7 foods to help you fight the bloat

Bloating is the worst. You feel uncomfortable, you have to loosen your belt or unbutton your pants, oftentimes you just don’t feel like yourself… There are many reasons why you feel bloated. Eating too quickly, eating processed foods, eating foods you can’t tolerate, you name it… But as much as eating the wrong stuff in a wrong way can get you into a bloated mess, eating the right stuff can also get you out.

Here are seven foods you should start adding to your menu if you want to beat the bloat.

7 foods to beat the bloat

Cayenne: The spiciness of cayenne pepper helps reduce gas and bloat by increasing the flow of digestive enzymes. Capsaicin, an active component in peppers responsible for making them hot and spicy, is also known to kill off the bacteria that promote bloating.

Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that help to keep your gut healthy. For optimal results, skip sweetened yogurts and simply add fresh fruit into the plain variety.

Fennel seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds or steeping them into a tea can help relieve gas and bloating – and refresh your breath, too! Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, fennel seeds work to relax stomach muscles, allowing the trapped gas to escape with ease. You may want to make a fennel seed tea your post-meal favorite.

Bananas: Bananas contain potassium, which is the star player in bloat relief. Potassium helps keep sodium under control, as high sodium levels can lead to bloating.

Lemon: Some people may be prone to frequent bloating, because their bodies may not be producing enough hydrochloric acid for proper digestion. Eating lemons or drinking lemon water regularly, on the other hand, helps promote digestion and relieve bloating.

Garlic: Consuming garlic with other foods may lead to bloating, but eating garlic on its own can do just the opposite. For easy consumption, mince it up and roast in olive oil on low heat. Add vegetable broth and simmer for about 10 minutes to make a garlic soup.

Melons: Melons are known for their high water content, which can help flush your system, offering bloat relief. Also, melons are a natural diuretic, meaning, they promote urination, helping rid your system of excess salt.

Stock on these common bloat-fighting foods and enjoy your meal without the fear of digestive repercussions.