29 EXPERT-Backed Easy to Digest Foods [+ 8 to AVOID]

A bowl full of soup, one of the easy to digest foods.

At some point in your life, you’re going to experience some sort of stomach upset.

This can be due to a range of issues, and look like…

  • A bloated stomach
  • Heartburn
  • Acid reflux
  • Indigestion

So we’ve got to get you ready. 👍

And down below is an easily digested foods list that’ll help reduce digestion problems, and make your stomach feel a whole lot better.

There are a lot of choices out there, and these lists should definitely be useful if you’re wanting some quick and easy ideas on easy to digest foods.

Who might these foods help?

Important: Not all of the foods are going to help with each and every issue. So it’s good to just read over each food, and see if it can work for your situation. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor before doing anything new!

Whether you’re suffering from short or long lasting health issues, or you just want to take better care of your digestion, these easily digestible foods might help you if you’re dealing with:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Heartburn
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD)
  • Constipation
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Certain infections and viruses that are affecting your digestive tract
  • Or if you just want to improve your gut health in general 👍

More Good Reading: How I’ve Been Losing Weight Consistently – Some Non-Intimidating Advice

Easy to Digest Foods

I’m all about helping you to level up your life, and make it a whole lot better. It’s something I strongly believe you deserve.

And taking care of your health, even in the small ways, is a way I can help you do just that!

So first off, good job for wanting to take better care of yourself! 👏 Not a lot of people do that.

And second, let’s level up your wellbeing, and supply you with some good foods that are easy on stomach.


Quick Note: Would you like to get some more helpful life tips and advice? Well if you’re interested, then you can check out Chasing Foxes on MSN here and follow for more good ideas! 🙂


1. Bone Broth

A person holding the easy to digest food, toast with butter.
Photo by Jakub Kapusnak via Foodiesfeed

Although it may sound like something straight out of The Lord of the Rings, bone broth is actually one of the best foods you can eat to encourage a healthy digestive system.

Bone broth was shown in a mouse study to help with inflammation. And even Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, a certified nutrition consultant, praises bone broth’s effectiveness:


Your gut is getting healthy, your cells are being scrubbed clean, and your metabolism is switching from “sloth” to “cheetah” mode.


The broth also contains glycine which studies show further aids digestion.

And lastly, bone broth contains an amino acid called glutamine which has been shown to help the intestinal barrier, and may help those suffering from leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

So as you can tell, there are a LOT of reasons to put it in your diet.

You Might Also Like: 13 Weight Loss Facts for People Who Want Tips that Are Backed by Real Studies

2. Toast (With Butter)

Photo by zoranm via Getty Images Signature

Toast is packed full of simple carbs and starch that are easy for the body to process. But here’s the question you probably want answered… is toast actually easier to digest than regular bread?

The answer is yes!

According to MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT, from Medical News Today, toasting the bread breaks down carbohydrates, and makes it easier to digest.

Moreover, a slice of buttery toast in the morning is not only a good way to lose weight, but is also one of those amazing comfort foods great for an easy to digest breakfast!

3. Chicken

A cooking pan with the easily digestible food, chicken.
Photo by EzumeImages via Getty Images

Chicken is a lean, white meat that’s the 2nd most eaten meat in the world. It’s also one of the easiest meats to digest due to the fact that it doesn’t have any dietary fiber. And no or low fiber means great for your digestion. 👌

And better yet, it’s such a versatile meat that you won’t ever find yourself stuck for recipe choices!

Just make sure you don’t fry it since the excess oil and fat is bad for digestion. Caroline West Passerrello, a dietician from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains why:


“Fat slows down digestion and takes a toll on your digestive system, which in turn can leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable.”


Instead, stick to roasting, baking, boiling, or broiling skinless chicken.

4. Saltine Crackers

Easily digestible saltine crackers, taken out of a package.
Photo by Изображения пользователя Mikhail Dmitriev via Canva

If you’re looking for bland meals for an upset stomach, then saltine cracker are going to be your best friend.

Similar to toast when it comes to to why they’re one of the easiest to digest foods, crackers are a good choice if you’re suffering from an upset stomach.

 Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES says on Everyday Health:


“The bland nature of a cracker helps to satisfy hunger without the strong smells or tastes that may increase nausea. Starchy foods may also help to absorb stomach acids and settle your stomach.”


Being a very light, flavorless option, crackers are great for someone wanting to consume some carbs for energy, but also wanting something low fiber and more easy to digest.

5. Eggs

A plate with easily digestible eggs on it.

Are eggs good for an upset stomach? Yep!

Eggs are a great source of protein and minerals, and are very easy for the body to digest, even for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (depending on their symptoms).

Also, it’s just important to note that soft foods in general are going to be great for digestion. Brittany Modell, MS, RD, CDN, gave advice on Well + Good and said that it’s important to go for soft, low-fat proteins (like eggs) to avoid stomach issues.

6. Jello

A white plate with four pink jello, one of the easily digestible foods.
Photo by Tamara Velazquez via capturenow

Jello is basically the essential staple that you and I both need when it comes to settlings our stomachs. It really is a great choice if you need something that’s easier to digest.

And if you’re finding that the BRAT diet isn’t working (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast), then jello is honestly a great (and tasty) option!

7. Oatmeal

A woman holding a bowl of easily digestible oatmeal.
Photo by Ellie Ellien via Unsplash

Another great choice for an easy to digest breakfast, oatmeal is especially easy on the stomach if they’re the instant oat variety.

Modell says on Well + Good:


“Often referred to as ‘quick oats,’ instant oatmeal are the most processed and broken down of the oats, thereby making it a bit easier to digest.”


And since many instant oatmeal brands contain high volumes of sugar, I’d suggest finding an instant oatmeal brand with no added sugars.

And if you can’t find instant oatmeals that aren’t high in sugar, then I’d say just test and see what oatmeal works best for you and your stomach.

Note: If you’re gluten-intolerant, or have celiac disease, studies have shown that gluten-free oats are safe for you to eat.

8. Rice

Multiple bowls of the easy to digest food, rice.
Photo by chikaphotograph via Getty Images

The “R” of the BRAT diet for indigestion (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) presents you with two choices; brown rice or white rice.

And while they’re both easy to digest, white rice is the easier of the two since a lot of its fiber has been removed.

The flip side is that brown rice contains significantly more nutrients than white rice, and is generally considered to be the healthier of the two.

But when it comes to digestion, white rice is what you want to go with!

9. Tuna

A lunch salad bowl with easily digestible tuna on top.
Photo by Alesia Kozik via Pexels

As one of the most accessible fishes to munch on, tuna is a lean meat that is definitely easy to digest, if you’re going for a low-fiber diet.

It’s also a versatile choice that can be served in a wide variety of ways, some of them delicious, most of them good for you.

Tuna is better eaten steamed, baked, or directly from a tin, but try to avoid frying since this adds excess oils that might be harder to digest.

Note: Be sure not to eat excessive amounts of tuna since it has high mercury levels.

10. Soup

A bowl full of the easy to digest food, soup.
Photo by Alison Marras via Unsplash

For a hearty, healthy and filling meal, you could do a lot worse than having a warm and comforting stew or soup.

But why eat stew or soup for an upset stomach?

Well, for starters, studies indicate that heat can provide short-term reductions in pain.

Moreover, when a strew or soup contains easy to digest foods such as chicken, and skinless root vegetables broken down by soaking or blending, the overall result is a dish easier to digest than if the ingredients had been eaten dry and separately.

11. Yogurt

The easy to digest food, yogurt in a glass cup.
Photo by Ellie Ellien via Unsplash

Yogurt is great for easing any stomach complaints as it is cultured with healthy probiotics that are beneficial for gut function, and can reduce bloating related to inflammatory bowel disease.

But yogurt is also a good option simply because of its soothing and refreshing characteristics.

Also, it’s even possible to choose brands that are specifically made for the promotion of healthy digestion.

Note: People who are lactose intolerant can usually eat yogurt in small amounts, even if they can’t consume milk without getting an upset stomach.

