Best Foods That Aid Digestion - Slideshow

Sound digestion

Sound digestion is the key to sound health. Incomplete digestion and stomach abuse with excess dumping of junk leads to toxic accumulation (acidic byproducts) in the body. This further increases the fat levels too.

This ultimately proves to be a hidden, slow growing cause of disease in the long run. Herbs and spices in our kitchen are the best age old digestive aids and have stomach-soothing properties. They have long been recognized for their digestive stimulant action.People have either a weak or strong digestion power!For those with weak digestion;

• Choosing certain home formulation of herbs and spices or
• Opting for certain good digestive high fibre foods everyday can be the best route towards a healthy disease free energetic self!

The Mechanism

The digestive stimulant action of spices is mediated through two possible modes:

(i) By stimulating the liver to secrete bile rich in bile acids that are vital for fat digestion and absorption, and(ii) By stimulation of enzymes, both of pancreatic and intestinal origin that are responsible for digestion.The above actions lead to an accelerated overall digestive process. This results in a significant reduction in the duration of passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract and thereby lesser exposure of the body to toxic waste substances, gas formation, bloating, headaches and uneasiness.

Fennel (Saunf)

• Fennel has a very soothing effect on the stomach and helps digestion.
• Fennel is high in fiber and acts as roughage and as anti-flatulent.
• It balances the acid in stomach and for this property it is used in preparations of antacids too.
• It reduces inflammation in intestines and aids proper absorption of nutrients from food.

Home remedy:

• Munch few fennel seeds after a meal daily.
• Consume a decoction made by boiling fennel seeds in water.

Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. It helps prevent flatulence

Home remedy:

• Consume dry powder mixed in milk or plain water.

Ginger (Adrak)

• This ancient spice is the best herb to improve sluggish digestion and reduce gas.

Home remedies:

• Consumption of ginger juice or ginger water.
• Chop ginger and preserve in lime juice. Consume 1 teaspoon of this mix five minutes before every meal.
• Mix 2 teaspoons of ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of lime juice, a pinch of salt and black pepper. Drink it twice or thrice daily.

Indian Aloe

• Leaves strengthen the functioning of stomach and promote its action. It is beneficial for the liver too.
• The pulp in the leaves is rich in fibre which helps in easy bowl movements.
• Its alkanity pacifies the acidity of the body and also helps clear the body off its toxins.

Home remedy:

• Consume 30 to 40 ml of aloe vera juice daily on an empty stomach

Fenugreek (Methi)

• The leaves and seeds both are useful in treatment of indigestion and flatulence.
• They are high in soluble fibre and thereby help prevent constipation.
• They help to reduce the fat levels in the body as well as control blood sugars.

Home remedies:

• Consume methi juice or green juice daily in the morning.
• Consume one tablespoon of methi seeds soaked in water overnight, every morning.

Bishops Weed (Ajwain) and Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

• Ajwain and jeera have long been used in indigenous medicine to treat indigestion and flatulence.
• They are one of the best aids to improve digestion.

Home remedies:

• Consume a teaspoon of ajwain seeds with a little rock salt.
• Roasted jeera seeds to be ground together. About 3/4th teaspoon of this mix to be taken with water daily.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are naturally secreted by different glands: the salivary glands, the glands in the stomach, the pancreas, and the glands in the small intestine. The various digestive enzymes help to break down the different components of foods such as starches, proteins, fatty acids, and sugars. Digestive enzyme supplements are becoming more popular due to the growing prevalence of various digestive conditions. Most digestive enzymes in supplements are extracted from natural foods.

The following foods contain digestive enzymes and are rich sources of vitamin A, C and fibre.

• Pineapple (bromelain)
• Green Papaya (papain)
• Mangoes (magneferin, katechol oxidase, and lactase
• Kiwifruit (actinidin)
• Figs (ficin)

Consume these foods for better digestion

High Fiber Foods

• Isabgul - 1 tablespoon everyday with water or milk
• Soaked figs
• Rolled oats, dalia
• Vegetable juices, wheat grass juice
• Carrots, banana, pears, mango, papaya
• All dals, sprouts

High fibre foods keep the digestive system healthy by clearing the intestine completely on regular basis, protecting the mucosal lining of the stomach , intestine and preventing flatulence. These foods should be eaten on regular basis each day.

Acidity Relievers and Stomach Soothers

• Lime juice with warm water
• Buttermilk (1:4 curd and water proportion, churn, remove the top fat)
• Raw milk (raw milk diluted with water)
• Mint juice
• Ginger juice
• Barley water
• Wheat grass juice
• Sattu (An Indian grain mix consumed with water in Gujrat, Rajasthan)