5 Drinks for Easy Digestion After Meals

mindbodygreen often discusses the best foods, supplements, and lifestyle tips to help your gut health and promote healthy digestion. Chewing slowly and taking a leisurely walk after meals are two easy ways to improve digestion. But did you know that drinking the right beverage can also help your body digest food more smoothly?

There are many options for post-meal drinks, so it really comes down to personal preference. From tangy to soothing to fizzy, these are the best expert-backed drinks to sip on after your meal to aid digestion and ease your stomach.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), a fermented product containing a small amount of gut-friendly bacteria, is one of the most talked-about (and somewhat controversial) drinks for digestion. "The high acidity in ACV helps break down food in the stomach by introducing more acid into the stomach tract," says registered dietitian Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, nutrition expert and author of Smoothies & Juices.

Apple cider vinegar may be especially helpful after eating carb-heavy meals, explains integrative medicine and nutrition expert Jaime Schehr, N.D., R.D. One study even showed that daily vinegar intake (about 2 to 6 tablespoons per day) improved the glycemic response to carbohydrate-rich meals1, but more research is needed. We know that apple cider vinegar can increase stomach acid levels, which is beneficial if your levels are low. However, it can also cause heartburn if you naturally produce enough stomach acid.

Therefore, it's crucial to dilute your ACV beverage instead of drinking it straight. Since it's highly acidic, too much ACV can be harmful to your esophagus and your tooth enamel2. "I generally recommend having one to two tablespoons with a glass of water immediately before meals," says Schehr. "It can be taken during or after meals but is likely most effective when consumed before meals." Along with diluting ACV with water, Jessie Inchauspé (aka The Glucose Goddess) suggests drinking it through a straw to help protect your teeth.

If you enjoy tea, there are several options that can aid digestion, and peppermint is a great choice. "Peppermint has been shown in studies to reduce spasms [in the digestive tract]3, meaning your body is more relaxed and can more easily digest food after ingesting it," notes Schehr. Peppermint tea may also help relieve gas and bloating for better overall comfort. 

Another soothing tea, ginger has long been known to have stomach-soothing properties4 but may also be helpful in supporting healthy digestion, as well.*

Ginger root can help with digestion by stimulating saliva flow, bile and gastric juice production, according to Schehr. If you experience sluggishness after eating, ginger tea can help the digestive process and leave your gut feeling great.

Kombucha is a fermented drink known for its beneficial bacteria for the gut, says Schehr. Drinking it after a meal may aid digestion and provide a sweet taste. Kombucha comes in a variety of flavors and is an excellent effervescent treat. However, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should be cautious as it contains caffeine and may contain alcohol in small amounts.

Green juice with pulp or a fiber-packed smoothie are great options for nourishing your body and supporting healthy digestion.

If you don't have a juicer, mix 1 tablespoon of mbg's organic veggies+ with water for a nutritious alternative. This greens powder contains 31 ingredients including organic fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and prebiotic fiber to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. For a variation, try this green juice mocktail.

Choosing the right drink to end your meal can greatly impact digestion. Opt for one of the five expert-backed beverages mentioned above for additional support. Remember, the food you eat influences how you feel after meals. Creating well-rounded, nutrient-dense dishes is crucial for preventing bloat and supporting digestion.