6 Common Spices That Can Help You With Digestion

Acidity has become a regular part of most people’s lives; most suffer from this condition without giving it a second thought. However, left untreated, simple acidity can develop into more serious conditions such as gastritis, corrosion of the stomach lining, constipation, bloating, and more.
Ads on TV offer suggestions to use effervescent products that relieve acidity but this often a temporary solution and the next meal brings about another about of acid reflex. This is usually caused due to unhealthy eating habits, bad food combinations, and junk foods. Instead of resorting to tablets or other medicines that promise to stop the condition, it is advisable to rummage around your kitchen for natural ingredients that will curb the problem without any negative side effects. Eventually however, it is important that you change your eating habits to achieve permanent relief from this problem.

Bay Leaves

Known as ‘Tej Patta’, this spice is a staple in Indian cooking and is therefore, present in every Indian household. It is known to have a strong effect on the gastrointestinal system, reducing toxicity levels and even soothing irritable bowel syndrome. Add this spice regularly to your meals, or brew it into a tea and consume.

Cardamom

‘Elaichi’ is commonly used in exotic Indian foods and desserts and also doubles up as a mouth freshener. It balances excess mucus, and reduces bloating and gas in the stomach as well as the small intestine.

Cinnamon

This is a great spice for good gut health and is even said to promote weight loss. Adding it to a warm cup of water and consuming it first thing in the morning reduces blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. It also eases nausea and stomach upsets.

Turmeric

This spice is used is almost every Indian dish; no pantry is complete without it. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and promotes quick healing. Especially for acidity, mix some turmeric in a glass of water or milk and consume for immediate relief. It is also beneficial for cough and cold.

Ginger

Not only is this spice rich in flavour, it has numerous healing properties; ginger helps to soothe the stomach, reduce motion sickness and nausea, and stimulates saliva and bile production. Many people add ginger to tea, or consume this spice in the form of sweet, chewable candy to easily palate it.

Asafoetida

‘Hing’ is usually added to dishes that are made using legumes and pulses that can cause excess production of gas in the stomach. Asafoetida reduces symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndromes such as stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or both.