Battle acidity and bloating by eating the right foods

Battle acidity and bloating by eating the right foods and keeping good nutrition in mind at every meal, writes Shikha Sharma

Lifestyle stress and enormous consumption of packaged foods can wreak havoc on your stomach. For many people, the predictable fallouts are bloating and acidity. Others may complain of reflux from the build-up of gas in the tummy.

Celery juice helps in detoxification, weight management, reducing hunger and controlling acidity. Combined with fennel juice, it helps soothe the intestine. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

But don’t let that worry you. Proper nutrition and being selective about what you eat is a good antidote to this condition.

While a number of antacids are available in the market, having natural juices filled with acidity regulators is a delicious and simple way to win the acid test. Try some of these juices the next time you feel that uncomfortable feeling rising in your stomach.

Banana Yoghurt Smoothie

For people who are not lactose-intolerant, this combination works very well to calm the stomach. The nutrients in bananas help reduce the inflammatory and bloating response of the intestines.

It also provides bulk and volume in the stomach so that the movements of the intestine become smooth. Curd and dairy products (the organic kind) contain tryptophan, which enhances the levels of serotonin and helps relax the mind.

Aloe vera juice soothes the irritated stomach lining. Mint is good to relax the intestine and provide relief from reflux. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

Aloe, Mint And Lemon Crush

Another delicious combination to ward off an acid and bloating attack is to combine aloe vera juice with mint and lemon juice. Aloe vera juice is known to cool down and soothe the irritated stomach lining. It also controls spasms and colic pain. Mint, as a herb, is good to relax the intestine and provide relief from reflux. Mixed with crushed ice and added to aloe, lemon juice has a similar effect on an inflamed stomach. Interestingly lemon, a citrus fruit, has alkaline post-digestive effects on the stomach.

Celery, Ginger and Fennel Juice

A variety of reasons have helped enhance celery juice’s reputation as a healthy food. These include its role in detoxification, weight management, reducing hunger and controlling acidity. Combined with fennel juice, it helps soothe the intestine. Ginger, of course, is a natural herb that helps the stomach rid itself of gas.

If you have a sweet tooth, you could consider adding some apple to the concoction.

From HT Brunch, March 20, 2016

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