When we talk about easily digestible foods, we think of foods that our bodies can break down and absorb effortlessly. Think cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, or lean proteins. They act like premium fuel, giving us energy without overloading our digestive system.
But beyond our plate, we also share our advice with you in the art of using rituals and plants to take care of your belly.
The diet has changed a lot, and our stomachs can feel it.
Our plates have undergone a veritable revolution since the mid-20th century, and our digestive systems have had to keep pace, sometimes gritted their teeth. We've gone from regional cuisine, dictated by the seasons, to supermarket shelves filled with processed products available year-round. This inevitably changes the game for our digestion.
This metamorphosis is not trivial. By moving away from raw foods and natural cycles, we have somewhat set aside fresh produce and delicious meals that simmer for hours, full of easily absorbed nutrients, to replace them with quick solutions that require a great deal of effort from our bodies.
The surge of processed foods in our diets has put a strain on our digestive systems. These foods are much more complex to break down, which sometimes explains our digestive issues.
Drawing inspiration from the past to better digest today
The idea isn't to take a leap backward, but rather to draw on the wisdom of yesteryear to find a little lightness. Rediscovering foods that are easy to digest ultimately means returning to simple, common-sense actions. It means taking the time to chew well, favoring fresh produce, and bringing forgotten treasures or "digestive" plants back into fashion—true gifts for our intestinal flora.
Understanding what an easily digestible food is
Think of your digestive system like a delicate engine. Some fuels, the so-called easy-to-digest foods, make it run smoothly and smoothly. Others, more complex, force it to work harder and can create discomfort. So what makes a food "gentler" for our bodies?
It all comes down to a few key factors: nutrient structure, water content, and the presence of certain fibers. Consider a ripe banana versus a grilled steak. The banana, full of simple sugars and water, is broken down in the blink of an eye. The steak, on the other hand, is much denser in protein and fat. It will require a much greater effort from your stomach and intestines.
Nutrient structure and the role of cooking
The way nutrients are arranged in a food has a direct impact on its digestion.
- Carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates, such as those in ripe fruit or honey, are absorbed much faster than complex carbohydrates found in whole grains or legumes.
- Protein: lean proteins, such as chicken or white fish, are much easier to process than red meats, which are higher in saturated fat.
- Fats: a little good fat, like avocado or olive oil, is perfect. But fried or very fatty foods slow down the stomach's work considerably.
Cooking also has its say. A raw vegetable, with its rigid fibers, requires more energy to be digested than a steamed vegetable, whose heat has already softened the fibers.
Moreover, across the world, many cultures have integrated this principle very intuitively. After childbirth, for example, Chinese tradition recommends hot broths and long-simmered dishes to help the new mother's body recover. It's a practice that focuses on nourishing foods, but above all, foods that are very easy to digest.
The essential role of fiber, in brief
When we talk about fiber, we tend to lump everything together. However, there are two very distinct families, each with a different mission for our digestive comfort. Understanding their role gives us the keys to choosing foods that are truly good for us.
The soft sponge of soluble fibers
Think of soluble fiber as a kind of sponge: once in your intestines, when it comes into contact with water, it forms a gel that slows down digestion. This little magic trick allows for better absorption of nutrients and leaves us feeling fuller for longer. Soluble fiber is a real ally in calming digestive issues. It's found in oatmeal, barley, well-cooked carrots, squash, apples, and citrus fruits.
Their gelling superpower has several tricks up its sleeve:
- They feed our good bacteria: it's a feast for our microbiota, the basis of a healthy intestinal flora.
- They calm the sugar game: by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates, they avoid the famous blood sugar peaks after meals.
- They are gentle on our intestines: generally very well tolerated, which makes them a first-rate choice when digestion becomes capricious.
It's no coincidence that in many cultures, foods rich in soluble fiber are central to care rituals. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, new mothers are recommended "congee," a long-simmered rice porridge that's easy to digest.
The effective brush of insoluble fibers
Insoluble fibers , just as important, play a very different role. They have a more... mechanical action. They stimulate transit by increasing the volume of stools, to help "cleanse" the digestive tract. Essential for regularity, but be careful, they can sometimes be a little too zealous for sensitive intestines if overused.
They are found in wheat bran, nuts and seeds, many green vegetables (green beans, cauliflower) and the skin of certain fruits.
Their slightly more "robust" nature, however, requires a little tact, especially if you have a delicate digestive system.
How to find your own balance
Finding the right balance between soluble and insoluble fiber is, above all, a personal matter. The idea is not to ban any category, but rather to dose according to your feelings.
Here are some tips to guide you:
- Go gradually: if your diet is low in fiber, don't change everything overnight. Introduce it little by little to give your digestive system time to adjust.
- Focus on cooking: a vegetable that is steamed or simmered for a long time will have much more tender and therefore more digestible insoluble fibers.
- Remember to peel: for certain fruits and vegetables like apples, peppers or cucumbers, removing the skin (very rich in insoluble fiber) can make a real difference.
- Hydrate! Drinking plenty of water is essential. It allows soluble fiber to form its protective gel and insoluble fiber to glide smoothly through the digestive tract.
