Why do we experience difficult digestion?
Digestion is a complex process involving several organs, particularly the stomach and intestines. When this process slows down or is disrupted, symptoms soon appear. You may feel heavy after meals or experience bloating, intestinal gas or a swollen stomach. Some people also experience abdominal discomfort or feel sleepy as soon as they finish eating.
There is no single cause for these discomforts. Several factors may be involved, often at the same time.
The first is the meal itself. An overly large meal slows down digestion: the stomach has more work to do and takes longer to process it. This is especially true when the meal is high in fat, which prolongs digestion. So it’s hardly surprising to feel heavy after a festive lunch or a dinner with plenty to drink.
How you eat matters just as much as what is on your plate. Food eaten too quickly is not chewed properly, yet chewing is the first step in digestion. The stomach receives food that has not been broken down enough and has to make up for it, which can increase discomfort.
Your everyday diet also plays a part. When it is unbalanced, it can encourage fermentation in the digestive system, along with the bloating and discomfort that come with it.
Stress is another factor not to underestimate. Digestion and the nervous system are closely linked, and a stressful period can disrupt digestion even if you have not changed your eating habits.
Finally, lack of physical activity slows bowel transit. Sitting or lying down after eating, day after day, does nothing to help digestion along.
Identifying the source of the problem is already a step towards finding suitable, lasting solutions.
Lemon: a traditional remedy worth knowing
Lemon has long been used to accompany digestion, particularly as warm lemon water, one of the most widespread traditional remedies. In the morning, or after a particularly large meal, a glass of warm water with a few drops of lemon may help you feel lighter again.
To make it, gently warm a glass of water, squeeze in half a lemon, stir and drink slowly. This simple drink can easily become part of a daily wellbeing routine.
Digestive herbal infusions: your allies after a meal
For difficult digestion, digestive herbal infusions and teas are among the most widely used traditional remedies. Certain plants are traditionally enjoyed after meals.
Peppermint
It is appreciated for its fresh taste and digestive properties recognised in traditional use. For many people, an infusion after lunch or dinner brings a pleasant feeling of comfort.
Fennel
Fennel seeds have been used for centuries to support digestive comfort. They are particularly popular after a hearty meal. To make an infusion, lightly crush a teaspoon of seeds, pour over hot water and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
Chamomile
Chamomile is traditionally associated with relaxation, and stress and digestion are closely linked. A cup after a meal or in the evening can be part of a calming routine.
Ginger
Ginger is a classic natural remedy. Its slightly spicy flavour is particularly enjoyable as an infusion. Cut a few thin slices of fresh ginger, steep them in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
Our recommended teas and herbal infusions:
To support your digestion day to day, we’d like to introduce you to two Kusmi Tea blends. They’re very different from each other, and which one you choose depends mainly on the time of day and what you fancy.
Ginger and lemon tea
This green tea brings together two classic home remedies mentioned above: ginger, with its slightly spicy taste, and lemon, long associated with digestive comfort. Its composition is simple: 95% green tea and 5% natural ginger-lemon flavouring, all organically grown. It’s a pleasant hot drink to enjoy after a meal as part of a wellbeing routine.
Only Spices herbal infusion
This herbal infusion puts spices centre stage: anise, fennel, liquorice, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and cloves, all organically grown. It features fennel and ginger, two plants traditionally consumed after meals. If you enjoy bold flavours and blends that bring several plants together in one cup, it’s a lovely addition to your lunchtime or evening routine.
A short walk after a meal
Previous generations had a point: sitting or lying down straight after eating isn’t always ideal. A gentle walk of 10 to 20 minutes can promote digestive comfort. There’s no need to push yourself: simply get your body moving.
This habit brings several benefits: a feeling of lightness, less heaviness, a greater sense of overall wellbeing and a more active lifestyle.
Sometimes, the best remedy for difficult digestion isn’t a plant or a herbal infusion. Chewing is the very first stage of digestion. When you eat too quickly, food is broken down less thoroughly, your stomach has to work harder, you swallow more air and digestive discomfort can become more pronounced.
Take time to savour every mouthful. This simple habit can noticeably improve your digestive comfort.
Foods to choose when digestion is difficult
Some foods are generally easier to tolerate when your stomach is sensitive.
Cooked vegetables
They are often easier to digest than raw vegetables. Try carrots, courgettes, green beans or pumpkin, for example.
Cooked fruit
Apple or pear compote is often recommended as part of a light diet.
Plain cereals
Rice, oats and some minimally processed grains can often make for meals that are easier to digest.
Lean proteins
Chicken, turkey, white fish or eggs can all be part of a balanced meal.
Foods that may contribute to digestive discomfort
Everyone’s body responds differently, but some foods are often associated with a feeling of heaviness. Very fatty dishes slow digestion, and very large meals can leave you feeling heavy too. Fizzy drinks can encourage bloating, while excess alcohol can irritate the digestive system. Ultra-processed foods often leave you feeling uncomfortable after a meal, and too much sugar is associated with digestive fermentation.
You don’t necessarily have to cut them out: simply consume them in moderation.
The role of stress in digestive problems
Digestion and the nervous system are closely linked. High stress levels can sometimes be accompanied by bloating, a knotted feeling in the stomach, digestive discomfort or changes in bowel habits.
A few simple habits can help: breathing exercises, meditation, regular physical activity, proper breaks for meals and fewer distractions at lunch and dinner. Taking time to eat in peace is often one of the most effective remedies.