Bananas, Teas, and Grounding Foods: How I Soothe My Gut When It Feels Off

For the past few weeks, I’ve noticed more bloating than usual. A feeling of puffiness. It’s been really hot and I’ve been enjoying more wine, and eating more gluten & dairy, and that with the heat throws me off balance—not just physically, but emotionally too. In Ayurveda, I have a dominant Pitta dosha, or energy type. I run hot. When my digestion feels like it’s working overtime, I know it’s time to come back to grounding & cooling foods.

Here’s what that looks like for me:

Bananas: My Go-To Soothing Food 🍌

Bananas are soft, gentle, and easy to digest. When my gut is inflamed, they feel like a natural balm for my insides—cooling, starchy, and sweet in a way that’s stabilizing. I’ll often pair one with nut butter or slice it into a small bowl of oats when I want something quick, comforting, and supportive.

Whole Grains + Popcorn: Grounding Grains that Feel Good

I lean on quinoa or oatmeal when I feel sensitive. Cooked and cooled oats with a splash of almond or coconut milk feel especially gentle on the belly. Popcorn, when made simply with coconut oil and sea salt, is another light, grounding snack that doesn’t sit heavy or trigger heat in the body. These foods are simple, but they help anchor me.

Teas for Digestion and Calm ☕️

Tea is both a ritual and a remedy in my life. I drink it for the health benefits, energy, and to have something besides water, and I like a hot cup of tea to warm myself and slow down.

Here are some of my go-to teas for gut health…

• Calendula: cooling, anti-inflammatory, and supportive for liver and skin health

• Chamomile: relaxing for the gut and the nervous system

• Mint: digestive, cooling, and refreshing

• Nettle with lemon balm: mineral-rich, slightly sweet, and deeply soothing for the nerves

• Slippery elm: coats and protects the gut lining, especially when digestion feels raw

  
  

These teas aren’t just beverages, they are medicine. And they help me pause and reset during a busy day.

Foods I Avoid When I’m Inflamed 🍟

When I’m experiencing bloating or gut irritation, I do my best to avoid the things that stir up more fire in my system. That includes:

• Spicy or fried foods (go light on the hot sauce! I love sriracha)

• Gluten, which I personally find aggravating if I am stressed

• Alcohol (limit to less than 3 glasses per week)

• Smoking

• Heavy animal fats

• Coffee on an empty stomach

• Processed snacks or anything eaten too quickly

  
  

It’s not about restriction…it’s about honoring what my body can handle in the moment. I can always add things back in when I’m feeling more balanced.

Cooling Whole Foods for Pitta Balance 🍍

In the summer heat, I naturally crave foods that are hydrating and calming. These are some of my seasonal staples:

• Cucumbers

• Melon & pineapple

• Coconut water

• Cilantro, mint, and basil

• Lightly steamed vegetables like zucchini and carrots

• Simple proteins like white fish, eggs, or lentils

• Aloe vera juice in small amounts

  
  

These foods help reduce internal heat while offering the nourishment I need to feel steady.

How I Eat Matters, Too

I’ve learned that gut health isn’t just about what’s on my plate—it’s also about how I show up at the table. I try to eat slowly, breathe between bites, and give myself permission to stop multitasking while I eat. It’s not always perfect, but the intention matters.

Rituals like brewing tea, setting a peaceful table, or choosing meals with care help remind my nervous system that it’s okay to relax. And when my nervous system relaxes, my digestion improves.

Final Thoughts

When I feel inflamed or off balance, I don’t treat it like a problem to solve. I treat it like a signal that I need more care. More softness. More cooling, grounding food.

The body knows how to come back into balance when we give it what it needs. For me, that’s bananas, oats, tea, quiet, and kindness. If your gut’s been talking to you lately, I hope this gives you a place to begin.

— Lindsey

Mother Verde Wellness

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