How to get rid of bloating

Let’s be honest, a perfectly flat stomach all the time is not very realistic. But when your belly is so bloated that you look like you’re 4 months pregnant, it’s time for a change!

Every girl has experienced this before: Bloating. It can even make the slimmest woman look like she has a baby bump. You’re bloated when your stomach feels full and tight due to the buildup of gas in the small intestine. This can make the stomach area visibly swollen. A number of factors can cause bloating. The main reasons are digestive disorders, fluid retention, dehydration, candida, constipation, food allergies or sensitivities, bowel obstruction, hormonal changes and PMS. If you are not able to get rid of bloating, then try these simple home remedies.

1. Watch your diet

Avoid refined sugar, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol), fast food, processed foods and other foods that are fatty, spicy, sugary, fried or salty. But also healthy foods can cause bloating: cabbage, broccoli, peaches, prunes, brussel sprouts, lentils, corn, dairy products and whole grains may cause bloating at times. Also, don’t chew too much gum or consume carbonated drinks! Foods rich in magnesium and potassium are great for reducing bloating and fluid retention. Eat plenty of leafy greens, avocados, papayas, quinoa, bananas, mangos, spinach and tomatoes.

2. Chew food thoroughly

Gas is created when food cannot be broken down properly in our bodies. If you chew your food thoroughly, you’ll digest it faster and it will pass through your body with ease. That means it’s not sitting in your intestines causing more and more gas to build up.

3. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are very effective for digestive problems like bloating due to their carminative, diuretic, pain-reducing and anti-microbial properties. Fennel seeds help relieve bloating by relaxing muscle spasms in the digestive tract. Chew on a few fennel seeds after eating a big meal or drink some fennel tea.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol oil, which acts as an antispasmodic, relaxing the digestive tract and aiding in the passage of food and air. Drink some peppermint tea regularly to relieve bloating.

5. Dandelion

Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic and laxative which helps to regulate the digestive system and to relieve gas and bloating.
Drink some dandelion tea to beat bloating.

6. Anise

Anise has antimicrobial and carminative properties which help to expel gasses that build up in your intestinal tract. As an anti-spasmodic, it relaxes your muscles and allows for smoother digestion. Eat a teaspoon of anise seeds, chewing thoroughly or add anise seeds to your meals.

7. Warm Water with Lemon

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which helps the body break down food more efficiently. Water flushes out the toxins in your system. In combination, lemon and water help the liver work better.
Add fresh-squeezed lemon juice to a glass of hot water. Drink regularly.

8. Ginger

Ginger is a carminative which means it relieves the pressure of bloating by helping gas pass through the digestive system. It also thins the blood to improve circulation. It contains gingerol, which acts as a pain reliever and shogaol, which soothes and relaxes the intestinal muscles.

9. Exercise

Move as much as you can! This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bloating, as it helps the body and digestive system function properly. Whether you are at work or at home, get up and walk around frequently. Try taking stairs instead of the elevator. Find a workout you love and do it regularly. It can be anything, from walking to swimming to taking dance classes.

10. Massage

Massaging your stomach and lower abdomen helps built-up gas to pass through your digestive system to relieve the pressure of bloating. Lie flat on your back and use your fingers to massage your stomach in circular motions. Massage for 15 minutes or until the bloating subsides.