Bloating – that uncomfortable swelling in your belly – can throw a wrench into your daily life. The moment that uneasy sensation sets in, your day can quickly spiral downward. It’s needless to say that it’s an experience we’d all rather keep at bay.
However, there’s a silver lining to bloating being a widespread issue. Over time, various methods have been experimented with to find relief from this discomfort. This extensive experimentation has given us a deeper understanding of bloating’s causes and potential solutions.
Deciphering the Causes of Bloating and Digestive Discomfort
The digestive system showcases the human body’s ingenuity. From the moment we take our first bite to the point where the small intestine finishes its work, our body extracts necessary nutrients to fuel itself.
However, this intricate process can sometimes face disruptions, leading to a range of digestive complications, including bloating.
Common Causes of Bloating
Overconsumption: Evidently, one of the leading causes of bloating is overeating. Eating copious amounts of food can overtax the digestive system, causing a sensation of discomfort and fullness.
Gas-inducing foods: Certain foods, including lentils, beans, specific vegetables, and dairy products, can produce excess gas in the digestive system, leading to bloating.
Artificial sweeteners: Consuming large quantities of products containing artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and aspartame can cause bloating in some people.
Swallowing air: Actions like chewing gum, using straws, or eating quickly can introduce excess air into our digestive system, leading to symptoms like burping and bloating.
Food intolerances: In addition to lactose intolerance, other food intolerances, like gluten intolerance, can also result in bloating.
Constipation: Infrequent bowel movements can cause a buildup in the intestines, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Medical Conditions Linked to Bloating
Lactose intolerance: This condition occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss.
Gastroparesis: This condition, characterized by the stomach’s inability to empty itself of food properly, often results in symptoms like bloating and belching.
Gastrointestinal infections: Certain bacterial infections can cause an overproduction of gas and bloating.
Other medical conditions: Less common conditions, like bowel obstructions, can also cause bloating.
How Can Natural Remedies Alleviate Bloating?
Considering the wide range of potential causes for bloating, it’s not surprising that about one in seven Americans suffer from bloating weekly. With such a prevalent issue, there’s a vast number of people seeking relief, leading to extensive research on various home remedies.
Home remedies for different ailments have been passed down through generations. These remedies have been improved upon as needed, with numerous natural solutions for bloating handed down.
The most effective remedies are those that address the root cause of bloating. However, identifying this cause can be challenging without medical intervention, and it may take several weeks of trial and error to find the natural remedies that will effectively alleviate your bloating.
10 Natural Solutions for Bloating
Our ancestors faced many of the same health issues we encounter today and had to find ways to treat them. Without the convenience of pharmacies or products labeled for bloating relief, they turned to nature for healing. Their efforts have provided us with valuable knowledge about the healing properties of common foods and plants.
The following remedies combine age-old wisdom and modern science to offer potential relief from bloating and digestive discomfort.
Bone Broth
Bone broth tops this list for a variety of reasons. This nutrient-dense, easily digestible beverage has a soothing effect on the stomach and digestive tract.
Traditional bone broth is made by slow-cooking bones, often with herbs and vegetables, to extract as many nutrients as possible. The broth is rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which are crucial for gut health.
Our Bone Broth is an excellent choice, as it is not only packed with these essential nutrients but also offers a comforting and nourishing flavor. For those seeking a comprehensive, natural approach to support gut health and manage bloating, sipping on this “liquid gold” could be an ideal starting point.
Probiotics
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, including probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria”. These beneficial organisms work to keep a balance within the digestive tract, affecting not only digestive health but also the immune system, mood, and more.
Increasing your intake of probiotics can significantly help alleviate bloating and other digestive discomforts. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha. Alternatively, probiotic supplements are available, with specific strains thattarget various digestive issues. Whether you choose food or supplements, probiotics are generally a safe and effective option.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds, with their sweet and aromatic flavor reminiscent of licorice, have a well-established reputation in both the kitchen and traditional medicinal practices. These seeds contain essential oils like anethole, known to relax stomach muscles. Fennel also has diuretic characteristics, assisting in the release of excess water, often a contributor to bloating. Regularly consuming fennel seeds after meals may not only add a delightful flavor to your palate but also help in easing digestive discomfort.
Ginger
Recognized for its spicy and invigorating flavor, ginger has been a popular choice in various cultures for its health benefits. Gingerol, its key active component, is revered for its strong antioxidant effects. Ginger tea, in particular, has a long-standing reputation for relieving nausea and calming distressed stomachs. Incorporating a warm cup of ginger tea into your routine could allow you to experience the potent benefits of this robust herb.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, with its distinctive tart taste, offers significant health advantages. The presence of acetic acid in it contributes to maintaining a balanced stomach acid level, improving digestion and reducing bloating. Moreover, apple cider vinegar is a source of prebiotics that nourish and sustain the gut’s population of beneficial probiotics, further enhancing digestion.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea, brewed from chamomile flower petals, is renowned for its ability to soothe a troubled stomach. It is rich in antioxidants that can relieve a range of digestive disorders and upset stomachs. Additionally, chamomile’s calming properties can help relax nerves, making it an effective solution for stress-induced digestive problems.
Lemon Water
A simple mixture of warm water and lemon can be incredibly beneficial for your digestive health. Lemons, with their natural acidity, help in maintaining the stomach’s pH level and boosting digestion. Lemon-infused drinks, like Lemon Sips, that combine lemons with antioxidant-rich cantaloupe extract SOD B, offer additional skin benefits while promoting internal body health.
Peppermint
Peppermint, with its cooling and refreshing attributes, is like a breath of fresh air on a hot day. Peppermint tea and oil are known for their calming effects, providing instant relief for an upset gastrointestinal tract. These qualities make peppermint a popular choice for easing cramps, muscle spasms, and various digestive problems, including bloating.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes serve as vital helpers in the microbiome, bolstering the digestive process by aiding in food breakdown. By enhancing digestion, these enzymes prevent the fermentation of undigested food in the gut, a common cause of gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. Increasing your intake of digestive enzymes can help prevent these problems.
Dietary Changes
Each individual has a unique interaction with food, and certain foods may not sit well with their digestive system. If bloating is a frequent issue, it may be helpful to identify potential food triggers. Keeping a food diary can assist in monitoring your diet and its effects on your body. If certain foods consistently cause discomfort, excluding them from your meals can help prevent bloating.
