How to Improve Your Digestive Health With Natural Remedies
Digestion disorders often respond to diet, natural supplements and medication; however, if symptoms persist it is important to see a doctor for further assistance.
For instance, if a client has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), eliminating gluten is essential to improving their symptoms. Eating foods rich in probiotics is another strategy for restoring gut health.
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the best herbs for digestion as it increases the production of digestive enzymes and stimulates saliva flow. This aids in keeping food moving through your system, avoiding issues like fermentation or gas buildup.
Ginger is also rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause cellular damage in the body. Plus, ginger reduces inflammation within the digestive tract so you’ll be less likely to experience issues with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive disorders.
Another beneficial effect of ginger on your digestive tract is that it strengthens the immune system. It contains high amounts of vitamins C and E which aid in fighting infections; additionally, 6-gingerol, an antioxidant compound found in ginger, may have anti-cancer effects as well.
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate ginger into your diet, try drinking ginger tea every day. Just mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried ginger root in a cup of water and let sit for around 20 minutes before sipping.
Ginger tea is an effective natural remedy for indigestion, heartburn, nausea and other stomach discomforts. It also makes a great addition to your diet when you have the flu or cold since it soothes and relaxes the body’s systems, according to the National Institute of Health.
Ginger not only tastes delicious and beneficial, but it’s an excellent source of minerals and fiber. Plus, it contains vitamins B6, folic acid, and vitamin C.
You can add it to a variety of dishes to make meals more enjoyable. It’s especially popular in Asian cooking, where it is commonly used to flavor soups, stews and other hot dishes.
When purchasing ginger, it’s best to choose a fresh and unspoiled root in order to prevent the development of mold or odor on its outside. You can purchase ginger in various forms: ground, dried or tincture.
For additional health benefits, add a few teaspoons of chopped or crushed ginger to a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily. You can even mix it with lemon or lime juice and honey for added flavor and antioxidants.
2. Fennel
Fennel is an herb used for centuries to aid digestion. Packed full of essential nutrients, it makes a delicious addition to any diet or beverage, adding flavor and benefiting you in the process!
Fennel bulb has a light, refreshing flavor that can be chopped and added to salads, slaws and pasta dishes. It’s an inexpensive ingredient that’s easy to find at your grocery store.
Fiber, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, copper and iron can be found in this fruit. Not only does it aid with constipation, bloating and gas but it’s beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome as well.
Fennel seeds, fronds and stems can be used to make an herbal infusion. It makes a refreshing drink to sip after your meal or add to tomato sauce for some herbal flavor.
Fennel also provides additional advantages, such as increasing satiety and suppressing appetite. This makes it a beneficial addition to any weight loss plan. Furthermore, fennel can reduce water retention and promote fat metabolism.
Fennel seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can improve heart health and relieve coughs, colds and bronchitis. Plus, they provide folic acid and dietary fiber.
To maximize the flavor and nutritional value of your fennel, it’s essential to select high-quality ingredients and prepare it correctly. Look for a white bulb with an earthen hue and several inches of stalk. Additionally, inspect for a thin layer of fronds but no flowers yet.
Before cooking fennel, it’s best to chop its bulb, stems and fronds into bite-sized pieces so that the nutrients remain intact. Furthermore, washing fennel before use in recipes will help ensure maximum freshness of flavor and nutrients.
Fennel is an effective digestive aid that’s safe to consume for most people. It has also been known to treat various health conditions, with women experiencing menopausal symptoms finding particular benefit from its powerful flavonoids that may help alleviate PMS and menopause symptoms.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a widely-used herbal remedy to relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. The tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help alleviate stomach discomfort or bloating. Furthermore, it relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, potentially relieving symptoms associated with stress or anxiety.
Chamomile can be consumed in various forms, such as dry powder, tinctures, tea and capsules. It has long been known to reduce digestive discomfort and indigestion by relaxing secondary nerves and muscles in the GI tract. Furthermore, chamomile has sedative effects and is safe even for children to use.
Studies have demonstrated that chamomile can help reduce inflammation associated with inflammatory conditions. It also acts as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Furthermore, it has been believed to help regulate the production of digestive enzymes required for breaking down food as it passes through your intestines. A cup of chamomile tea before meals may increase absorption of vitamins and minerals from food sources – something beneficial for overall wellbeing.
Chamomile tea with milk has been used for centuries to soothe digestion issues. As it’s caffeine-free and contains zero calories, it makes an ideal addition to any healthy diet.
To maximize the therapeutic effects of chamomile tea, select an organic and pure brand for maximum efficacy. This is the most reliable way to take advantage of this plant’s potent healing powers.
Chamomile has many uses, but it is most renowned for its ability to promote sleep and digestion. Additionally, chamomile can be used to alleviate anxiety, stress, and mild depression.
Chamomile flowers’ soothing properties can also aid in improving respiratory health. If you are suffering from a cold, try making a steam bath using three to four tea bags or about 4 teaspoons of loose flowers in a bowl of boiling water and letting the steam reach your lungs for around 5 minutes.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint is an herb from the mint family that’s a hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). The edible leaf of peppermint contains oil which aids digestion; it may also be useful in treating symptoms like bloating, gas, nausea and pain in the abdomen.
It has been used since ancient times and can often be found in health foods. Its flavor is soothing, while its volatile oils are said to relieve spasms in the digestive tract and muscle pain and discomfort associated with indigestion.
Peppermint oil can be taken orally or applied topically. Vaporizers can also be used to inhale the essential oils, which may help relieve headaches and migraines with their soothing scent.
People suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) have reported that peppermint oil helps alleviate their symptoms when taken in a coated capsule form. You can find these capsules at health food stores, grocery stores and online.
For maximum effectiveness, peppermint oil must be taken at least an hour before eating a meal. Furthermore, wait two hours after taking your dose of the peppermint oil before taking an antacid.
Taken before eating a meal, taking a peppermint oil capsule can help relax stomach muscles and enhance bile flow in your system. Additionally, sipping on warm peppermint tea throughout the day can further relax your stomach.
You could also try chewing and swallowing a spoonful of fennel seeds to relieve indigestion. Fennel is often included in digestive health supplements, so adding it to your diet should be easy.
Research has also indicated that ginger may improve digestion in kids with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), though more studies are needed. Additionally, it could reduce vomiting and nausea caused by chemotherapy treatment.