Not incorporating the right food into ones diet often leads to Indigestion, overeating, gastritis, flatulence, constipation, loss of appetite, enhanced circumference and stomach upset which ultimately leads to tummy problems. Hence, it is important to make educated decisions about the food you eat.

Here are a few tips which can help prevent stomach problems.

Track your diet: Identify and avoid foods that seem to be sensitive to you.

Pass on the pepper: Red and black pepper are frequently identified as gastrointestinal irritants. So it would be better to skip these when you can.

Opt for easy food: Easily digested food, such as whole grains and lean protein should be consumed more often.

Restrict fatty foods:  Food that is fried or high in fat can cause or aggravate an upset stomach. Hence, its better to avoid them.

Increase fiber intake: A high-fiber diet is good for the digestive system.

Choose veggies: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts, can aggravate stomach woes. So one should pick and choose the vegetables they eat carefully.

Limit Fruits: Due to artificial ripening and colouring some people experience stomach discomfort from eating fruits, therefore, one should keep a watchful eye when purchasing fruits. 

Eat moderately: It is important to eat the right amount of food at the right time in order to allow the food to digest properly.

Cook gasless beans: When cooking beans, one should throw away the water they were soaked in for the night and cook the beans in fresh water. This reduces the gas causing potential in the beans. It is advisable to rinse canned beans as well.

Watch what you drink: The intake of aerated soft drinks should be restricted as they cause bloating. In such a case one should have fresh fruit juices with a pinch of black salt and black pepper as it is really effective. 

Watch Milk Digestion: Due to lactose intolerance some people have trouble in digesting milk and end up bloating or cramping or complaining of gas. A piece of ginger boiled with milk helps in easy digestion.

Herbal Tea: Tea with herbs like dalchini, lavang and nimbu without milk is very effective in clearing the stomach of problems.

Ease up on coffee, alcohol and smoking: These three irritate the stomach lining. Therefore one should restrict their consumption.

Drink plenty of water: Aim for drinking six to eight glasses of water a day to keep your stomach and intestines running smoothly.

Yogic Tips: Tummy and breathing exercises like Kapal Bhati is essentially good for digestion and abs tightening.

Relax: Stress can cause gastrointestinal ailments such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and diarrhea. Relieve stress by time management, going on a vacation, learning to meditate, exercising or by taking up a hobby.

Exercise: Vajrasan and a brief stroll, particularly after meals, may aid in digestion.

Picture Credit: Ramzi Hashisho