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Top Anti-Bloating Food and Drinks: You Can Have a Flatter Tummy Tonight!
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Let’s talk about something not often mentioned in those pretty fashion magazines: gas and bloating. It doesn’t sound very appealing, but did you know that most people “play the tuba” between 12 to 25 times per day? If you are looking at your hubby you are probably thinking “Oh, please, it’s way more than that!” and you would be right. For some people, it is far more than that, mostly due to the foods they eat.
What if we were to tell you that you could avoid a lot of that distended tummy, those uncomfortable gassy feelings, and have a better smelling bedroom tonight? It’s not as hard as you think.
Foods to Avoid
Broccoli, kale, and cabbage are among some of the worst offenders. The main problem is that too many of us only eat these foods occasionally. When we eat them fairly regularly, the body adjusts and is less prone to bloating and gas. So don’t give up on these greens – in fact, just the opposite – you need to eat more so that your body becomes accustomed to them.
Beans, lentils, soybeans, and peas are more foods that tend to cause bloat. Try combining these foods with rice or quinoa. These foods will help your body digest the legumes without making you so bloated and gassy.
For those who are lactose intolerant, dairy is another source of gas. If you feel bloated after just a few slices of cheese or a half a glass of milk, you are most likely lactose intolerant and you will need to avoid these foods.
You should also limit your sodium intake. Salt causes you to retain water, which leads to bloat. Think twice before eating processed foods as most of them contain high levels of sodium.
SEE ALSO: Top 5 Foods that can Cause Constipation
Now that you know the problem foods, let’s take a look at the top foods that can help reduce that bloat and gas so you can zip up those jeans and still breathe!
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1. Bananas
Bananas and other foods that tend to be rich in potassium such as oranges, avocados, and pistachios, prevent your body from absorbing salt from in your foods and this will reduce salt induced bloat. Bananas are also a good source of soluble fiber, which can prevent constipation. Find out other natural ways to help constipation.
2. Asparagus
OK, so eating asparagus will make your pee smell funny, but who will notice except you? If you are popping buttons on your pants, though, everyone will notice that! Asparagus is a powerful anti-bloat food as it is a natural diuretic, so it helps you to lose water, which will relive that uncomfortable bloated feeling.
3. Papaya
Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that helps to break down proteins in the digestive system. This improves digestion and stops gas from forming.
4. Cucumbers
Have you ever noticed that people put cucumber slices on their eyes to reduce puffiness? Well, eating them (or drinking cucumber water) can do the same thing for your bloated belly. Quercetin, an antioxidant in cucumbers, reduces swelling and inhibits inflammation.
5. Fennel Seeds
In many countries, fennel plants are served after dinner to improve digestion. Think of fennel seeds as the savior of your digestive system. Fennel seeds relax spasms in the colon, which allow gas to go out of the body, which will relieve bloating.
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6. Yogurt
Be sure you get yogurt that contains plenty of probiotics, as these help to regulate your digestion and add helpful bacteria that helps to break down foods. Look for yogurt that says it has live, active cultures.
7. Ginger
You might only think of ginger as a remedy for the flu or for nausea, but it also is an all-star when it comes to helping your digestion. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory action and relaxes the muscles within the digestive system which stops bloat. It also has enzymes that absorb protein. This will stop the gas from happening in the first place.
8. Dandelion Greens
Yep, that weed in your yard is worth a second look. Dandelion greens have prebiotics, which means that they encourage the production of enzymes that break down proteins in the foods you eat, which block the formation of gas and bloating. Take a look at your local farmers market for these delicious salad greens and you will never look at those weeds in your garden the same way ever again.
9. Chamomile or Peppermint Tea
If your stomach feels bloated and tight after a meal, simply sip a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea. Both of these teas are known for their relaxing properties, which help to relieve the gas that causes bloat. They also taste great!
10. Coffee
Coffee might just be the world’s most well-known diuretic, which is why many people drink it after meals to banish the bloat. If you are sensitive to caffeine, this can cause bloating, so drink decaf if you have problems. Otherwise, enjoy a cup of Joe after dinner.
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11. Lemon
Lemons are a natural way to detox the body. If you experience gas or bloating after a meal, drink the juice of one organic lemon with some warm water directly after a meal for super de-bloating power.
12. Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to boost your metabolism and decrease bloat. Don’t drink iced tea, however, as the ice causes spasms in the intestines. Drink warm or hot fresh green tea, which won’t cause more gas and is super anti-inflammatory. Read more about green tea for detox and cleansing.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to increase the amount of gastric enzymes your body produces, which will break down your food more quickly. If you can deal with the taste, simply add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it each morning on an empty stomach. If you can’t deal with the flavor, mix some into your salad or salad dressing.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to Naturally Relieve Gas: 5 Trusted Ways
14. Pineapple
This is another great food for avoiding bloat. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which also helps improve digestion so you don’t get that gassy, bloated feeling. You can eat fresh pineapple or drink unsweetened juice, the choice is yours.
Sources:
Michael Jensen, MD, professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, author, The Flexitarian Diet; former spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association.
