3 herbs that help boost gut health naturally

A healthy gut is a sign of a healthy body and mind. But, due to irregular lifestyle routines and erratic food habits, people often fail to have a healthy gut. In a recent post on Instagram, California-based internal medicine doctor and gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi talked about the 3 herbs he consumes for his own gut health. As per Dr. Sethi, he combines these herbs with other food ingredients to keep his gut healthy and boost its smooth functioning.

According to Dr. Sethi, he adds a pinch of turmeric in yogurt in the evening, as it contains curcumin, which has shown to reduce gut inflammation. He suggests adding a small portion of black pepper for better absorption. As per a study by the National Library of Medicine, turmeric is also used for digestive disorders; to reduce flatus, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, and colic; for abdominal pain and distension. It is treated as a remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

He adds ginger in his evening tea. Dr Sethi says that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help boost digestive health and can also help with nausea. As per a study by the National Library of Medicine, ginger consumption (2 g/day ginger powder) for 12 weeks in women with obesity showed a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index.

He also consumes unsweetened fennel seeds after dinner. "They contain anethole, which can help relieve bloating and gas by relaxing muscles in the GI tract," he adds. According to the International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management, fennel seed is an effective aid to digestion. It may help the gastrointestinal system's smooth muscles relax, reducing gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. In fact, tinctures or teas made from fennel seeds can be used to treat stomach muscle spasms caused by irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system. Fennel can also be used with other herbal remedies to reduce the side effects of herbal treatments used as laxatives or for digestion.