Best diet tips to keep gut healthy during festive season, prevent stomach disorders

Health benefits of fruit bowl: Instead of finishing your meal with a heavy sweet, a small fruit bowl can curb sugar cravings and leave you feeling refreshed (Image: Pexels)

Festivals in India are as much about food as they are about family and traditions. From rich curries and fried snacks to mithai trays that never seem to end, celebrations are incomplete without indulgence. But let’s be honest as our digestive systems don’t always share the same enthusiasm. Fret not. You don’t have to skip your favourite laddoos or pakoras.

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. Enjoy the festive flavours without guilt, but remember to lean on the simple, everyday foods that keep your gut happy. A little mindfulness can go a long way in making celebrations joyful. Here are some easy tweaks that can help you strike the right balance, so you feel light and energised even after a feast.

Spices that heal:

Our kitchens are full of secret weapons for digestion. Cumin is a classic and you can sprinkle some roasted powder on salads, chaas, or even lemonade to fight bloating. Ginger, whether in curries or a soothing cup of chai, kickstarts metabolism and keeps nausea away. Turmeric protects the gut lining with its anti-inflammatory punch, while fennel seeds after a meal double up as both a digestive and a natural mouth freshener. Even a pinch of ajwain in parathas or tadka works wonders for stubborn indigestion.

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Vegetables that support your system:

Festive meals often get heavy on carbs and oil, so slipping in fibre-rich vegetables can bring much-needed balance. Seasonal produce like pumpkin, spinach, carrots, and gourds not only brighten the plate but also keep digestion smooth. Lightly sautéed or steamed veggies on the side make a big difference. You could even add a little bit of fermented goodness, like homemade pickles, to bring in gut-friendly probiotics.

Fruits to stay fresh:

If there’s one dessert your stomach will thank you for, it’s fruit. Papaya works like magic with its enzyme papain that helps break down proteins, while bananas soothe acidity and restore electrolytes. Apples, pears, and pomegranate bring in fibre, regularity, and a burst of freshness. Instead of finishing your meal with a heavy sweet, a small fruit bowl can curb sugar cravings and leave you feeling refreshed.

Also read | Boost gut health: 10 healthy habits to prevent bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome

Beverages that balance:

What you drink can reset your system, for example a glass of buttermilk with a dash of cumin and black salt cools the stomach and aids digestion. Herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile are equally effective for easing bloating. Even something as simple as warm lemon water in the morning can prep your gut for the day. And of course, water is your best friend. Staying hydrated is key to keeping digestion smooth, so sip throughout the day, especially between festive meals.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.