12. Other Easy to Digest Foods

A lunch bowl with the easy to digest food, salmon.
Photo by Anh Nguyen via Unsplash

All of the foods below are suggested by the American Cancer Society for a low-fiber diet. And if you want to try this type of diet for your digestion, then I’d definitely check them out!

Grains

  • Bread or rolls that are either white or refined
  • Plain bagels

Dairy Products

If you’re lactose intolerant, or have other digestive issues that are affected by dairy, then I would be careful about having any of the below. But if you’re just wanting a low-fiber diet, then these are great:

  • Regular and chocolate milk, milk drinks, and buttermilk
  • Yogurt (no seeds or granola)
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese and cottage cheese
  • Custard or pudding
  • Frozen desserts like ice cream (without nuts)
  • Sauces, soups, and casseroles that have cream

Also, if you’re lactose intolerant, then ghee might be a great option! And as stated by Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.:


“Ghee is comparatively easier to digest since it is free of lactose and milk solids and thus preferred by people who are lactose intolerant.”


Other Foods

  • Mayo & other mild salad dressings
  • Margarine and oils in small amounts
  • Plain broth and bouillon
  • Plain gravies
  • Ketchup
  • Mild mustards
  • Spices, salt, and herbs (herbs should be cooked)
  • Sweeteners like sugar, syrup, and honey
  • Sweets like marshmallows, plain chocolate, and hard candy

More Great Reading: 10 Healthy Simple Snacks That You’ll Eat & Probably Forget That They’re Good for You

Fruits Good for Digestion

Below are some easy to digest fruits to eat when you feel bloated and gassy, or are struggling with some indigestion.

13. Cooked and Canned Fruits

A bowl with three peeled and cooked pears. One of the foods that are easy to digest.
Photo by Monika Grabkowska via Unsplash

Fresh fruit is great! It’s healthy, nourishing, and tasty, but it can be a little difficult for the body to break down.

So cooked or canned fruit is a great option if you want to still be healthy, but kind to your digestion.

Also, you’ll want to peel the fruit first, since the skin will often contain a lot of additional fiber that’s harder to break down.

Oh, and clear juices are also a great way to take in fruits too!

14. Applesauce

A small bowl of easily digestible applesauce.
Photo by Rachel Loughman via Unsplash

While being a cooked fruit, I wanted to highlight applesauce in particular since it’s a staple of the BRAT diet, and is great for you if you have an upset stomach.

And maybe you’re wondering why it’s applesauce rather than just apples?

This is because, as mentioned above, raw fruits have more fiber and are harder to break down. But with cooked fruits, you’re making it a whole lot easier on your digestive system.

Also, applesauce contains pectin which can help re-establish a healthy gut.

And lastly, you’ll just want to be careful to choose an applesauce that isn’t packed with added sugar. And if you want to be in control of what’s going into it, you can just make at home. 😊

15. Avocado

A breakfast plate with easily digestible avocado on top.

If you’re eating a small amount of avocado (1.1 oz), it’s a great low-FODMAP fruit (“Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, And Polyols”) to grab.

Also, they’re a well-known source of minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids, so it’s kind of a no-brainer when getting it at the store.

Just make sure to stay within the correct serving size, since too much can be bad if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBC).

16. Banana

Two slices of toast with cut up banana, one of the easy to digest foods.
Photo by @joyfulcaptures via Unsplash

Another low-FODMAP fruit (depending on how they’re eaten), a superfood, and a staple of the BRAT diet, bananas are a great food to eat if you deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BUT, make sure they’re unripe, and if they are ripe, you can eat up to 1/3 of the banana.

However, if you’re dealing with other stomach issues, Modell on Well + Good states:


“They [very ripe bananas] provide the body with carbohydrates, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. The riper a banana is, the easier it is to digest.”


17. Melons

A cut open melon, one of tasty and easy to digest foods.
Photo by Chris Ralston via Unsplash

These soothing and refreshing fruits are great to eat if you’re experiencing some stomach problems. They’re pretty easy for the stomach to digest and will also help with digestion itself since they’re packed with water (staying hydrated helps the digestion process.)

Moreover, melons contain lots of Vitamin C that, according to this study, reduces the length of common colds in adults by 8% and 14% in children.

