Why bloating is such a common Indian complaint and how to manage it
I have never traveled abroad without my faithful vacuum hiding place plasses. Anyone with young children will agree. Marriage with a Gujarati family presented me a brand new universe in carbohydrates – Khakhras, purisand acabitations. I have no reservation to withdraw these delights in a European coffee (or theft), even if other customers gently nibble their salads and sip their lean slats. We are Indian and we love our carbohydrates – whether lenses, flour or rice. And that is perhaps precisely why bloating is such a common complaint.
You are what you eat
The Ayurvedic perspective suggests that since lenses and legumes are rich in fiber, they are more difficult to digest for the intestines. “They also contain FODMAP (Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) – carbohydrates essentially which are difficult to absorb, in secular terms – which can produce bacteria in the intestine, leading to bloating and cramps,” said Dr. Deepthy SG, Hod, Niraamaya Wellness Ratters.
Ayurveda sees things through a holistic objective and bloating cannot be pinned to a single reason. For example, remember, our grandmothers dissuading us from eating too quickly? Or don’t have a curd at night? It turns out that this secular wisdom could hold the truth. “Bad digestion, intestinal bacteria imbalances, food intolerances, a sensitive stomach and certain eating habits like eating in a hurry or not mince properly can cause bloating and gas,” confirms Dr. Reji Raj, principal doctor of Ayurveda, Amal Tamara.
Stress and intestine
A healthy intestine is the cornerstone of global health, but stress can quickly pass this balance. You have probably felt stress manifest in your stomach before, and according to Dr. Deepthy, here is what is happening: stress has an impact on digestion by tightening the abdominal muscles, removing the immune system (especially in gastrointestinal tract) and causing an imbalance between good and bad bacteria. It also increases the production of gastric acid and leads to the consumption of foods richer in carbohydrates, which leads to bloating.
The kitchen with the rescue
Like all the others who grew up in an Indian house, I have always turned to the kitchen for simple remedies – and the bloating are no exception. A glass of warm water infused with cumin, carom and fennel is sometimes everything you need after an additional portion of rice. Nutritionist Karishmma Chawla also recommends cinnamon because it has the highest antioxidant value compared to any other spice. “Cinnamon reduces inflammation and lowers blood sugar levels and blood triglycerides. It also reduces nausea and helping digestion. ” It also lists prebiotics (found in artichokes, garlic, leeks, amaranth, bananas and eggplant) and polyphenols (found in green tea and apples) to support the growth of probiotics and promote the overall health of the intestine.
In Ayurveda, the ghee is often considered as a “golden elixir” because it supports digestive health and reduces bloating. Dr. Raj recommends consuming ghee in moderation to promote intestinal healing and improve digestion. It also warns against fried foods when they absorb oil and cause intestinal inflammation, slow digestion and add to your gas and bloating problems.
Sautical foods
Apparently, the trick to beat bloating is less what to add and more on what to jump. Over the years, I have learned exactly what my triggers are and for fear that I forget, my body does not remind me. Although there is no unique approach, certain types of foods are better avoided, say the experts. “Gluten, dairy and processed foods can trigger sensitivities, while frequent antibiotics and raw salads can disrupt the intestinal balance,” explains Chawla.
