Bloating effects everyone, either we’ve eaten too much or certain foods just don’t agree with our stomachs. It all stems down to our intestinal tract where excessive gas is produced causing our bellies to get bigger. If you suffer from bloating every single day, it's worth consulting your doctor as you may be allergic to something or you may have a colon disorder.
The main causes of bloating are overeating, constipation, medications or colon disorders. However, certain foods are known to trigger bloating.
- Fried greasy food or processed food that is high in sodium
- Drinking fizzy drinks
- Eating Dairy
- Eating vegetables that are high in fibre
Here are some foods to incorporate into your diet if you experience the occasional bloating.
Pineapple
Deliciously juicy and sweet, pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down proteins in the stomach that is causing the bloating. Pineapple also contains potassium which can help with water retention caused by eating foods high in salt.
Lemon
Constipation can often cause bloating, so if you haven’t been to the toilet for a while try incorporating lemon into your juices. Lemon can help alleviate mild constipation and by doing so will flush all the excess salt from your system. Once the excess salt has been removed, your body will reduce the water its trying to retain and you should feel less bloated. If you are drinking with a straw be aware that you can often suck in more air which will bloat your stomach.
Green Tea
This tea has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but it is most popular in Chinese medicine. Green tea acts as a natural diuretic by increasing how much you urinate. This will reduce the excess water that can cause bloating. Green tea will also soothe digestion and reduce the gas that builds up in the intestinal tract, thus reducing stomach cramps.
Cucumber
A cucumber is made up of 96% water, which makes them super hydrating and like green tea, they help reduce water retention. They also contain antioxidants like flavonol and quercetin which help combat inflammation in the gut.
Celery
Just like the other food mentioned, celery can reduce the water retained by the body due to its high water content. Celery really won't add much taste to your smoothies or juices and is great to regulate the bowels and control excessive intestinal gas.
Ginger
This root can be used for several problems including bloating. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and will soothe your digestion process. This is all down to an enzyme called zingibain that helps digest proteins. Try having ginger tea or juicing ginger in your daily juices.
Turmeric
Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for helping IBS symptoms. You can use turmeric in a lot of dishes including soups, teas, rice and many more.
Recipes to Beat the Bloat
- 1/4 pineapple
- 3 stalks of celery
- 1 inch of ginger
- 1/4 cucumber
- 2 apple
- 2 carrots
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 pear
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 handfuls of strawberries
- 1/4 pineapple
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 cup of green tea (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Honey