18. Pumpkin

The easy to digest food, pumpkin, being sold at a street side stand.

When cooked well, a pumpkin is soothing, nourishing, and very easy to digest (fact medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT).

A great base for soups and stews that will benefit you in all sorts of ways, I recommend stewing it with chicken breast for a filling and easy-on-the-gut dinner.

PS. Pumpkin is definitely a fruit, not a vegetable!

Read Later: A High-Protein Grocery List You Need in Your Back Pocket Before Heading to the Store

Easy to Digest Vegetables

There are quite a few hard to digest vegetables, so do your stomach a favor and pass them up for some easy to digest vegetables instead!

19. Non-Cruciferous Vegetables

A white bowl filled with the easy to digest food, spinach.
Photo by ponce_photography via pixabay

First of all, what are cruciferous vegetables?

Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that have flowers with four petals in the shape of a crucifix (hence the term “cruciferous”). They’ve been in the public eye a lot recently due to studies suggesting they lower the risk of some types of cancer.

However, for digestion purposes, cruciferous vegetables are not a good option, and include veggies like arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and others.

Also, it’s been stated by Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN on Mind Body Green,


“Cruciferous veggies also contain raffinose, an oligosaccharide that humans actually don’t have the enzyme to digest. This means that, since it didn’t get digested in the small intestines, when it enters the large intestine undigested, that’s where you’re likely to experience gas and bloating as bacteria in the intestines start to ferment that undigested food.”


Now with that said, here are some veggies you can eat according to the American Cancer Society and Cleveland Clinic:

  • Veggies that have been cooked till tender, and without the skins, seeds, or stems
  • Canned veggies without the seeds, skins, or stems
  • Peeled and cooked white and sweet potatoes
  • Vegetable juice that’s been strain and has no spices or pulp
  • Spinach
  • Green beans
  • Zucchini and squash
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Eggplant

20. Ginger

A hand holding one of the easy to digest foods, ginger.
Photo by Cup of Couple via Pexels

Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes for a very long time, and with potassium, magnesium and phosphorus (among other nutrients), you know it’s going to have a lot of health benefits.

It has proven scientific benefits, such as a 1982 study that showed how ginger was more effective for removing nausea than actual anti-nausea drugs! And it can even help stomach pain.

It’s a very versatile root spice, and is worth getting if you’re not feeling too great.

However, I would not have ginger straight up. Instead, I’d suggest grabbing some ginger tea. Although you can’t eat it, it’ll still make a great combination with another easy to digest food.

PS. In case you were wondering, ginger is indeed a vegetable.

21. Kimchi

A white bowl filled with the easy to digest food, kimchi.
Photo by ma-no via Getty Images

So you might be thinking, “Wait, kimchi? It’s a cruciferous veggie, plus it can be spicy. Why would I eat this?”

Well according to this study, kimchi was shown to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

And because it’s a fermented vegetable, it can contain some helpful/good gut bacteria which can aid in digestion.

But just make sure to either:

  1. Make it at home yourself.
  2. Check the labels of the kimchi at your store, and see if they have probiotics and other good bacteria. Also, stay away from ones that have too much added sugar and salt!

22. Potatoes

A person holding open a cooked potato, one of the easily digestible foods.
Photo by Stanislav Honcharuk via Getty Images

Potatoes contain soluble fiber that is very easy for the body to digest especially when boiled, as this study suggests.

Also, when it comes to being more easily digestible, a study in the National Library of Medicine said this:


“However, after cooking, most of the starch, such as that in baked potato and cooked banana, becomes highly digestible as a result of starch gelatinization…”


So try grabbing a few bags at the store, and bake or boil some for your meals this week!

Note: As this study suggests, the variety of potato does not seem to affect digestibility.

23. Sauerkraut

An earthen colored bowl holding the easily digestible food, sauerkraut.
Photo by Oleksandr Todorov via Getty Images

Although this might be an acquired taste, this famous German dish of fermented cabbage is a great way to aid your digestion.

It has probiotics, and has been shown to be great for your digestion.

And while sauerkraut may not be to everyone’s taste, I’d say give it a try!

