In most cases, we are perfectly aware of the foods and preparations that are difficult to digest and can, as a result, cause heartburn, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. However, prevention is always better than cure, the inclusion of foods that aid in digestion in one’s diet on a regular basis is highly recommended. Today, we will explain what they are and why they can help prevent indigestion in the following article.
- Fermented Milk & Yogurt: Fermented milk and yoghurt contains live microorganisms, which we typically refer to as probiotics, it helps maintain healthy intestinal flora and maintain normal digestive tract function. We can avoid diarrhoea, constipation, and other conditions resulting from these if the bacterial flora in our intestines is in good health. Hence, you can add fermented milk or yoghurt to your daily routine to have a better digestive system
- Banana: Yes, bananas are also good for the digestive system. It is a fruit rich in inulin, a substance with a prebiotic effect that feeds probiotics and contributes to a healthy intestinal flora. It also contains fibre, which stimulates bacterial activity in the intestine. On the other hand, the mineral potassium plays a role in the muscular contractions needed to digest food and moves food bolus from the oesophagus to the intestine, so its high potassium content helps the digestive system function properly. Starting your day with a banana is a great idea. You can add it to your breakfast.
- Artichoke: Artichoke also contains a lot of inulin, which stimulates the production of bile, which is necessary for the digestion of fats, and has the effect of a prebiotic. Artichokes can be a great vegetable for preventing gastrointestinal problems for these reasons. Artichoke is an exotic vegetable and can be difficult to find in India. Hence, you can go with its extract version too.
- Garlic: It is antibacterial because it contains allicin, which can protect us from infections caused by foreign bacteria. Additionally, its high potassium content contributes to healthy neuromuscular activity in the digestive tract and improves blood circulation, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the digestive organs.
As can be seen, these foods can be included frequently in the diet, and by eating them, we will benefit from maintaining a healthy and functioning digestive system, thereby avoiding the discomfort and diseases that come with improper digestion.
If we talk about Ayurveda, the above herbs or food are also mentioned there. They work effectively for the digestive system. One herbal product that is very popular in Ayurveda for the digestive system, is Triphala.
Triphala- A Digestive Friendly
A Triphala is not a herb or food. It is a herbal product from the ayurveda. Triphala is a combination of three fruits. “Tri” means three and “Phala ” means fruit. Triphala contains amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki. All these three fruits are powerful herbs belonging to the Ayurvedic medicine system.
Triphala has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine systems to support digestive health, reduce constipation, bloating, gas and many more. Let’s discuss the triphala benefits for the stomach in depth-
- Support bowel movement: Triphala is a natural laxative in nature. It improves bowel movement and enhances the metabolism in the body. Being a natural laxative, it is also great to reduce constipation and promote regularity. It helps to soften the stool, support healthy bowel movement and aids in gentle detoxification of the digestive tract.
- Clean digestive system: From ancient times, triphala is used to remove the toxic, waste product from the intestine. It supports the cleaning of the stomach, intestine as well as the overall body. Triphala juice supports the natural detoxification processes of the body, which is healthier and safer to use on a regular diet.
- Increase absorption of nutrients: Triphala’s three fruits each help to improve digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients in the body. Antioxidants and vitamin C in Amalaki (Amla) aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Bibhitaki is well-known for its astringent properties, which aid in digestive tract tone and strength. Haritaki is regarded as a rejuvenating herb that aids in digestion and bowel movement regulation.
- Balances digestive fire: Triphala aids in balancing the digestive fire, or Agni, according to Ayurveda. It can help people with high Agni (excessive digestion) and low Agni (weak digestion). It prevents indigestion and bloating by stimulating the digestive fire and assisting in the breakdown and assimilation of food.
- Reduces digestive discomfort: Triphala might assist with alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like acidity, indigestion, bloating and gas. These issues with the digestive system may be alleviated by its cooling and gentle properties.
- Anti-inflammatory Effect: Triphala has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in reducing digestive tract inflammation. By soothing the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation, it may benefit people with inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The ideal way to consume triphala is to drink triphala juice with water dilution after a meal.
