Feeling bloated and tired? 8 kitchen ingredients Stanford doctor says can actually help

Bloating, heaviness, and random fatigue after meals—sound familiar? While we often reach for quick fixes, the real answers might already be sitting in our kitchen cabinets. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Stanford-trained doctor, recently shared his go-to herbs for gut health, many of which are staples in Indian homes. From soothing teas to everyday spices, here are eight powerful ingredients that not only add flavour to food but can also calm your digestion and boost energy.

Turmeric

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce gut inflammation and supports bile flow. A pinch of warm milk or curries works wonders to soothe your system from the inside out.

Ginger

A classic remedy for nausea and bloating, ginger also kickstarts sluggish digestion. Dr Sethi says he steeps it in tea daily, especially after heavy meals, for a quick reset.

Fennel seeds

Chewing fennel after meals isn’t just tradition—it’s science-backed. Fennel acts as a natural buster for gas and bloating. You can also brew it into a calming tea.

Cumin

This earthy spice helps boost bile production and eases cramps, making it especially useful for people with IBS. Toast cumin seeds into dals, curries, or veggie stir-fries to unlock its benefits.

Cinnamon

Beyond its cosy flavor, cinnamon regulates blood sugar and calms gut motility. Sprinkle some into your morning oats, kefir, or even your coffee for an easy daily dose.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known to relax gut muscles and ease spasms. A warm cup of peppermint tea or capsules can bring quick relief, though those with reflux should skip it.

Garlic

Garlic feeds the good bacteria in your gut while keeping harmful microbes in check. For maximum effect, lightly crush garlic before cooking it into your dishes.

Coriander

Fresh coriander (or cilantro) doesn’t just add a burst of freshness to curries and salads. It also helps reduce bloating and gas, making it a quiet but powerful gut ally.