When learning about how to best support your gut and overall digestive health for no more bloat in the abdominal tract, you hear about how eating whole and healthy foods is essential, but a great way to boost this support for your digestion is through the spices you are using when cooking. While there is a huge emphasis on incorporating foods that are high in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, you can elevate these dishes through the spices you use. Today, we are going to give you a run down on the essentials you need in your pantry to ensure you are setting yourself up for the best success in relieving you of any painful digestive issues.
Staples in Your Pantry for Better Overall Health
Apple Cider Vinegar
For people who have low levels of acidity in their stomach, apple cider vinegar can help to boost these levels which helps with overall digestion. When someone’s digestion is backed up it can lead to bloating and constipation. It is also an antimicrobial substance which means it has the tools it needs to kill any excess bacteria in your body. When you have an excess amount of bacteria in your body it leads to an excess of gas and can hurt your gut’s health.
As always, make sure you are not overdoing it with apple cider vinegar as this can lead to its own issues. Always use an eye of moderation when using it in your diet. A great way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your meals is by including it in your salad dressings along with other spices and liquids. Some people might find the taste a bit off-putting which is where the other spices can come in and help.
Olive Oil
While many are wary of olive oil due to its fat content, it is important to remember that your body needs healthy fats in order to thrive. Taking all fats out of your diet will do more damage than good in creating a healthy and strong body. This is why olive oil is a great addition to your weekly meals, as it holds a solid amount of healthy fats in its content, while not leading to high amounts of weight gain. Foods high in fat can cause issues such as heartburn which can be identified as a burning sensation in your chest, stomach, or throat.
Yet, olive oil may reduce the secretion of gastric acid which contributes to heartburn. It helps to release the gastric content more slowly into your body which allows it enough time to properly digest the substance and fats. Olive oil is especially essential due to its versatility in the kitchen. There are many cooking practices that help with digestion it can be incorporated in. You can use olive oil in your salad dressings, while cooking certain foods on the stove, and in many dips and spreads. It is a great way to spice up any vegetables that you might have leftover in your fridge.
Specific Spices for Better Digestion
Ginger
Ginger has a number of different health benefits including eliminating excess gas from the digestive system. It also has been known to calm the digestive tract which allows for the disposal of stool or waste that has been built up in your digestive system. Other benefits of ginger is that it supports your immune system, can help alleviate nausea, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can promote a healthy heart.
If you are on the lookout for something that can support your heart health, it is one of the many qualities of our supplement for bloating called Probiotic Renu. Ginger and vitamins are a great way to get the support you need in overall health. Ginger can be added to your meals in many ways, and is especially yummy in stir-frys. If you are not fond of adding it to your food, ginger can also be added to your tea for a calming sensation on your stomach.
Mint
Mint has been known to alleviate many digestive issues including stomach pain, bloating, and gas. This is due to its menthol property which has a soothing effect and minimizes the tension within your digestive tract. This allows your body to do its job of disposing of any excess gas or waste that might be stuck in your body. Mint also has high amounts of fiber and iron for being such a small spice. Iron and fiber are essential to having a healthy body, which is why including mint in your diet can prove to be beneficial. Due to its fresh properties, mint does well in salads and desserts!
Spices That Can Be Hurting Digestion
Something to keep in mind is that everybody is different, and while some spices can be beneficial for many in regards to their digestion, for others it could negatively impact them. This is because of food intolerances that you might not be aware of. Some spices that have been found to be sensitive for some people are spices that are on the spicier side including chili pepper and curry.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you have a food intolerance or if certain spices might be affecting you, you can start a food diary. A food diary is where you make note of all the foods you are eating on a daily basis and keep track of how your body reacts. After a bit of time, you might start to notice a pattern between a certain food and unpleasant symptoms.
This could mean that you are more sensitive to this food, and you will now be able to successfully avoid it in order to avoid further pain. As always, monitor how much of each substance you are eating, because the cause might not be the spice/food itself, but the level of moderation that you are using. A food diary is a great way to better understand your body and what it needs to thrive in order for you to successfully reach your health goals. Try out these spices above and vitamins that help with bloating in order to do so!