Our digestive system is also known as the ‘second brain’. It is at the very center of our core health. So basically what I shared in the clip is that optimal digestion is key to a healthier and fitter body.

You could be eating the cleanest, nutrient-rich diet in the world, but if you're not digesting well, you won't be absorbing all the nutrients from your food. As a result, wastes build up, you retain water and your body converts excess calories to fat.

Some of the most common digestive problems are related to:

The basic questions to ask yourself are:

If you answer yes to 2 or 3 questions, it can mean that you might have a sluggish digestion, slow metabolism and most probably issue with your weight.

So I want to share with you “5 Foods to Promote Better Digestion”. As a result, you will increase in energy, start to lose weight, feel less bloated, gain a flatter tummy and also feel better from the inside out.

So the first food group is:

1) Food containing high Probiotics

Probiotics are often known as the ‘good bacteria’ because they keep your gut healthy. Probiotics help move food through your gut.
Food that are high in probiotics include (from top left) kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, pickles, miso, tempeh and yogurt.

Yogurt is one of the most widely available probiotic-containing foods, but not all yogurts are equally beneficial. It’s important to look for labels that contain the “live and active cultures,” seal.

2) Food high in Fibre

I’m sure we all know this and have been told too many times to consume foods, which are high in fibre, not only to aid with your digestion, but to keep you fuller for longer and also to help lose weight.

This pretty much include:

• All kinds of Vegetables such as asparagus, beetroots, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, squashes and tomatoes.

• All kinds of Fruits such as avocado, apple, banana, berries, grapes, kiwi, papaya, prunes.

• Grains such as brown rice, multigrain bread, whole wheat pasta, barley, oats.

• Legumes, Beans

• Nuts & Seeds

If however, you do suffer from wind and bloating, then avoid gas-causing food such as cabbage, broccoli, beans and potatoes.

3) Food high in Water

Water is extremely important to the metabolic process and helps move food through your digestive tract. Fiber can’t function properly without water. So if you consume a high fiber diet, but lack in your water intake, you will still experience indigestion, gas and bloating.

Besides drinking enough water everyday, another great way to increase your fluid intake is to consume food high in water, more than 90% such as cucumbers, zucchini, leafy greens, melons, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, radishes and watermelon.

These foods are also known as high-volume, low-calorie foods as they tend to keep you full through a low amount of calories. So they are excellent choices if your goal is to cut back on excess calories and still fill satisfied.

A lot of us already know about the importance of probiotics for your digestion, but we tend to miss of on the importance of food containing high prebiotics, which are equally just as important.

4) Foods containing high Prebiotics

Prebiotics act as food for probiotics. To simple put, probiotics eat prebiotics.

Since fiber is the source for prebiotics, foods that are high in fiber are also typically high in prebiotics. Some of the best examples include Asparagus, Bananas, beetroots, Leeks, Onions, Garlic, Wheat Bran, artichokes, chickpeas and lentils.

And finally, another amazing food category to include into your diet are herbs and spices.

5) Certain Herbs & Spices

I always tell my audience that herbs and spices are the best way to season and flavor your food without the additional calories.

There are also known to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes for better food breakdown. Besides that, they boost your metabolism, help the body burn fat more quickly and also relieve gas or bloating.

Some of my top herbs and spices to have include: Ginger, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cumin, Cayenne, Black Pepper and Cardamom.

You can add them into your cooking or make tea. Watch my “Asian Detox Teas” video to make them.

So the secret to losing weight efficiently or to maintain a healthy weight comes down to your digestive health. When your digestion is functioning better, you’ll notice that you’ll have more energy, fell less bloated, reduced in water retention, no more constipation and a better sense of overall well-being.

So if you want a to shed of the excess weight, gain a flatter tummy and feel lighter, include these 5 foods into your diet.