And to help you drink more, consider teas or infusions. By varying the flavors and pleasures, you'll find it easier to stay hydrated.
Wisdom of the World: Rituals and Plants for Soothing Digestion
When we're looking to soothe our digestive system, we often turn to what's on our plate. But there's a much older wisdom, shared by cultures around the world: the art of using rituals and plants to care for our gut.
This knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, is far from trivial. It shows us that the search for harmonious digestion is a universal quest. Traveling from India to South America, via Asia, we discover treasures of simplicity to lighten our daily lives.
The Ayurvedic approach: maintaining your digestive fire
In India, Ayurvedic medicine places digestion at the heart of health. Everything revolves around a central concept: Agni, our "digestive fire." Imagine an inner flame. When it's burning brightly, it effortlessly transforms food into energy. But when it's waning, toxins build up and discomfort sets in.
To fan this flame, Ayurveda turns to spices called dīpana–pācana (which “light” and “ripen” digestion), “warming” spices that give a boost to the metabolism.
- Ginger: whether fresh, in an infusion, or powdered before eating, it is said to "light" the digestive fire, preparing the stomach to work well. It also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping to speed up transit and combat nausea.
- Pippali: rounder and deeper than black pepper, it stimulates Agni without aggression and supports assimilation.
- Garlic: traditional digestive tonic, it helps limit fermentation and heaviness after meals.
This is exactly the logic of our AGNI infusion, a simple and precise blend: ginger (30%), liquorice (24%), garlic powder (18%), pippali (18%), rock salt (10%).
The combination obtained for the AGNI infusion is a very good digestive, it facilitates digestion, reduces flatulence and possible nausea or vomiting. It is useful in case of abdominal discomfort or pain.
Handpicked exclusively from India, using locally certified organic ingredients. No added flavoring or sugar.
An easy ritual to adopt? Enjoy AGNI throughout your day, and ideally before meals, as a 2 to 3 week course of treatment.
Asian Wisdom: Balance Above All
In Asia, digestion is a matter of balance and method. In Japan, the art of chewing reigns supreme. The philosophy of Hara Hachi Bu - eating until 80% full - is accompanied by slow, mindful chewing. Taking the time to grind each mouthful is like a pre-digestion that greatly facilitates the work of our stomachs.
"Digestion begins in the mouth." This proverb reminds us of the importance of this simple gesture: by concentrating on each bite, we allow the enzymes in saliva to do their work.
Armenian ritual: fruit as a remedy, quince as a standard
In Armenia, meals are often accompanied by a sweet drink, inspired by quince compotes and jams (serkevili murabba) which traditionally accompany tea.
At the foot of the Aragats, digestion is first and foremost a matter of peasant common sense: the meal is rounded off with fruits that "hold the stomach" and mountain herbs. Quince occupies a special place here - cooked as a compote, dried, or infused - for its astringent side, reassuring after the generous tables. Mint, which refreshes and soothes, and a hint of thyme, warming and purifying, are often added.
It is in this vein that our SERKEVIL infusion offers a blend where the Quince (85%) leads the dance, enhanced with a dash of mint, a hint of thyme and cherry leaf, plants picked and prepared by hand in Armenia. On the palate: the fruity roundness of quince, the minty freshness and a herbaceous note of thyme, for a soothing cup, ideal after a meal. Brewed piping hot and drunk slowly, it extends this ritual of “liquid dessert” so dear to the Caucasus, where people like to end the table with a comforting drink of fruit and herbs.
For an “Armenian” service , infuse SERKEVIL in a very hot teapot (2 tbsp for 1 L, simmering water ~90 °C, 10–12 min covered) and pour into small glasses. Serve alongside a thin slice of lemon, a spoonful of quince jam (or a little honey) and some dried fruits, each person adjusting to their own taste. Serve in small, spaced pours, to give rhythm to the conversation. In Caucasian homes, a stronger concentrate is also prepared, which is topped up with hot water as needed, depending on the desired intensity.
Urals & Slavic Worlds: The School of Ivan Chai, the Herb that Replaces Tea
In Slavic countries, a "tea" without tea has been drunk for centuries: Ivan Chai (willowherb), often fermented like black tea. This technique refines the vegetal notes, softens the astringency and produces a smooth drink that is served after the table... or the banya. Ivan Chai serves as evening “tea” : a gentle, caffeine-free infusion that goes well with dinner.
Willowherb is said to "restore order": it soothes heaviness, supports transit, and offers gentle warmth to the stomach. Our IVAN CHAI DIEN infusion combines fermented Ivan Chai with a hint of sea buckthorn - this northern berry with a tangy kick - for a luminous finish, both comforting and invigorating, ideal when you're looking for a digestive cleanse without losing the afternoon's momentum.
Infusions are valuable allies for digestion. Beyond meals, they are true healing rituals for your stomach. They can be drunk throughout the day or just before or after a meal to facilitate the process. Each plant has its own benefits, and choosing the right one can make a real difference.
These rituals are not a substitute for medical advice; seek advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing treatment.
At Tea Tribes & Co, we believe that rituals and plants are valuable allies for your digestive well-being. Explore our infusion collections inspired by world traditions and find the perfect blend to soothe and support your body. Discover our "digestive" infusions