When bloating, cramping, and heartburn strike, it’s difficult to not feel guilty for indulging in that one last piece of chicken tikka on the table. We’ve all been there so don’t even try to deny it. The foodie within us just refuses to sit out on a meal and with the wedding season right around the corner, it’s getting excited… very, very excited. Wedding buffets in Pakistan just seem to get bigger and bigger every year. No wonder it’s so easy to get sick these days.

But since it would be near blasphemous to stop ourselves from munching in spite of that, why not try out what clinical herbalist Guido Masé prescribes? As the author of The Wild Medicine Solution: Healing with Aromatic, Bitter, and Tonic Plants, Masé explains stomach distress can be caused by the absence of certain foods in our diet and so, fixed by adding them.

Bemar Maida Aik Din Main Theak Nuskha Jany

Compiled from The Huffington Post, here are some everyday foods Masé suggests to help ease your tummy troubles.

1- Peppermint:

“It’s no coincidence that this after-dinner mint is so popular but you should also try the natural tea version instead. It works both hot and iced,” Masé said. Peppermint can help relieve spasms and cramping in the belly. “It also dispels feelings of bloating and fullness when we’ve overindulged,” he explained. Research has also been done on its ability to help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) so how about a cuppa?

2- Ginger:

This root is known as one of the best natural remedies for nausea. “Clinical research finds it beats a lot of drugs when it comes to nausea and works wonders for morning sickness,” Masé stated. You can add it to a stir-fry, make tea with freshly grated ginger and hot water, or pop a piece or two of crystallized ginger (great for traveling) to help ease digestion. Ginger is also a good anti-inflammatory and helps relax the digestive tract, he added.

3- Fennel seeds and bulb:

You will often find a small tray of fennel seeds on the way out of Indian restaurants. Ever wonder why? “A small pinch of these seeds quickly relieves gas and bloating,” said Masé. If you suffer from chronic bloating, consider using the bulb. According to Masé, its oils help relieve flatulence better than almost any other food. Grate or slice it and eat it raw or roasted – any way you like!

4- Apple cider vinegar:

The powers of apple cider vinegar are numerous and one of the biggest is how it helps curb digestion issues like acid reflux. “It works because the valve at the bottom of the throat closes tightly when stimulated by vinegar and helps keep stomach acid where it belongs,” Masé revealed. Plus, it’s a fermented food that’s full of healthy bacteria essential for keeping your gut balanced and healthy – another important facet of flawless digestion.