Victim of overeating? Try handy tips

If you are feeling the side-effects of overeating, try a few foods that can soothe your stomach and make digestion easier.

Bananas and orange juice are some of the food items that can make you feel better, reports huggingtonpost.com.

* Banana: The banana is an easy-to-digest food that won't force your stomach to work too hard after an evening of fourth helpings. In particular, the potassium in bananas helps the digestive system to run smoothly. Bananas are also rich in a soluble fiber that can help reduce diarrhea.

* Orange juice: Indigestion is sometimes caused by a lack of stomach acidity, and the natural acids in oranges may be a fix. If you're drinking orange juice to calm an upset stomach, drink it before eating and do not drink it alongside carbohydrates -- this could lead to more gas and discomfort.

* Add a little bit of spice: Though you might not be craving much flavor the day after pie-extravaganza, adding a bit of spice to your dishes might help soothe your stomach. Cumin has been shown to stimulate the liver to secrete more bile, which helps the body better digest.

* Skip the salt: Salt causes the belly to retain water, so reaching for salty potato chips and other processed snacks after a holiday meal may not be the best choice. Munch on unsalted almonds or air-popped popcorn if you're in need of a crunch.

* Have some rice: White rice is bland and low in fiber, so your stomach doesn't have to work hard to digest it. Similar plain foods, like toast and boiled potatoes, won't stress out your sensitive stomach and can help stop diarrhea by absorbing fluids.

* Serve yourself some peppermint tea: Your mom was on to something when she offered a cup of this stuff whenever you had tummy troubles. Joseph says sipping on a cup of peppermint tea can help to ease bloating, cramps and nausea.

--India Asian News Service

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