Bloating occurs when your abdomen enlarges and feels full and tight. Your stomach may even look like it’s sticking out. Bloating is a common occurrence for many people. Somewhere between 10% and 30% of people experience bloating.
A bloated stomach feels tight, full and often painful. You might feel bloated even if you don’t have a distended abdomen. Bloating is usually a digestive issue, though hormones and stress also play a part. Sometimes there is an underlying medical condition.
Here are some remedies:
- Ginger helps the body expel intestinal gas
Ginger is recognized as a medicinal herb with multiple therapeutic virtues, including the ability to relieve excessive gas and bloating.
Ginger mainly targets the stomach, and its beneficial effects can be enhanced by consuming it with artichoke, which also acts on the small bowel. These two ingredients are present in the commercially available digestive product called Predigest.
A study supported the efficacy of Predigest in reducing the symptoms of functional dyspepsia, including bloating, abdominal pain, epigastric heaviness, and nausea, among other discomforts.
Add ginger to various dishes as a flavor enhancer. Alternatively, chew on a few slices of ginger, or steep them in hot water to make ginger tea and consume it. - Probiotics balance the gut flora
Digestive trouble arises when the balance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria is disturbed, such that one type of bacteria overpowers the others.
Probiotics are essentially live cultures of friendly bacteria that are similar to the “good bacteria” found in the human gut. Hence, they can help restore the normal microbial equilibrium in the intestine and thereby improve its function.
Several foods contain a heavy dose of probiotics that can be added to your daily diet to restore well-balanced gut flora. You can take probiotic supplements, but preferably after consulting your doctor. - Turmeric improves digestion
Turmeric can help prevent indigestion, bloating, and gas by facilitating the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
Curcumin-containing turmeric is recognized as an effective digestive aid as it alleviates a number of gastrointestinal problems, both functional and organic, including irritable bowel syndrome, when consumed in appropriate dosage.
An easy way to derive the maximum digestive benefits from turmeric is to mix it in almond/coconut milk with a dash of cinnamon and honey and consume this health tonic, which is referred to as “golden milk.” - Cumin seeds relieve gas
Cumin is considered to be a wholesome digestive aid that can stimulate a lax digestive system. The carminative properties of cumin find special use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic flatulence, bloating, and other symptoms of IBS.
This cheap and readily available spice can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, making it easier for you to include it in your daily diet. - Apple cider vinegar helps curb gas
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. It also aids in alleviating gas problems.
Dilute ACV by mixing one tablespoon in a glass of water. Drink this mixture before meals. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water after consuming the drink, as prolonged exposure to the acidity of ACV can erode the tooth enamel. - Lemon and baking soda ease digestion
Baking soda contains flavonoids that aid digestion by neutralizing the excess stomach acid. However, it is important to use it in moderation, as excessive baking soda can render the stomach acids ineffective.
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a cup of water and consume. - Chamomile tea helps relieve indigestion
Chamomile has been popularly used for the treatment of abdominal problems such as constipation, indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Make chamomile tea by mixing 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile in a cup of hot water and consume it for relief. - Peppermint eases IBS pain
Peppermint might prove especially helpful for people with IBS who suffer from abdominal cramps and bloating. Peppermint contains menthol oil, which can help relax the intestinal muscles and prevent them from spasming.
Inhaling the fumes of this herbal oil can induce a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can improve its motility and function.
