What You Should Drink After A Meal To Help With Digestion, From RDs

As for what those beverages are, you have quite a few options, so it's really up to personal taste. From tangy to soothing to fizzy, these are the best expert-backed drinks to sip on after your meal to support digestion and ease your stomach.

For that reason, it's important to dilute your ACV beverage rather than drink it straight. Since it's very acidic, too much ACV may 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 your ACV with water, Jessie Inchauspé (aka The Glucose Goddess) recommends drinking it through a straw to help protect your teeth.

If you're a tea fan, there are several options that can help with digestion, and peppermint is one 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 ease gas and bloating for better overall comfort. 

"Ginger root stimulates saliva flow, bile and gastric juice production, which can help with digestion."* explains Schehr. You may feel sluggish after eating if your food is taking a while to digest or you had an especially large meal, so something like ginger tea can help the digestive process and leave your gut feeling great.

"Kombucha [is] a fermented drink touted for its ability to provide beneficial bacteria to the gut," says Schehr. "[Drinking] it after a meal may assist with digestion and also provide a sweet taste to end the meal." The tangy flavor certainly may not be for everyone, but with a range of delicious flavors to choose from, kombucha is an excellent effervescent treat. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, proceed with caution: Kombucha does contain caffeine and may contain alcohol, albeit in very small amounts. 

If you want to double down on nutrients, green juice with pulp or a fiber-packed smoothie are other great options to nourish your body. Pair it with pulp or a fiber rich smoothie to support healthy digestion.

If you want to liven things up a little, try this green juice mocktail as well.

Rounding out your meal with the right drink can make all the difference for your digestion. Opt for one of the five expert-backed beverages above for a little extra support. Just remember: The foods you're fueling your body with also affect how you're feeling once you finish eating. Creating well-rounded, nutrient-dense dishes is the first step in preventing bloat and supporting digestion.