Foods that help in dealing with an upset stomach

FSOME FRUITS ARE VERY GOOD FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH. FOR INSTANCE, BANANAS, IF TAKEN IN THE RIGHT QUANTITY, CAN HELP YOU GET RESPITE FROM DIARRHOEA

or many of us, binging on fast food means upsetting our bowel movements. However, we can keep our digestive system calm by consuming a bit of fennel seeds, ginger, and yogurt, say experts. Take your pick from these digestive saviours:

■ Ginger: It’s a wonderful herb that aids digestion, and reduces inflammation and heartburn. This not only relaxes but also soothes the intestinal track. Have ginger water with few drops of lemon after every meal.

■ Fennel seeds: Phytonutrients in fennel give it an antioxidative property and effectively helps in reducing gas and bloating. Chewing the seeds or making tea with it will stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, that reduces heartburn, and inflammation of the stomach and intestine. Make it a habit of having one spoon of fennel seeds after every meal.

■ Cumin seeds: These help in secretion of various digestive enzymes in the pancreas that aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Enjoy its flavour and benefits by adding roasted cumin, or its grounded form in curd, buttermilk, shikanji, salad and soups.

■ Probiotics: Live microorganisms that may be able to prevent and treat some illnesses, these promote a healthy digestive tract and immune system. These are also commonly known as friendly, healthy and good bacteria. People can get a healthy dose of probiotic in foods like yogurt, kefir and kombucha. They also prevent urinary tract infection, allergies and cold.

■ Yogurt: Though most dairy products are difficult to digest, a serving of plain yogurt is quite the opposite. It contains probiotics that help in increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut for a healthy stomach. It aids digestion and reduces bloating.

■ Oat bran: It’s a significant source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. The nutrientrich husk is removed from polished and refined grains such as white flour, depleting much of the fibre, minerals, and vitam are essential for healthy digestive function.

■ Papaya: It is one popular fruit for curing an upset stomach. Eating papaya encourages digestion, and helps with constipation. The magic is in the enzymes papain, a natural digestive enzyme that breaks up foods irritating the stomach and chymopapain, which helps break down proteins and soothes the stomach by promoting a healthy acidic environment.

PHOTOS: ISTOCK Papaya can help you get relief from constipation

Bananas contain pectin, which aids in digestion