As we age, our metabolism slows down, leading to various digestive issues such as gas, acidity, and constipation. Along with maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, incorporating certain ingredients from your kitchen can help improve gut health and resolve these common problems. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford, has recommended a list of the top 10 foods and herbs that can significantly benefit your digestive system. These ingredients are readily available in your kitchen and are effective in treating digestive issues naturally.

In this article, we’ll explore Dr. Sethi’s list and explain how each of these ingredients contributes to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

1. Ginger (Alderkh) – The Ultimate Remedy for Digestive Health:
Ginger tops the list for improving gut health, earning a perfect score of 10 out of 10 from Dr. Sethi. Known for its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, ginger helps in treating indigestion, acidity, and bloating. Regular consumption of ginger can stimulate digestion by increasing bile production, which helps break down fats in the digestive system. Ginger is also known to ease nausea and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

You can easily include ginger in your daily diet by adding it to your tea, smoothies, or cooking recipes. It is an excellent natural remedy for gas, acidity, and constipation.

2. Fennel (Saunf) – A Powerful Digestive Aid:
Fennel ranks second on Dr. Sethi’s list, scoring 9 out of 10 for its digestive benefits. Fennel seeds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great option for soothing the stomach. Fennel is known to relieve bloating, indigestion, and constipation by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. It also helps in reducing gas and cramps in the stomach.

Consuming fennel seeds after meals can improve digestion and reduce post-meal heaviness. You can chew on fennel seeds or brew fennel tea for better results.

3. Turmeric (Haldi) – A Natural Anti-Inflammatory for the Gut:
Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, has earned a solid place on the third spot with 8 out of 10 points. Turmeric is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. It is also known to stimulate bile production, promoting better digestion.

Including turmeric in your daily diet, either in curries or by drinking turmeric tea, can help reduce inflammation, ease digestive issues, and promote overall gut health. It also aids in detoxification, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut.

4. Peppermint (Pudina) – Relieves Indigestion and Bloating:
Peppermint is another highly effective herb for digestion, receiving 7 out of 10 points from Dr. Sethi. Peppermint is known for its soothing effect on the stomach. It helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing bloating, indigestion, and gas. Peppermint oil is often used in treating IBS and other digestive issues.

You can consume peppermint by adding fresh mint leaves to your tea or using peppermint oil for a soothing massage on the abdomen.

5. Cumin (Jeera) – A Time-Honored Digestive Aid:
Cumin is a staple herb in most kitchens and has been used for centuries to improve digestion. Dr. Sethi gives cumin 6 out of 10 points for its digestive benefits. Cumin stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and helps in breaking down food efficiently. It is also known to relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Cumin can be consumed by adding it to soups, curries, or roasted vegetables. Drinking jeera water, made by soaking cumin seeds overnight and boiling them in the morning, is an excellent way to boost digestion.

6. Caraway Seeds (Shahi Jeera) – A Lesser-Known Digestive Herb:
Caraway seeds, or shahi jeera, differ slightly from regular cumin in both appearance and properties. Dr. Sethi assigns it 5 out of 10 points. Caraway seeds are known to help relieve indigestion, improve bile secretion, and reduce symptoms of IBS. These seeds can help in soothing the stomach and providing relief from bloating.

Including shahi jeera in your meals or preparing it as a tea can help alleviate digestive issues naturally.

7. Coriander (Dhania) – A Cooling Herb for the Stomach:
Coriander seeds, often consumed as a water infusion, are known for their cooling properties. Dr. Sethi gives coriander 4 points for its digestive benefits. Coriander water is often used in Ayurveda for its ability to reduce acidity and promote digestion. It also has mild diuretic properties, helping in the elimination of excess fluids from the body.

Drinking coriander-infused water or adding fresh coriander leaves to your meals can help maintain a healthy digestive system.

8. Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) – Enhances Digestive Health:
Bay leaves, although commonly used for their flavoring properties in cooking, have a moderate effect on digestive health. Dr. Sethi assigns bay leaves 3 points for their digestive benefits. Bay leaves help in reducing bloating and improving digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.

Adding bay leaves to soups, stews, and curries can provide relief from digestive discomfort.

9. Garlic (Lahsun) – Boosts Immunity and Digestive Health:
Garlic is well-known for its antioxidant properties and benefits for the immune system. While it ranks 2 out of 10 for gut health, garlic still offers some digestive benefits, such as reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Garlic can help improve gut flora and regulate the digestive process.

Incorporate garlic into your daily meals, or consume it raw in small quantities for improved digestive health.

10. Basil (Tulsi) – A Mild Digestive Herb:
Basil, also known as tulsi, is a revered herb in traditional medicine due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Dr. Sethi assigns it 1 point for its digestive benefits. While basil may not directly improve gut health as effectively as other herbs, it still provides mild relief from indigestion and gas.

Drinking tulsi tea or chewing on fresh basil leaves can provide soothing effects on the digestive system.

+Maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for overall well-being, and incorporating these top 10 herbs and foods into your daily routine can help alleviate common digestive issues such as gas, acidity, and constipation. Dr. Saurabh Sethi’s recommendations offer natural and accessible solutions to improve gut health without relying on medication.

By adding ingredients like ginger, fennel, turmeric, and cumin to your diet, you can support your digestive system and promote better digestion. Always remember to combine these natural remedies with a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal results.