Resources

bolt Method

search Identify trigger foods

Why? Some foods worsen my digestive issues by causing bloating, pain, or intestinal discomfort.
What I do:
I introduce foods one at a time to spot those that upset my digestion.
I keep a food journal to track negative reactions.
I watch out for high-FODMAP foods that can be hard to digest (onions, legumes, apples, broccoli).

restaurant Adjust my meals for smoother digestion

Why? Smoother digestion comes from a steady meal rhythm and sensible portions.
What I do:
I prefer small, frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones.
I use gentle cooking methods (steaming, simmering) to ease digestion.
I avoid drinking too much during meals, which may slow digestion.

biotech Rebalance my gut flora with the right foods

Why? A healthy gut microbiota supports digestion and reduces discomfort.
What I do:
I include probiotics (lactose-free yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) to enrich my microbiome.
I eat prebiotics (asparagus, green bananas, oats) to feed beneficial bacteria.
I try slow fermentations (sourdough bread, lacto-fermented vegetables) to improve tolerance.

block Avoid irritant foods

Why? Some foods are known to be harsh on the digestive system.
What I do:
I limit fried, fatty, and spicy foods that slow digestion.
I reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the gut.
I avoid refined sugars and ultra-processed foods that may disrupt my microbiota.

grass Manage fiber intake based on my symptoms

Why? Fiber is essential, but poor management can worsen symptoms.
What I do:
If I’m constipated → I increase soluble fiber (oats, carrots, apples) to soften stools.
If I have frequent diarrhea → I limit insoluble fiber (wheat bran, raw vegetables) that speeds transit.
I drink plenty of water so fiber can do its job properly.

local_drink Hydration and digestive soothing

Why? Good hydration supports efficient digestion and reduces gut irritation.
What I do:
I regularly drink still water, green tea, or digestive herbal infusions (fennel, chamomile, ginger).
I chew my food slowly to make absorption easier.
I practice gentle movement (a post-meal walk, deep breathing) to support transit.

Written by Thibaut Comte-Sponville.

report_gmailerrorred Mistakes

lunch_dining Eating too fast and not chewing enough

Problem: Eating too quickly makes me swallow excess air, hinders digestion, and leads to bloating.
What I do:
  • I take time to chew each bite slowly to help my stomach.
  • I eat in a calm environment without distractions like TV or my phone.

  • bakery_dining Overdoing gluten or other irritants

    Problem: Some people are sensitive to gluten or to other irritants like dairy, which can trigger digestive discomfort.
    What I do:
  • I try a temporary reduction of gluten and dairy to see if symptoms improve.
  • I favor alternatives such as rice, buckwheat, or quinoa if needed.

  • local_drink Drinking too much during meals

    Problem: Large amounts of fluids with meals can dilute gastric juices and slow digestion.
    What I do:
  • I drink mainly between meals and limit fluids while eating.
  • I prefer warm or room-temperature drinks rather than ice-cold ones.

  • whatshot Eating overly spicy or fatty foods

    Problem: Very spicy or greasy foods can irritate my stomach and cause reflux or bloating.
    What I do:
  • I moderate saturated fats and strong spices when I have digestive issues.
  • I choose lighter cooking methods like steaming, grilling, or baking.

  • eco Adding too much fiber all at once

    Problem: A sudden increase in fiber can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort.
    What I do:
  • I increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gradually so my system adapts.
  • I drink enough water to help my body handle fiber well.

  • candy Too many fermentable sugars (FODMAPs)

    Problem: Some sugars in fruits, vegetables, and processed foods (FODMAPs) can ferment in the gut and trigger symptoms.
    What I do:
  • I temporarily reduce high-FODMAP foods (garlic, onion, apples, brassicas, legumes).
  • I identify my triggers by trying a low-FODMAP phase, then reintroducing gradually.

  • local_cafe Overdoing caffeine and stimulating drinks

    Problem: Caffeine stimulates the digestive system and may cause pain, diarrhea, or reflux.
    What I do:
  • I limit coffee, black tea, and energy drinks if I have digestive issues.
  • I prefer digestive herbal teas (fennel, peppermint, ginger) as alternatives.

  • hotel Lying down right after eating

    Problem: Lying down soon after a meal can slow digestion and trigger acid reflux.
    What I do:
  • I wait at least 2–3 hours after a large meal before lying down.
  • If I need to rest, I slightly elevate my head to reduce reflux.

