Sometimes after dinner you just want to linger and have a drink. Many of us might opt for another glass of wine, while those of us who have a long night ahead of us might opt for a small cup of coffee. But what’s really important is choosing a drink that will help you digest what you’ve just eaten. There are also some delicious options for what to drink after a meal to improve digestion
ContentWhat to drink after a meal: waterGood drinks for digestion: ginger teaGood drinks for digestion: mint teaGood drinks for digestion: kombuchaGood drinks for digestion: kefirGood drinks for digestion: bitter herb extract
WomanEL will share a list from nutritionist Amanda Sauceda. According to her, such drinks help improve digestion.
What is better to drink after a meal: water
The first drink on our list is a must-have, and more importantly, it’s probably in your kitchen. Your body needs water to break down food into nutrients and to soften your stool to prevent constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic. “I always go for water,” says Sauceda. “When the taste is too bland, I add a little juice to my water. The juice gives it flavor without adding a lot of sugar.” Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to spice up (or sweeten) your water. You can add cucumbers, strawberries, mint, and more.
Useful drinks for digestion: ginger tea
Ginger tea is probably best known for its potential to alleviate digestive problems, and in particular for helping to relieve nausea, Source: freepik.com
This warm, spicy tea is one of the experts' favorites after a hearty, heavy meal. Ginger contains over 400 beneficial compounds, including those with carminative (read: digestive) properties that help relieve cramps, reflux, gas, bloating, and unpleasant fullness. This is according to a review in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, devoted to the effects of ginger on digestion.
Saucheda says you'll get the most benefit from making your own ginger tea using freshly chopped ginger root (as opposed to tea bags). To do this, she recommends adding a 1-inch piece of peeled ginger to 8 ounces of water and bringing to a boil. Then let it steep for 10 minutes and strain it so it's ready to drink.
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What is better to drink after a meal: mint tea
“Mint tea is a drink that is traditionally recommended for indigestion”, – says Sauceda. According to research, peppermint essential oil has the greatest benefit. It has been shown to improve abdominal pain after meals, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.
Just avoid it if you have heartburn after eating. “Mint is known to trigger acid reflux, so it may not be a good choice for those with heartburn or GERD,” Saucheda advises. To enjoy mint as an after-dinner drink, steep a tablespoon or two of fresh mint leaves in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink.
Useful drinks for digestion: kombucha
If you feel like drinking something fizzy after dinner, pay attention to kombucha. “It’s a fermented tea drink with a variety of flavors that can really help you get a dose of gut-healthy probiotics,” says Saucheda.
A 2023 study in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition found that daily consumption of kombucha helped relieve short-term constipation in people with IBS. It may also help soothe an upset stomach. But bubbles can sometimes cause heartburn, so avoid it if you have acid reflux or GERD.
What's best to drink after a meal: Kefir
Feeling a burning sensation after a spicy meal? Dairy products have a cooling effect, so kefir—a fermented milk drink similar to thin yogurt—can be helpful, says Saucheda. “I like to choose kefir over milk because you get the added benefit of probiotics, and it’s naturally lower in lactose,” she adds. Great news for those who are lactose intolerant!
You can find unsweetened or flavored kefir. But, as with yogurt, plain is best, as it has no added sugars.
Good drinks for digestion: bitter extract herbs
According to a 2021 review published in the journal Nutrients, artichoke leaf, licorice root, or wormwood can stimulate saliva and digestive juices, help food move through the gastrointestinal tract, and even help maintain stable blood sugar levels after eating.
Adding a few drops to a glass of water “is a traditional home remedy. It’s thought to help with digestion. This may be helpful for people who experience gas or bloating after dinner,” Saucheda says.
Did you know that exercise affects your gut? We covered the connection in detail here.
