• asparagus tips
  
• beets
  
• carrots
  
• green beans
  
• lettuce
  
• mushrooms
  
• pumpkin

Consume potatoes without skin and added fat.