Three Super Foods for Stomach Health
December 31, 2009
Stomach diseases range from mild cases of indigestion, bloating and acid reflux to serious complications such as stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer. Studies have shown that certain foods are specifically beneficial for preventing a large number of stomach problems. These foods could easily fit into your regular diet. Prolonged intake of these foods produces no adverse side effect.
Ginger
If you add slices of fresh ginger to your regular meal, you can protect your stomach from several illnesses. Ginger is extensively used in Arabian, Chinese and Indian traditional medicines for treating stomach ailments. Ginger helps in digestion. It can treat indigestion, acidity, bloating and flatulence. This culinary ingredient could ease bowel movement, healing constipation as well as diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting could be cured by chewing a slice of ginger dipped in lemon juice. Researchers have found that this common culinary herb could reduce nausea and vomiting that occurs in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Besides munching fresh slices of ginger, you can also get the benefits of this magnificent culinary spice by drinking ginger tea or ginger ale.
Yogurt
Yogurt might not provide instant relief from stomach pain or flatulence, but this probiotic rich food when taken frequently could prevent stomach diseases. To stay healthy, the gut needs beneficial bacteria. Fresh yogurt is a rich source of the good bacteria that aid digestion. People who take unsweetened yogurt everyday are least likely to develop stomach problems. It has been observed that people who are otherwise lactose intolerant could easily digest yogurt. According to a study, the live bacteria found in yogurt are capable of terminating bacteria associated with stomach and gastric ulcers.
Brassica vegetables
Members of the brassica family such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, mustard, and Brussels sprouts are good for the health of your gut. Each member of the brassica family has specific properties beneficial for the gastrointestinal health. All these vegetables supply your gut dietary fibers essential for removing wastes from the stomach and intestines. When the vegetables of the brassica group are digested, sinigrin, a type of plant chemical present in these vegetables are converted into allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC). AITC is capable of destroying the cancer cells. Regular consumption of brassica vegetables could prevent stomach cancer.
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