The winter season provides cold, pleasant weather, but also a slew of health issues. During the winter, not only are respiratory issues, achy joints and muscles, and skin infections common but so are gastrointestinal difficulties. For the uninformed, gut health is the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Thus, maintaining the proper balance of these bacteria and taking responsibility for gut health will contribute to improved overall well-being. Were you aware? The bacteria, yeasts, and viruses found in the gut are collectively known as the gut flora or gut microbiome. As a result, it is essential to take the best possible care of the stomach, especially on cold days when the digestive system is compromised.
Incorporate Warm Spices
Spices have magical properties that extend beyond their flavour to benefit our digestive systems. Adding a blend of hearty spices to your winter dishes can initiate a revolution that is good for your digestive system. Within 24 to 48 hours, a single serving of spices can help with intestinal health.
Spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cayenne pepper, and cumin are excellent for hormone balance and digestive health. Give them a lot of sprinkles in your meals, soups and even drinks. They not only provide your tongue a warming boost, but they also support a healthy digestive environment.
Eat Seasonal Produce
Local and seasonal produce appeals to your stomach, and winter provides a wealth of options. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits; root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes provide a pleasant combination of nutrients; and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, fenugreek, spinach, and fenugreek support hormone and digestive health.
Stay Hydrated
Regardless of the temperature, it is critical to keep hydrated. To keep yourself hydrated, drink warm water, herbal teas, or broth. Hydration promotes digestion and prevents constipation. Keep a bottle of water with you and sip at regular intervals to have an adequate amount of water intake.
Add Jaggery To Diet
Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is commonly used in Indian sweets and snacks. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery retains trace amounts of iron and other minerals. It is said to have digestive characteristics and is a better option for people trying to fulfil their sweet taste while also improving intestinal health.
Indian food contains a plethora of dishes and nutrients that can help maintain a healthy stomach during the winter months.
Enjoy Soups
Soups go well with winter, making them an ideal choice for digestive health. Add root vegetables and protein to your soup to make it more nutritious. These readily digested meals warm your body while providing a nutritious boost. Soups are not only easy on the stomach, but they are also ideal for batch cooking and freezing, ensuring that you have a gut-friendly meal ready when the winter chill hits.