How to keep gut healthy: From lemon water to ginger tea, these 6 drinks will keep your gut happy

Starting your morning routine with a warm glass of water infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice helps stimulate digestion and hydrate your body (Image: Canva)

Your digestive system serves as the foundation of your body's overall health. It processes the food you consume, extracts essential nutrients, and efficiently disposes of waste. Besides, it also exerts a profound influence on your immune system, mental well-being, and the prevention of chronic diseases.

A thriving gut microbiome, comprised of beneficial bacteria, not only enhances nutrient absorption but also defends the body against harmful pathogens. Studies suggest that a healthy gut can even impact mood and cognitive function, underscoring the intricate link between gut and brain health. Thus it is important to keep the gut healthy with a balanced diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices to yield far-reaching benefits for your health and vitality.

The food you eat and the beverages you drink can have a great impact on your gut health. Here are six homemade drinks that can help promote a healthy digestive system:

Reduce indigestion with warm lemon water: Starting your morning routine with a warm glass of water infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice offers more than just a refreshing start of the day. It awakens the digestive organs to start preparing for the day's tasks. This time-tested routine helps stimulate digestion and hydrate your body. Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, complements this process by promoting the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes are essential for breaking down food efficiently, aiding in nutrient absorption, and reducing the likelihood of indigestion or bloating.

Health benefits of fennel tea: Fennel seeds contain anethole, a natural compound recognised for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties (Image: Canva)

Get a calming effect with fennel tea: Have you ever wondered why fennel seeds, often called 'saunf,' have been a trusted remedy for digestive discomfort? These tiny seeds have a long history of being used for digestive issues, and it's no coincidence that they're often offered after dinner. For an easy home remedy to promote better digestion, steep fennel seeds in hot water to create a soothing tea that can effectively relieve bloating and indigestion. Fennel seeds contain anethole, a natural compound recognised for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. When consumed as a tea, these properties can have a calming effect on the digestive tract, making it easier to combat bloating and reduce the discomfort often associated with indigestion. Fennel seeds also help in expelling excess gas from the intestines, providing much-needed relief from bloating and flatulence. This gentle carminative action makes fennel seed tea a valuable tool in addressing various gastrointestinal distresses.

Manage IBS with aloe-vera juice: Did you know that aloe vera, often associated with skincare, is like a magic potion that can work wonders for your digestive system? Speaking about digestion, aloe vera is more than just a natural laxative; it possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory characteristics that aid in managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The digestive benefits of aloe vera stem from its composition, including anti-inflammatory polysaccharides and enzymes like amylase and lipase. These compounds soothe digestive tract irritation and improve the breakdown of carbs and fats. Including fresh aloe vera gel into your daily routine, whether mixed with water or added to smoothies, can alleviate discomfort, support gut health.

Treat peptic ulcers using ajwain water: The active enzymes in Ajwain, or carom seeds, boost stomach acid secretion, reduce indigestion, bloating, and gas. For ajwain water, boil 1-2 teaspoons of its seeds in a cup of water, strain, cool, and drink. This aids in healing gastrointestinal sores, making it valuable for peptic ulcer management. Moreover, ajwain's carminative properties ease flatulence, while its fibre content supports regular bowel movements and its anti-inflammatory attributes reduce abdominal discomfort. Introducing ajwain into your diet can help enhance digestive well-being, but moderation is important, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.

Health benefits of mint tea: Mint leaves help relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce symptoms such as bloating and gas (Image: Canva)

Relieve digestive discomfort with mint tea: Mint tea can be the soothing partner you've been looking for to deal with digestive problems. Mint leaves help relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce symptoms such as bloating and gas. This effect is attributed to the presence of menthol, a compound in mint known for its muscle-relaxing properties. To harness these benefits, consider brewing fresh mint leaves in hot water to create a refreshing and naturally therapeutic tea. Mint tea not only provides relief from digestive issues but can also remove various gastrointestinal discomforts.

Health benefits of ginger tea: With its anti-inflammatory powers, ginger tea works wonders in calming indigestion and reducing bloating (Image: Canva)

Soothe indigestion and bloating with ginger tea: Another favourite herbal remedy for tackling digestive problems is ginger. Ginger tea, with its anti-inflammatory powers, works wonders in calming indigestion and reducing bloating. Its carminative qualities help remove gas, minimising flatulence, and it remains a reliable choice for combating nausea, including during pregnancy. This fragrant beverage not only adds a delightful flavour to your day but also provides a mild yet efficient remedy for a range of digestive concerns. To make ginger tea, simply boil fresh ginger slices or grated ginger in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy with honey or lemon for added flavour.