Revealed: The six 'miracle' spices to add to your diet NOW that will transform your gut health and heal your body fast

A nutritionist has revealed the simple steps you can take to improve your gut health that may put an end to painful symptoms like bloating, cramping and gas.

Lee Holmes, a Sydney-based nutritionist and the author of Supercharged Food, said it is also possible to repair the digestive system and heal the body by simply adding a few powerful spices to your diet.  

This weird combination may not be palatable for everyone, but you could try it once to see how the tangy and sweet flavors blend for you.

Here she outlines the six spices that will aid in healing your gut and inflammation - from classics like turmeric to anti-bloating fennel seeds. 

Herbs included in the carminative family: 

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Fennel (Foeniculum off.)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Lemon balm (Melissa off.)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus off.)

Ginger (Zingiber off.)

Cinnamon (Cinnamonum sp.)

Source: The Naturopathic Herbalist 

1. Fennel seeds

If you suffer from cramping, gas and bloating after eating, you may want to consider adding fennel seeds to your diet.

Lee explained the seeds, which are harvested from the fennel plant, are carminative (the herb contains properties which can help calm the gut).

'These seeds can reduce digestive cramping, gas and bloating as they have an anti-spasmodic effect on the smooth lining of the stomach,' Lee wrote on her blog.

The seeds can also be effective for treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease and intestinal candidiasis (an overgrowth of yeast). 

2. Ginger

Ginger root, or spice, comes with a range of health benefits including helping to prevent against alcohol-induced liver damage.

As a gut health spice, Lee said ginger could help promote tissue repair of the gut lining to repair medical conditions such as colitis.

Colitis is an inflammatory reaction in the colon that occurs commonly in autoimmune conditions and infections. 

Inside Lee Holmes' pantry

Spices and flavour

'I make sure to always keep flavour providers on hand, including ginger, wheat-free tamari, seaweed, tahini, spices, cacao nibs and coconut flakes. 

'Onions and garlic, both from the Allium genus of plants, are two of my favourite flavour accompaniments to use in cooking. They don't just play an important culinary role; they also provide a plethora of health benefits.'

Nuts and grains

'Grains and seeds are among the most affordable ingredients you can add to any meals. I use brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat to create hearty and nourishing dishes.

'Each grain is versatile, budget-friendly and will last for months if it's sealed in a jar. To bulk up a dish, add some brown rice to let it serve a larger group of people AND make it more affordable.'

Tinned food

'From pasta sauces to vegetable bakes and soups to casseroles, there's no limit to what a trusty tin of tomatoes can do. They add a rich flavour to meals and are extremely versatile. When transforming a roast into a stew, or converting unused vegetables into a pasta, tinned tomatoes are your go-to.'

3. Mint

Similar to fennel, mint is a carminative, and is a herb that is widely used as a digestive aid.

'Not only can it help relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, but it can also decrease digestive symptoms such as dyspepsia and nausea,' Lee said.

Lee added mint also has a long tradition of being used to treat colic in infants, flatulence, diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and morning sickness. 

4. Turmeric

If you're looking for an easy way to keep your gut healthy, consider adding a dash of turmeric to your diet.

Lee said the spice, known for its pungent taste, will help reduce bloating as well as support liver function. 

'Turmeric is an active anti-inflammatory that will help keep your beautiful gut blossoming,' she said. 

What are the wellness tips to follow for a spring re-boot?

* Prioritise getting eight hours of sleep each and every night.

* Switch off your technology as much as possible and focus on being present.

* Try and enjoy 5-10 minutes of mindfulness every single day.

* Kick-start your digestive system in the morning with a cup of hot water and lemon juice.

* Give your digestive system a rest a couple of times a week to spring clean your body.

* Go for regular walks in nature. 

5. Caraway

Digestion problems like gas or stomach cramps are symptoms you may experience if your gut is out of balance

Caraway, a savoury spice which has a slight liquorice flavour, can help heal the digestive system and assist with expelling gas from the bowel to prevent fermentation from occurring in the stomach.

Lee also said the spice has been found to help reduce a loss of appetite, relieve constipation and kill off negative bacteria in the body due to its antimicrobial effects.

6. Dill

If you suffer from problems such as cramping or flatulence, the addition of dill might be the perfect solution.

According to Lee, the herb not only helps reduce these problems but it can also be used as a natural sedative and stop the growth of negative digestive bacteria.

When the gut flora contains too many harmful (negative) bacteria and not enough friendly bacteria, an imbalance can occur, reports Healthline. 

The herb pairs well with fish, especially salmon, or it can be included in salads, added to eggs or spreads like cream cheese.