Important: If you’re specifically wanting to be on a low-fiber diet for your digestion, then this would be one to skip according to the American Cancer Society.

24. Sweet Potatoes

A skillet filled with eggs, and the easily digestible sweet potatoes.
Photo by tvirbickis via Getty Images

Sweet potatoes are pretty similar to regular potatoes in that they have soluble fiber which is easier for the body to digest.

They are (obviously) sweeter, and can go in some great recipes, which makes them not too hard to incorporate. 😉

Also, purple sweet potatoes, in particular, are packed full of antioxidants which may help with the damage free radicals do to your body.

Moreover, the people with the highest life expectancy in the world, the people of Okinawa in Japan, had made sweet potatoes 60% of their entire diet. I’m sold!

Easy to Digest Seeds

Seeds are incredibly good for your health, and it really isn’t hard to see why.

Many of them are rich in nutrients, give a nice boost to your digestive system, and can even increase life expectancy.

But it’s SUPER important to make sure that you’re eating the right ones. So let’s catch you up on a couple of seeds to try for easier digestion.

25. Ground Flax Seeds

Three spoons holding flax seeds, one of the easy to digest foods.
Photo by jethuynh via Getty Images

Flax seeds may help protect against heart disease, while also containing a good amount of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. And all three of these are obviously great for your health.

But if you’re wanting these great health benefits, then I would suggest having ground flax seeds, as they’re easier to digest.

26. Chia Seeds

A silver bowl holding a mixture of liquid, and more easy to digest chia seeds.
Photo by pixelshot via Canva

Chia seeds contain omega-3-fatty acids (which helps with inflammation), and quite a bit of fibers which helps digestion.

And as shown in the picture above, studies have shown that eating chia seeds with yogurt can leave you feeling full for longer.

They’re definitely something to stock up on, but just make sure they’re soaked in a liquid, not eaten dry. Harvard T.H. Chan says that’s the best way for it to be digested well!

Best Drinks for Digestion

27. Kefir

A glass with kefir, one of the easy to digest foods.
Photo by DagnyWalter via pixabay

Kefir is a cultured dairy product containing probiotics, which studies have shown can help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), certain gastrointestinal diseases, and may even help your constipation.

It’s probiotic nature also makes kefir a great drink to prevent diarrhea, as studies have shown. So make sure to grab some the next time you go to the store!

28. Prune Juice

A cup full of prune juice, which can be good for digestion for some people.
Photo by pixelshot via Canva

Prune juice has been said to help constipation and other issues, and guess what? It actually works!

Plain and simple, I’d grab a container of this as the store. It tastes good, and is definitely helpful!

Important: Just know that prune juice has laxative properties, so if you’re not wanting to fix bowel regularity, then I’d stay away from this one.

29. Smoothies

A woman holding a mason jar glass with a smoothie, one of the easy to digest foods.
Photo by A_Lein via Getty Images

Are smoothies good for digestion? Yep.

Also, by blending your fruit and veg into nutrient-rich smoothies, it might make it a lot easier to digest, and you’ll still get the health benefits.

It was even stated on Harvard T.H. Chan that…


“If most or all of the whole fruit and/or vegetable is blended into the beverage (skin, pulp, and flesh), then the nutrients and fiber are preserved, making it nutritionally comparable to eating the ingredients in whole form. In some cases, these “smoothies” may offer high quality nutrition if very fresh produce is used. They may also be easier to digest in a blended texture.” 


I would personally start slow, test out smoothies with 2-4 ingredients, and see how your body feels. No need to try some fancy smoothie recipe with 20 ingredients that might not all sit well with you. 😂

Here are some smoothie ingredients you might want to try for your digestion:

Also, here are some good smoothie combinations you can try out!

Avocado, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

A woman's hand holding up a green smoothie, which can be more easily digested.
Photo by LightFieldStudios via Getty Images

Why does this particular smoothie work well?

Well, apples contain a good level of the good fiber that aids the regulation of bowel movement. And avocado is very high in quite a few nutrients, and has also been shown to keep certain people fuller for longer.

Also, spinach may be great for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome since it’s apart of the FODMAP diet.