  • directions_walk Not moving after a meal

    Problem: Being too sedentary after eating can slow transit and cause heaviness.
    What I do:
  • I take a 10–15 minute walk after meals to stimulate digestion.
  • I avoid intense exercise immediately after eating.

  • self_improvement Ignoring the role of stress in digestion

    Problem: Stress and anxiety can upset my digestive system and cause cramps, bloating, or transit issues.
    What I do:
  • I use stress-management practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  • I take time to eat calmly, without rushing.
  • Written by Thibaut Comte-Sponville.

    nutrition Foods

    Banana

    Why ? Banana is very gentle on the gut, easy to digest, and perfect when digestion is sensitive or in cases of irritable bowel.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Soluble fiber — Gentle on my intestines and supports smooth digestion.
    • Potassium — Helps restore my electrolyte balance, especially during diarrhea.
    • Resistant starch — Feeds my beneficial gut bacteria and supports my microbiome.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • On its own as a snack or side.
    • Mashed on toast or blended into a smoothie.
    • Stirred into oatmeal.

    alarm Best time

    • Breakfast or snack to soothe my stomach.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Cooked apple — Gentler than raw and easy to digest.
    • Poached pears — Similar benefits thanks to gentle soluble fiber.

    Cooked carrots

    Why ? Cooked carrots are great for calming irritated intestines and bring a lot of gentleness to the digestive system.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Soluble fiber — Gentle on sensitive intestines, helps digestion.
    • Beta-carotene (vitamin A) — Supports repair of the intestinal mucosa.
    • Potassium — Supports digestion and hydration.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • As a simple purée or mixed with sweet potato.
    • In soup or broth-based purée.
    • Gently roasted with a drizzle of olive oil.

    alarm Best time

    • Lunch or dinner alongside a light meal.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Butternut squash — Similar in fiber and gentleness.
    • Cooked zucchini — Very digestible and hydrating.

    Oats

    Why ? Oats, as flakes or bran, are a valuable ally to calm the gut and provide gentle energy without excess sugar.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Soluble fiber (beta-glucans) — Protect my intestinal lining and support regular digestion.
    • Magnesium — Soothes intestinal muscles.
    • Anti-inflammatory properties — Ideal for irritated intestines.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • As porridge with plant milk and banana.
    • In a low-sugar homemade granola.
    • As a light gruel for tougher days.

    alarm Best time

    • Breakfast or snack for a gentle start to the day.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Puffed rice — A gluten-free option.
    • Puffed quinoa — Lighter texture and easy to digest.

    White rice

    Why ? White rice is gentle on the gut, easy to digest, and ideal when digestion is upset or intestines are sensitive.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Simple carbs — Easy to digest and soothing for my stomach.
    • Starch — Absorbs excess fluids, helpful during diarrhea.
    • Gluten-free — Suits sensitive intestines.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • As a side with steamed vegetables.
    • As a simple rice pudding with a little plant milk and honey.
    • In a light soup with broth and chicken.

    alarm Best time

    • Lunch or dinner for a soothing meal.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Steamed potatoes — Similarly easy to digest.
    • Sweet potato — A gentle, slightly sweet option.

    Ginger

    Why ? Ginger is known to soothe the digestive system, reduce nausea, and support digestion—even with intestinal sensitivity.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Gingerols — Reduce my nausea and ease digestive discomfort.
    • Carminative effects — Help relieve bloating and intestinal discomfort.
    • Antioxidants — Protect my stomach from oxidative stress and inflammation.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • Infused in tea or hot water.
    • Grated into soups or stews.
    • Blended into a smoothie with gentle fruits.

    alarm Best time

    • Between meals to calm my stomach.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Peppermint — Soothes digestive cramps and supports digestion.
    • Turmeric — Helps reduce intestinal inflammation and supports my microbiome.

    Chicken

    Why ? Chicken, steamed or grilled, is a lean protein source—ideal when my digestive system is fragile or after a bout of diarrhea.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Lean protein — Easy to digest and gentle on my digestive system.
    • Low fat — Helps avoid reflux and heaviness.
    • Amino acids — Support repair of intestinal tissues.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • In pieces in a soup or broth.
    • Grilled with a side of steamed vegetables.
    • In a warm salad with rice.

    alarm Best time

    • Lunch or dinner for a light protein intake.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Turkey — Similarly low in fat.
    • White fish — Very digestible and high in protein.

