dy author José Miguel Aguilera of the Universidad Católica de Chile. Both Koff and Merrell advise their patients to drink vegetable smoothies (like these fruit and veggie smoothie recipes) as a way to help with absorption.
Care for Your Gut Bugs
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Up to 30 percent of the protein and carbs you eat reach your colon undigested, where your gut bacteria break them down, the journal Nutrition in Clinical Practice reports. But just a few days of a high-fat diet can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your system, throwing off this process. Consider a probiotic supplement to boost the number of good bugs whenever you're off your usual diet routine for a few days. One probiotic strain in particular, GanedenBC30, which is added to a wide range of food products, including Red Mango frozen yogurt and Purely Elizabeth Probiotic Granola, as well as Digestive Advantage supplements, has been found to help your body break down proteins. (While you're at it, take your daily probiotic regimen one step further with prebiotics.)
Try an Enzyme
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There will be times when your digestion is thrown off track, like on vacation. That's when digestive enzyme supplements can help. These pills work just like your body's own enzymes to help break food down so you can absorb the nutrients more easily, Koff says.