And lastly, make sure to keep to the 1.1 oz. avocado serving size as mentioned earlier. Too much avocado isn’t a good thing for your digestion!

PS – Make sure to use a free app like Fast FODMAP Lookup & Learn to see all of the correct portion sizes so you’re not getting sick!

Pear, Kefir, and Ginger Smoothie

A tall glass filled with an easy to digest pear smoothie.
Photo by Mariha-kitchen via Getty Images

This delicious and creamy smoothie that has pear, kefir, and ginger is great for soothing your stomach. Also, it’s simple enough to make, so I’d say give it a go!

Another friendly reminder to use an app like Fast FODMAP Lookup & Learn (not sponsored) to make sure you’re using all of the correct portions sizes, and not getting sick.

Honeydew Melon and Kefir Smoothie

A woman holding up a bottle of easier to digest green smoothie.
Photo by Anton Ostapenko via Getty Images

Honeydew melon is great for people who want a nice sweet fruit that’s easier to digest, and kefir may help with digestion for many people out there. It’s a very easy, and kind on your body smoothie to make.

Last reminder to use the free Fast FODMAP Lookup & Learn app for correct portions sizes. I’m not having you get sick! 😂

Worst Foods for Digestion

Foods that are bad for digestion include foods that cause bloating, hard to digest foods and foods that, if overeaten, can cause digestive problems.

So let’s discover the worst foods for digestion that should be avoided when you’ve got an upset stomach!

1. Acidic Fruits

Cut up lemons, a food that is not easy to digest.
Photo by mstwin via Getty Images

Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons do provide the body with a decent hit of vitamin C, and metabolites which can help digestion in certain cases. BUT, eating too much of these fruits can potentially worsen acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), according to John Hopkins Medicine.

2. Artificial Sweeteners & Sugar Alcohols

A bowl of harder to digest artificial sweetener, next to a coffee and creamer.
Photo by VadimZakirov via Getty Images

The ever-controversial artificial sweetener has plenty of mixed reviews. With some praising, some mildly cautious, and others completely criticizing the effects of artificial sweeteners on the body.

So what’s the truth?

The bad news:

The good news:

  • The people in this study who drank water during a 12-week behavioral weight loss treatment program, did not lose more weight than those who drank non-nutritive sweetened beverages.
  • Only small amounts of artificial sweeteners are needed to sweeten foods or drinks and so, as a result, you’re consuming less calories, which is good for weight loss.
  • This controlled trial found that artificial sweeteners might not increase blood glucose or insulin levels.

You may have noticed the bad and good news contained in the different bullet points. So what are you to make of artificial sweeteners?

Well I believe that it’s important to get all the different pieces of information, and it seems that the bad does potentially outweigh the good. But also, when it came to foods that could cause gas in some people, Mayo Clinic shared a sweetener that should be avoided:


“Sorbitol, a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free candies, gums and artificial sweeteners.”


And when it comes to sugar alcohols (which contain no alcohol), dietician Erin Palinski-Wade, who was quoted on Huffpost, said:


“In general, sweeteners which are partially digested (sugar alcohols) have the biggest impact on the GI system and can lead to bloat, gas, and diarrhea,” 


End Takeaway: Stay away. 👎

3. Fried Foods

The hard to digest food, fried chicken wings.
Photo by brebca via Getty Images Pro

You’re probably already aware that eating fried food isn’t exactly good for you. High calories and fat content, along with a less than ideal nutritional value, is not an ideal combination if you’re health conscious.

And fried food can sometimes cause acid reflux, and even raise the blood pressure in certain people.

I shared this quote from dietician Caroline West Passerrello when talking about fried foods above, but it’s worth repeating here:


“Fat slows down digestion and takes a toll on your digestive system, which in turn can leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable.”


So in the end, stay away from fried foods, and stick to baked, broiled, and other cooking methods.

4. Spicy Foods

A bowl of hard to digest spicy ramen soup.
Photo by Miao Liang via Getty Images

Just in case being advised to skip fried food wasn’t bad enough, spicy foods are also something you should avoid.

The heat from spicy foods can cause heartburn, and be bad if you have GERD symptoms.

