7 Foods That Reduce Bloating Fast
Bloating - that uncomfortable tightness and swollen belly - affects most people occasionally after eating. But if you deal with chronic bloating or distension, it can damage your quality of life. As a naturopath, clients often ask me how to settle bloat fast when it strikes.
The good news is that certain research-backed foods can provide quick relief by expelling gas, calming inflammation, and relaxing the gastrointestinal muscles.
Here are my top 7 natural remedies to deflate bloating fast:
Bloat Reducer #1: Ginger
Ginger is one of the most time-tested home remedies for reducing bloat. The compounds called gingerols found in ginger root help relax the intestinal muscles and gently promote the release of excess gas.
Drinking ginger tea or even just sniffing the fresh root can help dissipate bloating. You can also take ginger supplements in capsule form for fast relief. Always follow dosage instructions.
When buying fresh ginger root, look for firm, smooth skin without wrinkles or mold. Store fresh ginger in the crisper drawer of your fridge to preserve the active compounds. Peel and thinly slice or mince to release the essential oils.
Bloat Reducer #2: Peppermint
Like ginger, peppermint contains compounds called menthol that provide a cooling, soothing effect on the digestive tract. Peppermint helps relax intestinal spasms and gas pains.
Sipping on peppermint tea is a great way to get fast bloat relief. You can also try peppermint oil capsules; just follow the dosage on the label. The refreshing taste also helps offset the nausea that often accompanies bloating.
To make your own soothing peppermint tea: Add 2-3 tablespoons fresh peppermint leaves or 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves to hot water and steep for 5-7 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger it gets. Sweeten with a bit of honey if desired.
Bloat Reducer #3: Probiotic Foods
A healthy gut microbiome is key for reducing bloating. Eating probiotic foods helps promote digestion and prevent gas buildup.
Try adding probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha and yogurt. Look for products with active cultures listed. Probiotic supplements are another option, however food sources are better as get also get lots of nourishment.
Aim for getting a variety of probiotic foods. In yogurt, look for at least 2-10 billion live cultures per serving. Kefir can contain up to 50 billion! Eat probiotic foods ideally twice per day. My current favourite is Activa vanilla flavour with berries and nuts as a healthy dessert or snack.
Bloat Reducer #4: Papaya
Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which provides gastrointestinal support by breaking down proteins that can cause bloating and indigestion.
The antioxidants and nutrients in papaya also support overall digestive health. Enjoy fresh papaya as a snack or breakfast, or blend into smoothies. Dried papaya works, too.
Select fresh papayas that give slightly to gentle pressure. Let green papayas ripen for a few days on the counter. Then, store ripe papaya in the fridge for up to a week. The seeds are also edible and contain enzymes.
Bloat Reducer #5: Fennel
All parts of the fennel plant have benefits for defeating bloat. Fennel seeds contain estragole, an antispasmodic compound that relaxes gut muscles. The fibre-rich bulb has a diuretic effect to reduce water retention.
Drink fennel tea, add fennel seeds to dishes, or slice up the crisp bulb for a light snack. Fennel offers fast relief.
Crush fennel seeds to release the essential oils. Try making a tea with 1-2 teaspoons crushed seeds steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The licorice-flavored seeds complement the fresh, aromatic flavor of the bulb.
Bloat Reducer #6: Pineapple
Pineapple is high in the enzyme bromelain, which helps break down protein chains into smaller, more digestible fragments, preventing gas and bloating. Plus, it tastes delicious!
Enjoy fresh pineapple chunks or juice. For maximum enzyme concentration, you can consider bromelain supplements.
Choose pineapples with a sweet aroma, green leaves, and golden yellow skin. Greenish patches indicate unripe fruit. After cutting, store the pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Bloat Reducer #7: Cucumber
Cucumbers are made up of 95 percent water, helping flush out excess fluids that contribute to bloat. They contain antioxidant flavonoids that reduce inflammation as well.
Munch on cucumber slices or sticks, add to salads and sandwiches, or put in water. Staying hydrated is key when bloated, so eat your cukes!
Cucumber water is also refreshing - just add sliced cukes to the water. Freeze cucumber slices to cool off on a hot, bloated day as well.
How to Use These Foods for Fast Bloat Relief
Focus on eating these bloat-fighting foods for a few days when bloat strikes. For best results:
Drink fresh ginger tea twice daily
Sip on peppermint tea after meals
Eat a probiotic yogurt or kefir
Snack on papaya and pineapple
Add fennel seeds to your meals
Munch on cucumber sticks and hydrating fruits and veggies
Quick Bloat Relief Without Medication
Bloating may be common, but you don’t have to just put up with it. By keeping these natural bloat-busting foods on hand, you can find fast relief when it strikes.
Of course, chronic bloating should still be evaluated by your Naturopath or health practitioner. To develop a personalised program for lasting bloat relief and improved digestion, click below to schedule your consultation! I look forward to working with you.