Bloating is a common digestive problem that affects both children and adults. Bloating can cause your stomach to feel full and pressured. Bloating generally goes away on its own after a while. Consuming certain foods and drinks can also help to relieve bloating in the stomach.
Foods and beverages to reduce bloating
Bloating can be caused by a digestive system malfunction in which certain food components are not broken down, resulting in a buildup of gas. Bloating can also be caused by eating habits such as eating too quickly, eating while talking, or overeating.
Other health issues that can cause a bloated stomach include hormonal changes, a lack of certain enzymes, and irritable bowel disease. Eating certain types of foods and drinks can help relieve bloating.
Some foods and drinks that can help relieve abdominal bloating are:
- Banana
Bananas are high in fiber and contain potassium, which helps regulate sodium levels and prevents water retention. A small 2011 study found that women who ate bananas twice a day had less bloating than those who did not.
Eating bananas on a daily basis can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system, thereby relieving abdominal bloating.
- Pineapple
One serving of cut pineapple contains 1.4 grams of fiber, which is beneficial to digestion. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of digestive issues. However, more research is needed to determine the benefits of pineapple for treating other digestive problems.
- Papaya
According to a 2013 study, consuming papaya can help relieve digestive problems. The 40-day study compared the effects of taking papaya supplements with the effects of taking a placebo. As a result, those who ate papaya reported less constipation and bloating.
- Tomato
Tomatoes contain prebiotics, which are a food source for different types of microbes in the colon. Tomatoes' prebiotic content is beneficial to people suffering from Crohn's disease, impaired nutrient absorption, and other causes of bloating.
- Celery
Celery contains apigenin, a flavonoid antioxidant that occurs naturally in many plants. A study found that apigenin has several benefits, including increasing the growth and variation of bacteria in the gut, which improves digestion.
- Spinach
Spinach is a fiber-rich vegetable. According to research, eating spinach increases the population of Lactobacillus bacteria in the digestive system, which can help reduce bloating.
- Green tea
Aside from eating fruits and vegetables, you can also reduce bloating by drinking green tea. Green tea can help prevent water retention and contains the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Green tea also contains caffeine, which stimulates bowel movements and acts as a natural laxative, reducing bloating.
- Peppermint tea
You can also drink peppermint tea to relieve bloating. Peppermint oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve irritable bowel symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. Furthermore, peppermint contains compounds that can help prevent muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines, thereby reducing bloating.
To treat bloating caused by poor eating habits and the consumption of foods high in gas, you can use natural remedies such as abdominal massage or consume the foods and beverages listed above. However, you should see your doctor if natural remedies fail to relieve bloating.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Rose-Francis, K. (2021). What foods and drinks can reduce bloating?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-that-help-with-bloating
Ajmera, R. (2023). 20 Foods and Drinks That Help with Bloating. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-help-with-bloating
Nazario, B. (2021). Foods to Help You Ease Bloating. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-foods-to-help-you-ease-bloating