Foods that assist in digestion

Overeating is a part of the festivities and help your digestive system work better you can include some of the following foods to your daily diet...
The festive season is about to being and there are innumerable delectable and mouth-watering offers in most of the eateries in the city. The fact is that overeating is a part of the festivities and to combat the side-effects of this, you can try to include some of the following foods to your daily diet. Consuming these along with the festival fare, can help your digestive system work better.

Chew on mint leaves: This is an age-old nuskha or remedy often suggested by our grandmoms. Having pudina can ease your digestive problems and help irritable bowel syndrome. Experts say that mint oil appears to be able to smooth and relax bowel movements.
Have citric juices: Juices of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, pineapple and apple cider vinegar is known to promote digestion. When this is consumed around 20 to 30 minutes before your meal. Indigestion is sometimes caused by a lack of stomach acidity, and the natural acids in oranges may be a fix. If you're drinking orange juice to calm an upset stomach, drink it before eating and do not drink it alongside carbohydrates — this could lead to more gas and discomfort.
Do not eat raw food: Raw food is harder to digest and should be eaten only when your digestive system is at its best. If you have stomach ailments, avoid raw salads and sandwiches. These have cellulose and are fibrous, so they are harder to break down. Opt instead for cooked vegetables, khichdi and soups. These will not put a strain on your stomach.
Have a bowl of curd: Probiotic curd, fresh yoghurt have live bacteria that help in digestion say gastroenterologists. Studies have found that people who suffer from chronic constipation benefited if they had probiotic supplements every day.
Opt for rice instead of rotis and naans: Rice is considered lighter and easier to digest than rotis. It is low in fibre and your system does not have to work too hard on it. Plain steamed white rice is bland and good if you have when you are suffering from digestion problems.
Have bananas: Considered one of the easiest to digest fruits, a banana is ideal when you are a victim of overeating. This sweet, pulpy fruit that has soluble fibres that is known to reduce diarrhoea. Rich in potassium, these fruits help the digestive system to function in a smooth manner.

Avoid too much salt: Dieticians and experts say that excessive salt is not too good for your health. It causes water retention and is the reason for your bloated feeling. Avoid having salted potato wafers and finger fries that are processed and have a high salt content. If you are looking for snacks have some unsalted almonds.

Source : Times of India