Home remedies for bloating, heartburn, and irregular bowel movements

Bloating causes: Excessive processed food consumption, low fibre intake, and imbalanced gut bacteria exacerbate the issue (Image: Canva)

Feeling discomfort after meals, such as bloating, heartburn, or irregular bowel movements? These may signal the need for a balanced diet. A recent study in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments outperform medications in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Even though you understand the importance of gut health and healthy eating, it is easy to overlook it with busy schedules looming and irregular meals and stress continuously disrupting your digestion. Plus, excessive processed food consumption, low fibre intake, and imbalanced gut bacteria exacerbate the issue. The same study revealed that over 70 percent of patients felt better after changing their diet. So why wait? Discover these culinary delights waiting in your kitchen.

Add these Indian foods to your diet to nurture your inner ecosystem:

Gujarati gourmet: Dive into the world of dhokla and khandvi, popular treats from Gujarat, known for their rich lentil-based fermentation. Beyond their lip smacking taste, these delicacies enhance nutrient absorption, and foster a thriving microbiome that is crucial for robust gut health.

Idli-dosa duo: Experience the crispy dosas and soft idlis, cherished favourites from South India. Infused with the magic of rice-based fermentation, these dishes not only tantalise your taste buds but also improve digestion and boost gut health with their abundance of beneficial bacteria.

Cleanse it with Kanji: Try the traditional fermented drink, Kanji, which is renowned for its cleansing properties. By curbing harmful bacteria and revitalising the gut environment, Kanji reduces digestive discomfort and promotes better gut health.

Raw banana benefits: Raw bananas, whether cooked or enjoyed as crispy chips, are good for your health. These are packed with resistant starch and serve as a prebiotic powerhouse. They nurture the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive wellness.

Dahi-chawal: You might simply love this South Indian staple Thayir Sadam that blends yogurt and rice. This probiotic-rich dish supports gut health, aids digestion, and boosts immunity. It offers relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and lactose digestion issues.

Aromatic achaar: Indulge in the tangy delights of traditional Indian pickles, such as aam ka achar, neembu ka achar, adrak, or haldi ka achaar. Through natural fermentation, these flavorful treats transform into probiotic-rich gems, thus promoting gut health and aiding digestion.