(20-03-13) How to heal your gut using everyday spices

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) There are many reasons why people develop gastrointestinal
problems -- poor diet, food sensitivities and allergies, genetically-modified
organisms (GMOs), anxiety and stress are among the most common triggers. And
while there is no one-size-fits-all method to treat gut-related disorders once
they have already developed, there are a number of natural approaches that may
provide relief beyond just removing and avoiding the triggers. Here are six
everyday spices that can help heal your gut naturally without the need for
pharmaceutical drugs:

1) Turmeric. One of the most medicinal spices known to man, turmeric, which is
also commonly referred to as curcumin, its active ingredient, is a powerful
anti-inflammatory herb that has been shown to help aid in the proper digestion
of food. Because of its strong astringent qualities, turmeric can help seal the
lining of the bowel and digestive tract, effectively blocking the condition
commonly referred to as leaky gut syndrome.

Turmeric is also known to suppress the excess production of stomach acid,
which can cause chronic stomach upset and even physical damage to the
intestinal wall. And regular consumption of turmeric has been shown to help
prevent gastroesophageal reflux, also known as heartburn, as well as prevent
the formation of both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
(http://www.life-enhancement.com)

2) Coriander. Not to be confused with the spice cilantro, which comes from the
plant's leaves, coriander, which is derived from cilantro seeds, contains a
unique blend of volatile oils that is said to play an important role in the
herb's ability to promote digestive healing. Linalool and geranyl acetate both
occur naturally in coriander, and have been implicated in treating a host of
gastrointestinal disorders.

A study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences, for
instance, found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefited
greatly from taking coriander for eight weeks as opposed to placebo. As it
turns out, coriander works the same way as antispasmodic drugs to relax
digestive muscles and alleviate IBS and other similar "overactive gut"
disorders, but without causing harmful side effects. (http://experiencelife.
com/article/5-healing-spices/)

3) Cumin. If bloating, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, or nausea
characterize the state of your intestinal tract around mealtime, you might want
to start taking cumin. This traditional North African spice aids in the
digestion of food by stimulating the release of digestive enzymes during and
after meals, and can also help generally soothe the digestive process.

Cumin contains two unique compounds known as cuminaldehyde and thymol that are
essential for healthy digestion. The former helps activate the salivary glands,
which break down food and prepare its nutrients for proper assimilation, while
the latter prevents foods from fermenting in the digestive tract. Cumin also
stimulates the digestive process by triggering the release of bile and other
digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down food. (http://www.standardmedia.
co.ke)

4) Fennel. Known for its licorice-type flavor, fennel is sometimes referred to
as the digestive herb, and is particularly beneficial for women suffering from
menstrual cramps. Rich in a volatile oil known as anethole, fennel happens to
be loaded with a plethora of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and other
powerful nutrients that can help ease abdominal pain and promote healthy
digestion, including in babies suffering from colic.

It is not uncommon in Indian culture to eat fennel seeds following meals, as
chewing them is known to help promote the secretion of digestive and gastric
juices, as well as ease stomach and intestinal inflammation. Fennel can also
help increase the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract, as well as
prevent gas and bloating, thanks to its high content of aspartic acid. (http:
//completewellbeing.com/article/the-digestive-herb/)

5) Ginger. Ginger has long been used throughout the Orient as a remedy for
indigestion, and it continues to be recognized today for its powerful ability
to quell nausea and aid in the digestive process. Ginger is so beneficial for
your gut, in fact, that studies have found it to be an effective remedy for
both treating and preventing colorectal cancer, as well as several other types
of the disease.

For everyday use, ginger has been found to ease an upset stomach, prevent
diarrhea, eliminate feelings of nausea, and treat menstrual cramps. Many
people, in fact, choose to take ginger rather than drugs when sailing or
engaging in other activities that might cause sea or motion sickness. (http:
//www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm)

6) Cayenne. Often mistakenly believed to cause digestive upset because of its
intense spicy flavor, cayenne is actually a digestive soother. Not only does
cayenne help stimulate the digestive process by promoting healthy muscle
movement in the digestive tract, but it also helps regulate the proper
production of digestive acids, aiding in the appropriate breakdown and
assimilation of nutrients.

Cayenne can also help repair a damaged gut, including stomach ulcers that
involve damaged intestinal lining. Many people swear by cayenne's unique
ability to literally heal damaged stomach tissue, and studies have shown that
capsaicin, the primary compound found in the pepper that makes its "hot," helps
stimulate alkali, mucus secretions, and gastric mucosal blood flow, which aid
in the healing of stomach ulcers. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16621751)

Sources for this article include:

http://institutefornaturalhealing.com

http://www.liverightlivewell.com

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.