32 of the easiest foods to digest

Foods that are easy to digest will give your gastrointestinal tract a rest and require less energy to process. Some of these easily digestible foods like chicken soup or natural yoghurt are easy to chew and swallow, but all of the foods on our list are easier for the body to break down in the digestive system, allowing it to recover.

If you're dealing with an upset stomach, bloating or nausea the rule is generally to opt for plain foods like lean meat, potatoes and cooked fruit and veg that will go easier on your system. Anyone experiencing digestive issues should avoid spicy food of any kind, too. "If you suffer from unpredictable digestion, then incorporating easy-to-digest foods into your diet should be a priority," Sarah Williamson, nutritional therapist and co-founder of womenwise.health told us. "It’s also important to remember that if you are unwell and your appetite has reduced, having easy-to-digest foods can improve nutrient absorption to help support your immune system. We are what we absorb, so including foods that make absorbing nutrients easier is always a good idea."

If you're experiencing a problem like IBS, it's worth investigating with a doctor what the underlying issue could be and whether there are problems with your gut health. A low-FODMAP diet, which means restricting the consumption of all fermentable carbohydrates, can help ease symptoms. Dr Yassine Bendiabdallah, MPharm, PhD, IP, MPharmS and Independent Prescriber & Healthy Ageing specialist at ZEN Healthcare explained, "By limiting foods high in FODMAPs, individuals can decrease the fermentation process in the gut, thereby reducing discomfort and improving overall digestive health. Common high-FODMAP foods include certain fruits (like apples and pears), vegetables (such as onions and garlic), dairy products, and wheat-based foods." But if you've had a particularly nasty case of food poisoning or just need to give your system a break and eat plain, comforting food that won't irritate your system, these easy-to-digest foods are soothing and nutritious.