Also, Janette Nesheiwat, a certified medical doctor, told INSIDER:


“Hot peppers, spicy curry, and other spicy foods trigger a reflux of gastric juices of the stomach into the esophagus, which causes heartburn.”


Moreover, a study has found that people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), have a higher chance of being sensitive to spice.

So in the end, eat more bland meals for an upset stomach such as crackers, toast, and any other easy to digest food mentioned in the easily digested foods list above.

5. Other Fruits to Avoid

A wooden plate holding different fruits that might be harder to digest.
Photo by Nati Melnychuk via Unsplash

According to the American Cancer Society, here are some fruits you’ll want to avoid if you’re dealing with different digestive issues, and want to be on a low-fiber diet:

  • Dried fruit
  • Berries
  • All raw fruits

6. More Vegetables to Avoid

Different veggies, splayed out, some being ones that are hard to digest.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash

Again, coming from the American Cancer Society, here are some other vegetables that should be avoided if you want to be on a low-fiber diet for your digestion:

  • All raw veggies
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Beans (all types)
  • Onions
  • Corn
  • Peas

7. More Meat Products & Protein to Avoid

A person's hand holding up a hot dog, a hard to digest food.
Photo by EnchantedFairy via Getty Images

Here’s a quick guide on proteins to avoid if you want to improve your digestion with a low-fiber diet:

  • Processed meats like hot dogs, cold cuts, and sausages
  • Gristly tough meats
  • All legumes
  • Nuts

8. Other Grains to Avoid

Different bowls holding different grains that might be harder to digest.
Photo by natashabreen via Canva

Here are other grains to avoid on a low-fiber diet for good digestive health, according to the American Cancer Society

  • Brown or wild rice
  • Whole or cracked grains
  • Whole wheat products
  • Buckwheat
  • Cornmeal (and cornbread too)
  • Bran
  • Wheat germ
  • Nuts
  • Granola
  • Graham crackers

How Do You Know if You’re Having Digestive Issues?

Important: If you’re having any of the digestive issues below, then it’s important to FIRST go to your doctor before diagnosing yourself, and choosing certain foods to eat.

Earlier, I listed different digestive sicknesses that these easy to digest foods could help with. But if you’re unsure, then here are some symptoms:

  • Bloating
  • Cramping
  • Inidgestion
  • Heart burn
  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in the abdomen

Easy to Digest Foods FAQ

1. What is the best thing to digest?

There is no one clear answer, given by experts or studies, as to what the one best thing to digest is. However, NHS UK does discuss how probiotic foods are great for your digestion. So foods like kefir, yogurt, and kimchi might be a great place to start.

2. What is the easiest and fastest food to digest?

If you’re looking for some of the easiest and fastest foods to digest, then here are a few:
– Gelatin
– Applesauce
– Toast
– Eggs
– Oats
– Bananas
– White rice
– Chicken
– Salmon
– Saltine crackers
– Sweet potatoes
This information was medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, on Healthline. I don’t like giving my own opinions. 👍

3. What protein is easiest to digest?

While there is no one clear answer as to what the easiest to digest protein is, fish like tuna would be a great option!

4. What is the hardest food to digest?

There isn’t clear data on what the one hardest food to digest is, but in general, fatty foods (like fried foods) are hard to digest according to NHS UK. So make sure to stick to easy to digest foods like yogurt, chicken, or cooked potatoes.

5. Is peanut butter easy to digest?

If you’re going for a low-fiber diet, then yes, peanut butter (smooth not chunky) is easy to digest. Peanuts really are great since their components make them highly digestible, so grab some smooth peanut butter the next time you’re shopping.

6. What can I drink after a meal to help digestion?

Water is an amazing drink that helps with digestion! According to Mayo Clinic, it doesn’t matter if you drink it during or after a meal. It just helps how your body digests the food.

7. What are easily digestible foods for vegans?

Foods like tofu, peanut butter, vegan gelatin, quick oats, and any canned veggies or fruits would be good for people on the vegan diet.


I really do hope that these ideas for easy digestible foods helps you and your health out a lot!

Also, I want to see you doing better in taking care of yourself, so if you have any question, then let me know. I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction of an expert who can help!

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

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