How To Get Rid Of Bloating Right Now

A bloated stomach can be caused by a couple things. It could be something you ate that does not agree with you, or you could have a bloated belly because of your period. Either way, there are a few ways to tackle this issue.

But first, let’s see what could be the cause for your bloating so we can possibly prevent it in the future.

There are many foods that can cause bloating for different kinds of reasons. Some foods are naturally harder to digest. Our stomachs need to put in more work to break down specific nutrients. Or perhaps your body simply does not agree with some foods. There are conditions, such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance, that can make a bloated stomach almost a daily occurrence.

If you get a bloated belly a lot, you should speak to your family doctor. These conditions can be dangerous if left untreated.

However, if you simply have a more sensitive digestive system, here’s some foods to avoid. Simply by cutting the right ones out of your diet you may be able to say goodbye to bloating forever!

1. Apples – Apples are high in fiber, and fiber is a tough nutrient for your stomach to tackle. If you have too many apples in one go, you may feel like a balloon in a few hours!

2. Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, And Kale – All of these cruciferous vegetables contain a nutrient called raffinose, a sugar that stays undigested until bacteria in the gut ferments it and turns it into gas.

3. Stone Fruit – Stone fruit like plums, as well as many other dried fruit, are high in sugar alcohol. While sugar alcohol is not a tough nutrient for everyone’s bodies to digest, it may be for some.

4. Onions And Garlic – Both of these bulb vegetables contain fructans, a soluble fiber that can cause a bloated belly.

1. Beans, Lentils, Soybeans, And Peas – All of these seed plants are very high in fiber, protein, and sugars that our bodies cannot fully absorb. In turn, these nutrients get turned into gas, which can cause a bloated stomach.

2. Wheat, Barley, And Rye – These grains have two reasons why they may be the cause for you bloated stomach: they are very high in fiber, and they all contain gluten. The latter mainly affects people with gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease, whereas fiber is naturally harder to break down.

Salty Foods – Eating foods that contain high amounts of salt can lead to water retention. Once the water starts to build up in your circulatory system, it can lead to feeling bloated.

1. Carbonated Drinks – Carbonated drinks are full of carbon dioxide, which is the gas that makes the drinks fizzy. Once the carbon dioxide is ingested, that gas gets trapped in your digestive system and may make your belly bloated.

2. Beer – As nice as it may be on a warm summer’s day, beer is the master of bloating. Beer is carbonated, and it contains wheat and barley, a perfect combination for a bloated stomach!

3. Milk – Here’s an interesting fact: around 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. This means they cannot break down lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. That percentage is a big number. In fact, it may be worth trying to cut the dairy out your diet for a few weeks to see if that makes a difference.

Sometimes having a bloated stomach has nothing to do with what you ate. Instead, it may simply be that time of the month again.

Feeling bloated is perfectly normal in the pre-menstrual (PMS) stage, which occurs just before your period starts. What happens during this stage is that your body has a major fluctuation of hormones (specifically, estrogen and progesterone), which may cause fluid retention, swelling and bloating.

Once the hormones regulate and the excess water, blood, and other waste have been flushed from your system, the bloating will disappear. This usually happens by the third day of your period.

There are plenty of ways to get rid of bloating with natural remedies, most of which you will be able to find right in the comfort of your home.

1. Peppermint Tea – Peppermint tea is an excellent choice for reducing bloating. Its natural properties relax your GI (digestive tract) muscles, and in turn help to release the trapped gas.

2. Chamomile Tea – Chamomile tea acts as a digestive tract relaxant. It also naturally soothes and relaxes your whole body, making any belly discomfort much more bearable.

3. Ginger Tea – Ginger is one of the best natural remedies to help you relieve a bloated stomach. A freshly grated ginger tea will soothe your entire digestive system, whilst relaxing your GI muscles. Ginger also contains enzymes that absorb protein, in case that's what caused your bloating!

All of these remedies may also help if the bloating is caused by your period.

1. Asparagus – Asparagus is a secret weapon against bloating that everyone should know about! It works by flushing out all of the excess water from your system, in turn relieving your bloated belly. Asparagus is an excellent remedy for period bloating too, so note this one down.

2. Avocados, Bananas, Kiwis, And Oranges – These are all rich in potassium, which can prevent water retention in your circulatory system. Potassium helps to regulate sodium levels in your body – perfect if the bloating was caused by salty foods!

3. Lemon – Fresh lemon juice mixed with warm water can make a real difference for your bloated belly. Lemon stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which is what helps your body to break down the food you eat. Having a glass of warm lemon water every morning can also be an excellent bloating-prevention technique!

4. Papaya – Papaya contains enzymes that help to break down protein. On top of that, papaya also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Now that's a win-win!

1. Caraway Seeds – Caraway seeds are another well-known weapon against bloating. They not only relax your GI muscles but also help with indigestion, cramps, and releasing trapped gas. Caraway seeds are a good option for period bloating, too. So be on the lookout for some caraway-seeded crackers next time you’re out shopping!

2. Fennel Seeds – Fennel seeds work wonders on a bloated belly. Their natural properties help to relax your GI muscles and release the trapped gas.

1. Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal is a food supplement that can be found almost everywhere. The oxidized charcoal comes in the shape of pills, capsules, and powder, all of them easy to ingest. It helps with indigestion, trapped gas, and flushing out the toxins out of your system.

2. Probiotics – Probiotics, otherwise known as the good bacteria, help your body move food through your gut. This is an excellent option for indigestion and trapped gas. You can find probiotics in the shape of capsules in almost any drugstore, or you can get probiotic yogurts such as Actimel  (probably a more pleasant and tasty option!).

Bloating can happen to the best of us. But there are still a few ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. It’s the small changes in your lifestyle that can turn a bloated belly into a distant memory.

1. Chew Food Thoroughly – Take your time when chewing food. If the food is easier to digest, it creates less gas.

2. Drink Lots Of Water – Water does not only hydrate you, it also helps you digest food! Having lots of water helps to flush out the digestive system and prevent any possible blockages.

3. Drink Warm Lemon Water – As mentioned above, having a glass of warm lemon water on an empty stomach every morning can really boost your immune system and help you with any indigestion problems.

4. Make Better Food Choices – Replace the foods that cause bloating into better alternatives. There is always the next best thing. If it means you’ll avoid feeling like a balloon for the rest of the day, perhaps it’s worth having that instead.

5. Exercise – Exercising doesn’t only clear your mind and make you stronger, it also stimulates your bowels. A 30-minute jog every morning can make a huge difference for your digestive system!

6. Never Hold Gas In – This last piece of advice is the simplest, yet the most effective. If you don’t release the gas when you need to, it will get trapped in your gut. More gas will accumulate over time, and you’ll end up being in pain. It’s simply not worth it. Instead, when you feel it coming on, make a quick trip to the bathroom. Once it’s out, you will feel infinitely better.

If you think this article has helped you gain more knowledge about bloating and how to get rid of it, then SHARE it with your friends — after all, no one likes to feel like a human balloon.