Best Indian foods good for digestive health
Indian foods that promote digestive health include dishes rich in fiber, probiotics, and easy-to-digest ingredients. Moong dal khichdi is light on the stomach and packed with nutrients. Yogurt provides probiotics that aid digestion, while fermented foods like idli and dosa also support gut health. Fiber-rich options like oats, brown rice, and fresh vegetables help regulate bowel movements and improve digestion naturally.
Papaya is rich in digestive enzymes like papain, which helps break down food and soothe the digestive tract. It’s a great fruit option for people with IBS.
Aloo methi, a simple dish of potatoes cooked with fenugreek leaves, is mild and easy to digest. The methi helps improve digestion, while the potatoes are filling.
Sabudana (tapioca pearls) cooked with mild spices is soothing for the digestive system. It’s gentle on the stomach and a good option during IBS flare-ups.
Fennel seeds are often used to aid digestion in Indian cuisine. They help reduce bloating and gas, making them a good post-meal option for people with IBS.
Tinda is a water-rich, easy-to-digest vegetable that’s commonly used in mild Indian curries. It helps prevent bloating and is soothing for people with IBS.
Idli is a steamed, fermented rice and lentil cake that is light and easy on the stomach. It’s commonly paired with mild coconut chutney or non-spicy sambhar.
Mashed potatoes are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, making them an excellent choice for individuals with IBS. Add a small amount of olive oil for flavor.
Masoor dal (red lentils) is a lighter lentil variety that’s easy on the stomach. It’s less likely to cause gas compared to other beans and provides a rich protein source.
Methi leaves are rich in soluble fiber, aiding digestion and reducing constipation. Cooking methi with mild spices can make it an IBS-friendly addition to meals.
Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils, is soothing and easy to digest, making it perfect for IBS sufferers. It’s mild, nutritious, and can include a bit of turmeric.
Plain homemade curd is rich in probiotics, which can help maintain gut health and reduce inflammation. It’s soothing for the stomach and can be eaten with rice or added to dishes like raita.
Soft, fresh paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a good source of protein and calcium. It’s mild and easy to digest, especially when cooked in non-spicy curries.
Cucumber is hydrating and easy to digest. A simple cucumber salad with yogurt or lemon can be a refreshing, light meal option for people with Crohn’s disease.
Whole wheat roti is IBS-friendly when consumed in moderation. Pair it with soft, well-cooked vegetables or dal. Avoid excessive oil or spicy fillings.
Bottle gourd is a hydrating, low-fiber vegetable that is gentle on the digestive system. Lauki sabzi or soup is easy to digest and can help reduce symptoms during flare-ups.
Homemade curd or yogurt contains probiotics, which aid digestion and gut health. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt to prevent IBS symptoms like bloating or gas.
Carrot soup is easy to digest and soothing for the gut. Carrots are rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and reduce IBS symptoms.
Coconut chutney, made with fresh coconut and mild spices, is a soothing and easy-to-digest side dish. It pairs well with idlis or dosas for a light, Crohn’s-friendly meal.
Sweet potatoes are rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion. They’re easier to digest than regular potatoes and can be boiled or mashed for a simple meal.
Spinach cooked in dal (lentil soup) is rich in nutrients and fiber while being gentle on the digestive system. It provides a nutritious, IBS-friendly meal option.
Ridge gourd soup is another gentle option for those with IBS. It’s hydrating, low in fiber, and helps reduce digestive discomfort.
Moong dal khichdi, made with split yellow lentils and rice, is light and nutritious. It’s easy to digest and mild, making it ideal for those with IBS.
Moong dal (yellow split lentils) is light, easy to digest, and less likely to cause bloating or gas compared to other legumes. It’s a great source of protein and can be cooked with minimal spices for a soothing meal.
Ash gourd is cooling and soothing for the digestive tract. It can be cooked into a light curry or soup with minimal spices, making it a great vegetable option for Crohn’s disease.
Curd rice is a traditional South Indian dish made with yogurt and rice. It’s light, cooling, and contains probiotics, which can help soothe the digestive system.
Bottle gourd soup is hydrating and soothing for the digestive system. It’s light, easily digestible, and can be flavored with mild spices to suit IBS needs.
Cucumber raita, made with cucumber and yogurt, is a cooling and light dish that aids digestion. It’s soothing and hydrating, ideal for those with IBS.
Soft-boiled eggs are a gentle, protein-rich food option for people with IBS. They’re easy to digest and can be included in meals without causing discomfort.
Pumpkin soup is soothing, light, and rich in vitamins. It’s easy to digest and ideal for those with IBS, especially when made with mild spices or herbs.
Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, has anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin in turmeric. Drinking warm turmeric milk can help reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract.
Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and reduces inflammation. Cooked oats porridge is a soothing, nutritious breakfast option that’s easy on the stomach.
Pumpkin is easy to digest and packed with vitamins. It’s low in fiber and helps reduce bloating, making it an excellent vegetable option for people with IBS.
Steamed vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and spinach are easy on the stomach and provide essential nutrients without aggravating IBS symptoms.
Plain white or basmati rice is easy to digest and a staple in Indian cuisine. It provides energy without causing bloating or gas. Pair with mild vegetables or dal.
Lauki is a low-fiber, water-rich vegetable that helps with digestion. Cooked in mild curry, it’s gentle on the digestive system and helps reduce bloating or gas.
Coconut water is hydrating and easy on the stomach. It helps replenish electrolytes without causing IBS-related bloating or discomfort, especially in hot climates.
Poha is a flattened rice dish that’s light and easy to digest. Cook it with mild spices and vegetables like peas and carrots for added nutrition.
Upma, made from semolina or rice flour, is a light, easily digestible dish often enjoyed for breakfast. Use minimal spices to keep it IBS-friendly.
Turai is a light, water-rich vegetable that helps soothe the digestive tract. It can be cooked with mild spices for a simple, gut-friendly curry that reduces bloating.
Ripe mango pulp, consumed in moderation, can be a soothing dessert option for people with IBS. It’s rich in vitamins and easy on the digestive system.
Ridge gourd is a low-fiber, water-rich vegetable that’s easy to digest and hydrating. It can be cooked with mild spices into a curry or soup that’s gentle on the gut.
Ginger tea is a natural remedy for bloating and digestive discomfort. Drinking it after meals can soothe IBS symptoms and help with nausea and indigestion.
Baingan Bharta, a dish made from roasted eggplant, is easy on the stomach when prepared with minimal spices. It’s a flavorful option that provides fiber and nutrients.
A plain paratha made with whole wheat or bajra flour, cooked with minimal oil, is a filling but mild option for Crohn’s patients. Pair it with soft vegetables or curd.
Unsweetened apple sauce is easy to digest and provides vitamins and nutrients without irritating the gut. It’s a good dessert or snack option during Crohn’s flare-ups.
Bajra (millet) roti is gluten-free and rich in nutrients, making it suitable for those with IBS. It’s easier to digest than wheat-based rotis and can be eaten with mild curries.
Oats chilla is a savory pancake made from oats and vegetables. It’s fiber-rich but gentle on the digestive tract, especially when paired with mild spices.
Beetroot raita is a cooling dish made from beetroot and yogurt. It’s light and soothing, making it an excellent side for individuals with IBS when made with minimal spices.
Dosa, a fermented rice and lentil crepe, is well-tolerated by many with IBS. Fermentation helps with digestion. Choose mild fillings like potatoes for a light meal.
Ash gourd is a cooling vegetable that aids digestion and soothes the stomach. It’s light, hydrating, and ideal for IBS-friendly curries when cooked with mild spices.