    Cooked zucchini

    Why ? Cooked zucchini is gentle on the gut, very digestible, and perfect to soothe bouts of digestive irritation.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Gentle fiber — Helps digestion without irritating my intestines.
    • Water — Hydrates and helps prevent constipation.
    • Antioxidants — Protect digestive mucosa and reduce inflammation.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • Lightly sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil.
    • In soup with other gentle vegetables.
    • As a light purée to accompany meals.

    alarm Best time

    • Lunch or dinner for an easy-to-digest meal.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Swiss chard — Similar texture and gentleness.
    • Fennel — Relieves bloating and supports light digestion.

    Plain yogurt

    Why ? Unsweetened plain yogurt, rich in probiotics, helps restore and balance my gut flora after digestive issues.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Probiotics — Promote a healthy, balanced gut microbiota.
    • Calcium — Supports intestinal muscle function and strengthens bones.
    • Protein — Easy to digest and satisfying.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • Plain with a touch of honey or cooked fruit.
    • Mixed with oats.
    • As a light sauce with cooked vegetables.

    alarm Best time

    • Breakfast or snack to rebalance my gut flora.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Kefir — Even richer in probiotics.
    • Fortified plant-based yogurt — For those with lactose intolerance.

    White fish

    Why ? White fish, like cod or hake, is very digestible, low in fat, and ideal for preserving balance in my digestive system.

    science Key nutrients and their effects

    • Lean protein — Ideal for a sensitive stomach and easy digestion.
    • Omega-3s — Soothe intestinal inflammation.
    • Selenium — Supports regeneration of digestive tissues.

    restaurant_menu How to add it

    • Pan-seared gently with herbs.
    • Baked en papillote with zucchini and carrots.
    • In pieces in a broth or soup.

    alarm Best time

    • Lunch or dinner for a light, soothing meal.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Sole — Very digestible and light.
    • Steamed salmon — Lower in heaviness and rich in omega-3s.

    Papaya

    Why ? Papaya is ideal for soothing and regulating my digestion thanks to its gentle enzymes.

    science Key nutrients & effects

    • Digestive enzymes (papain) — Help break down proteins.
    • Gentle fiber — Improves my transit without irritating my digestive system.
    • Vitamin C — Protects my intestinal lining and supports my immunity.

    restaurant_menu How to include it

    • On its own or in a fruit salad.
    • Blended into a smoothie for a creamy texture.
    • As a light dessert with a squeeze of lemon.

    alarm Best time

    • Snack or dessert to ease digestion.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Pineapple — Contains bromelain, another digestive enzyme.
    • Mango — Gentle and fiber-rich, ideal for my digestion.

    White bread

    Why ? White or gluten-free bread provides easy-to-digest energy, perfect during digestive discomfort.

    science Key nutrients & effects

    • Simple carbs — Easy to digest and gentle on my gut.
    • Low insoluble fiber — Ideal during diarrhea or digestive irritation.

    restaurant_menu How to include it

    • Lightly toasted with honey or nut butter.
    • Alongside soups or broths.
    • As toast with avocado or smooth carrot purée.

    alarm Best time

    • Breakfast or a light snack to avoid digestive discomfort.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Gluten-free bread — Suitable for people sensitive to gluten.
    • Rice cakes — A light, crunchy alternative to bread.

    Herbal infusions

    Why ? Herbal infusions like chamomile or mint calm the gut, reduce discomfort, and promote smoother digestion.

    science Key benefits & effects

    • Chamomile — Reduces cramps and promotes soothing digestion.
    • Mint — Relieves bloating and helps reduce reflux.
    • Relaxing effects — Soothe my gut and reduce digestive stress.

    restaurant_menu How to include it

    • As a warm tea after a meal.
    • Combined with ginger for a stronger effect.

    alarm Best time

    • After meals to relieve my digestive system.

    swap_horiz Alternatives

    • Fennel — Great as a tea to fight bloating.
    • Thyme — Eases mild digestive issues and supports my immune system.

    Written by Thibaut Comte-Sponville.

    Meals




    Written by Thibaut Comte-Sponville.