If you suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastoesophageal reflux disease, Crohn's disease or simply indigestion, it's important to watch the kinds of foods you eat. Eating foods that are difficult to digest is only likely to worsen your symptoms. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, some foods are digested quickly, some require multiple steps to be broken down and emptied from the stomach, and some are indigestible. The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance recommends a GI diet to minimize gastrointestinal problems.
Low-Fiber Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 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. While the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance recommends four or more servings of carbohydrates a day, whole grains, brown rice and cereals with more than two grams of fiber are discouraged. Instead, you can eat bagels, white bread, cornmeal, white flour and white rice. Avoid too much fat or fat substitutes, such as Olestra, as these do not digest easily.
Low-Fat Protein
Protein is another type of food that digests easily. However, fat doesn't digest easily and may lead to diarrhea. When choosing proteins, be sure to select those that are lower in fat. Among the proteins recommended by the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance are crab and imitation crab, well-cooked, lean cuts of fish, skinless poultry or ham, canned tuna, lean lunch meat such as turkey, and low fat hot dogs. Avoid fatty proteins such as corned beef, pepperoni, fried meats or fish, and beans and legumes.
Non-Citrus Fruits and Fruit Juices
Although fruits generally digest well, citrus fruits and fruit juices may lead to heartburn. Likewise, some fruit juices may naturally contain sorbitol, a sugar which may cause diarrhea. The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance recommends 2 or more 1/2-cup servings of fruit or fruit juice per day. The recommended fruits include apricots, bananas, melons, peaches, pears, mango, papaya, and nectarine, and suggested juices include cranberry, cran-raspberry and fruit nectars.
Well-Cooked Vegetables
For a gastrointestinal diet, vegetables are best served cooked, as raw vegetables are associated with gas and bloating. The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance recommends 2 or more 1/2-cup servings of cooked vegetables such as asparagus tips, beets, carrots, green beans, lettuce, mushrooms and pumpkin. Potatoes should be prepared without skin and in a low-fat recipe.
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