Why Does My Stomach Get Upset After Eating Indian Food: Tips for Comfort and Digestion

Have you ever consumed Indian cuisine and experienced an upset stomach afterwards? If so, you're not alone. Indian food, renowned for its bold flavors and spices, can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort. However, with the right precautions and habits, your stomach can adapt to Indian cuisine without causing distress.

Understanding the Cause of Digestive Discomfort

Indian cuisine is rich in spices, which can significantly enhance the flavor and aroma of the dishes. However, for some individuals, these spices can irritate the stomach lining, leading to temporary distress. Additionally, the high content of chillies, ginger, garlic, and black pepper in many Indian dishes can cause temporary stomach burns or a gassy feeling, particularly if these elements are not part of your regular diet.

Relief from Spicy Indian Cuisine

To help alleviate the discomfort that may arise from consuming Indian food, there are several steps you can take:

Yogurt and Raita

One effective method is to consume yogurt or raita with your Indian meal. Raita, a dish made with yogurt mixed with various ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and onions, can help temper the spiciness and aid digestion. Yogurt contains probiotics that can promote a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the risk of stomach upset.

Yogurt Rice

Another dish to consider is yogurt rice, commonly enjoyed in South Indian cuisine. To prepare this dish, mix plain white rice with curd (yogurt) and a pinch of salt. For an extra flavor, add a thadka, a blend of mustard seeds, jeera (cumin seeds), curry leaves, green chili, udadh dhaal, and channa dhaal.

Warm Drinks

Drinking warm beverages with your meal can also help. Ginger chai, a popular Indian tea, contains ginger and other digestive-friendly herbs like elachi (cardamom) which can soothe the stomach and aid in digestion. Additionally, warm water can help tone down the spiciness and foster proper digestion.

Preventing Discomfort: Steps to Take

To prevent or reduce discomfort from Indian cuisine:

Avoid overeating as it can exacerbate the situation. Consume chana (chickpeas) or bhoondi (flattened chickpea flour) with your meal to help absorb excess oil and spices. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support digestion. Try bottled water to avoid any potential issues related to tap water.

It’s important to note that while certain ingredients in Indian cuisine, such as red chilli, green chilli, and black pepper, can cause temporary discomfort, excessive intake can also cause issues. Therefore, it's advisable to consume them in moderation and consider your dietary habits.

Final Thoughts

Indian cuisine is a delightful culinary experience, but if you experience digestive discomfort, making some adjustments to your meal can help your stomach adapt. By incorporating yogurt, raita, yogurt rice, and warm drinks into your meal, you can minimize the risk of stomach upset and enjoy the rich flavors of Indian food more comfortably.