7 Foods that calm bloating

Having tummy problems is never fun. It comes at inappropriate times, too. You usually get that tight and uncomfortable feeling after a huge meal of pizza or chili washed down with carbonated drinks. Instead of being able to enjoy your meal in peace, you now tend to stay away from food that is sure to give you a tummy ache.

1 In 5 Australians have IBS

More than a simple tummy ache, that feeling of being gassy and bloated may be a sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is a common problem that affects the colon. Approximately 1 in 5 Australians experience IBS. Other symptoms of IBS include: abdominal pain, cramping, constipation or diarrhea. The main cause of IBS cannot be pinpointed, but it can be brought about by a number of things like: stress, hormonal changes, or being on a particular type of meds (antibiotics). It can be exacerbated by certain types of food. Foods such as cruciferous vegetables (looking at you, cabbage and broccoli!), dairy products, carbonated drinks, and (most notoriously) beans may cause gas and belly bloat and could certainly aggravate IBS symptoms.

7 Foods that relieve bloating

If food can cause belly bloat, food can also help reduce it! Here are 7 healthy foods that can help calm bloating:

1. Ginger - Grandma was right after all! The old home remedy of ginger tea can really help relieve an upset tummy. Ginger contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances and is a muscle relaxant - so it can help...move things along and make you feel less bloated.
2. Kiwi - Kiwi’s high fiber and potassium levels contribute to improving digestive processes that generally lessen constipation and ease bloating. This informative study shows how eating kiwi improves bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
3. Papaya - Papain is the superstar enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins during digestion. Papaya’s high fiber content and anti-inflammatory properties also help support digestive processes.
4. Pineapple - Fruity enzymes are apparently the key to supporting strong digestive processes and Bromelain is the superstar enzyme contained in Pineapples. It can help calm belly bloat and treat indigestion.
5. Probiotics - Your tummy also needs good bacteria for a healthy balance. Improve your gut health with probiotic supplements or eat some yogurt with active cultures.
6. Tea - A sip of hot tea is a surefire way to help anyone relax. But to relax an upset tummy, the best teas to sip on are: peppermint, chamomile, and green tea. These teas improve digestion and are known to relax intestinal muscles to help reduce gas and bloat.
7. Melons -  Eat some cantaloupe or honeydew when you are feeling bloated. The high potassium and high water content helps you flush out the extra sodium in your body, and that can help ease digestive problems and reduce bloat.

Incorporate these foods into your diet to combat bloating and have a healthy and balanced digestive system.

How Fruitful Digest can help