Whether you're dealing with stomach issues or just want to know which foods are easier on your digestive system, we're here to fill you in. Here are 10 foods that are very difficult to digest and can be hard on your body, and 10 that will go down without much of a problem at all.

1. Burgers

Fatty foods that are rich in saturated fats, like burgers, can be pretty difficult to digest quickly. That feeling of tiredness you're experiencing after downing a Big Mac? It's your body using a lot of its energy to break down the fats, leaving you feeling more sluggish.

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2. Spicy Foods

If you already dislike spicy food because of the burn you feel on your tongue, here's another reason that might put you off on this type of food. Spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, which can essentially affect the area and linings in your stomach that aid in digestion. 

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3. French Fries

All fried food can be pretty difficult to digest, but today, we're shouting out French fries. Although these are a popular snacking choice, it's important you know that eating this might come with digestive issues. Because fries contain such large amounts of fat, it makes them that much harder and longer to completely digest!

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4. Hot Dogs

This classic stadium favourite is unfortunately loaded with additives, preservatives, and fat, making this one difficult food for the digestive system to finish off. Similar to fried foods like French fries, these sorts of processed meats are high in fats and sodium, which is a big reason why they're so taxing to digest.

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5. Cruciferous Vegetables

What are cruciferous vegetables? They're your favourite little tree-looking vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower! Although these are healthy additions to any diet, these vegetables can be surprisingly difficult to digest, especially if you're eating them raw. That's because they contain plenty of complex sugars and fibers that the body finds more difficult to break down.

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6. Beans

Beans are often the source of many memes when it comes to foods that give people gas, but there's truth behind it! Thanks to two complex compounds found within these teeny tiny foods, it makes beans hard to digest, which explains why you might feel so gassy and uncomfortable when eating your favourite Chipotle bowl.

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7. Dairy Products

Shout out to all our lactose intolerant readers - we know the struggle of your ongoing battle with dairy products. Whether it's drinking a glass of milk, eating some cheese, or enjoying ice cream, every bite can feel like a struggle. Because the lactose remains undigested in your body, that's where all the unwelcomed symptoms of stomach pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea come into play.

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8. Pastries

Although a delicious, freshly-baked pastry seems like the perfect start to any day, it can be a deadly combo if you're pairing it with a cup of coffee. That's because foods that are high in artificial sugars, like said pastries, are disruptive to your digestive system. 

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9. Soda

Here's one that might feel confusing, because shouldn't liquids be easy to digest? In the case of carbonated beverages like soda, this is in fact, the opposite of the truth. Introducing excess gas into your digestive system, it creates bloating and discomfort that affects your digestion. While some people feel that drinking soda can actually improve digestion when eating a big meal, it's simply not the case.

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10. Raw Vegetables

Full of fiber, eating raw vegetables can be a difficult task for your digestive system to break down. Don't get us wrong, eating vegetables is crucial for any healthy diet, but cooking them or steaming them can simply make it easier on your stomach and speed up the process.

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1. Bone Broth

Just as you'd expect, nothing goes down more smoothly than a delicious bowl of soup. When it comes to bone broth, not only is it easily absorbed, it's loaded with nutrients that also nourish your body at the same time. 

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2. White Rice

Not all grains are easy to digest! That's true when comparing something like brown and white rice. Turns out, white rice is a lot easier on the stomach because it's already been processed to remove its outer layers. So if you're experiencing some stomach problems, white rice is a surprisingly gentler option for you to consider.

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3. Bananas

Given its already soft and mushy texture, it probably won't surprise you to hear that bananas are gentle on the digestive system and easy to stomach. Packed with soluble fiber, you won't have any problems downing one in your morning rush.

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4. Boiled Potatoes

While boiled potatoes might not be your favourite form of this popular vegetable, it is the easiest way to digest it. With its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this soft and starchy food will break down with ease.

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5. Steamed Vegetables

As we mentioned earlier, while raw vegetables may be hard on your stomach, steamed vegetables certainly aren't! Turning them into much softer and easier to digest forms, it's a good way to get all that nutritional value into your body without needing to put all your energy into digesting.

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6. Applesauce

Easy on the stomach, applesauce has always been treated as a great option for anyone going through some stomach problems. Cooked down until it's completely soft, there's nothing hard to digest about this snack. It's tasty too!

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7. Plain Yogurt

If we told you yogurt was difficult to digest, would you believe us? Good thing that's not the case because there's no way yogurt could be hard to go down! Full of healthy bacteria that helps with your gut health and improves digestion, there are plenty of benefits to consuming this snack. Just make sure you opt for plain varieties for the best benefits!

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8. Lean Protein

Lean cuts of protein that are low in fat can be surprisingly easy to digest. Shout out to chicken breast and turkey for making our lives uncomplicated! Gentle on the stomach, you'll be able to absorb all those nutrients without any worry about dealing with stomach issues after.

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9. Eggs

Good news for you - both the white and yolk of an egg can be digested pretty easily! As a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, this is excellent news if you're looking for something that won't be too hard on your digestive system. And the best part? You can enjoy them whichever way you like, whether it be boiled or scrambled.

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10. Cooked Oats

Rich in soluble fiber, you've probably been told by your parents growing up that oatmeal is a good breakfast option that's easy on the stomach. Given it's soft and mushy texture, it's not hard to see why!

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