Feeling gassy and bloated is one of the most common problems affecting roughly about 15 percent of the US population. However, gas is not the only culprit and the sole reason why your waist seems to be a little higher than what it used to be a couple of days back.
Researchers believe water retention and constipation could also amount for bloating. No matter the reason for your bloating, it can make your weight loss goal seem far fetched.
Good news is that you can control or avoid bloating altogether. It usually depends on your diet and what foods you choose to eat on a regular basis. With some little changes in your daily food routine and by including certain foods to your meals, you can immediately start to notice a huge difference in the way you feel.
These foods can not only help you to ease the discomfort, but it will also aid with your weight loss goals.
Kiwi
Kiwis contain high amounts of fiber, which helps to increase your bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation and gas, which are the most common reasons for bloating.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a folk remedy that is used to boost digestion and soothe the troubled stomach. Studies suggest that peppermint tea helps to heal inflammation in the colon and improves the overall health of your gut.
Turmeric
The popular yellow spice from India contains a chemical compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been found to be very effective in combating diseases in your intestines such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative proctitis by reducing the inflammation caused by these diseases. Consuming this popular spice in your daily diet would improve your digestive health and prevent bloating.
Bananas
Most Indians have the habit of consuming one or two bananas after a heavy meal. The reason they believe it stimulates their bowel movements and improves their digestive health. And they are right. Bananas contain a type of fiber called prebiotic fiber, which increases the number of good bacterias in the gut and improve digestion.
Furthermore, bananas contain high levels of potassium, which regulates sodium levels and prevents water retention.
Cilantro
The popular herb that is used to garnish your foods contains a unique blend of natural oils that helps to relax the muscles in your intestines and soothe your gut. Cilantro also alleviates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome when consumed regularly.
Ginger
Ginger is a popular folk remedy for many stomach related disorders. Its medicinal property is believed to be due to the presence of a unique chemical compound called ginger. Researchers say that ginger helps to relax the gut muscles and expels the gas.
Rice
That’s right, researchers believe rice is better than wheat flour, corn, or even oats because it is digested in the small intestines and the main benefit of it is, it doesn’t produce any gas in the gut. If you feel too gassy, start your day with a cup of rice and you should feel much better.
Warm water
That would seem counterintuitive especially if you suffer from bloating due to water retention. But, your body tends to store more water when it doesn’t get enough throughout the day. Drink enough fluids and it signals your brain that you are getting enough fluids and there is no need to store it away in different parts of the body to use at times of emergency.
Drink one or two glasses of warm water before going to sleep at night and also drink it the first thing in the morning after brushing your teeth. Also, doctors recommend drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids a day.
Garlic
Garlic has this distinctive flavor to it that makes your dishes taste good. However, that’s not everything this popular ingredient has to offer. It is a natural diuretic with extremely low levels of sodium.
Good news is you need not have to consume the raw garlic clove every morning. Just include some while you are cooking your foods every day to reap its benefits.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is a popular remedy for urinary tract infection, which is mainly due to its diuretic effect. One good thing about cranberry is that it doesn’t alter your potassium levels which your body needs to inhibit the water retention property of sodium.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a good source of potassium which helps to regulate fluid levels in your body and inhibit water retention. Additionally, pineapple contains a chemical compound called bromelain, which helps your body to digest protein and prevent it from getting converted into fat.
The major portion of the bromelain is present in the stem that runs through the middle of the fruit. If you can blend the stem along with the juicy and sweet pulp in your juicer, then it makes up for a bromelian rich drink that aids weight loss.
Papaya
Some folk remedies include papaya pulp to ease constipation. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which helps to breakdown and absorbs proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract. This property of papain greatly reduces gassy bloat.