Top 10 Foods That Fight Bloating
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Here is good news for those days when we puff up like a balloon and can’t get into our favorite clothes. Stomach bloating causes physical discomfort and can make you feel bad about the way you look. There are many things that can cause bloat, especially high sodium foods like soda and chips. Mayo Clinic says the major cause of bloating is intestinal gas not water weight, unless it is caused by heart disease.
Here are the top 10 tasty foods that can help you fight bloating:
• Papaya
Papaya has enzymes that aid digestion. If you have never had it, it is worth a try, some areas call it pawpaw, it’s similar to cantaloupe in taste and texture and is delicious by itself, in smoothies, or added to salads.
• Water with lemon
Many believe that water causes bloat, which is not true, try it with lemon or another fruit. David Grotto, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member and author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life and The Best Things You Can Eat says, “People tend to think that when they’re holding on to water they should cut back drinking it, but that’s not the case.” He says if you have a problem with bloat you should drink more fluids, not restrict them. Add lemon slices to warm water and sip it directly from the glass, not a straw, as straws make you suck in extra air. This will help reduce excess salt retained by your body.
• Peanut butter
Peanut butter enjoyed in moderation can help keep your stomach under control and aids weight loss. It contains niacin, essential for a vigorous digestive system. Enjoy two tablespoons peanut butter every day, opt for natural butters without sugar and hydrogenated oil.
• Ginger
Feel queasy and bloated after drinking soda? Add ginger to your diet by adding it to tea, stir-fries, and marinades, it acts like fast-acting antacid. It’s also an anti-inflammatory which relieves your stomach. You can also try adding ginger syrup to freshly squeezed juices to make a healthy refreshing drink.
• Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is well known for its ability to fight bloat and stabilize potassium. Mix it with water or try adding it to apples, fennel, and celery for a healthy slaw. Try unrefined ACV, refined vinegar loses many of its nutrients during the refining process.
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• Yogurt
Yogurt has active cultures that increase good bacteria in your gut, which improves digestion and helps prevent bloat. Experts recommend plain organic yogurt, if you like it sweet add fruit or jam to it.
• Watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water, which makes it the juiciest melon. It’s a great source of potassium and has natural diuretic properties, it’s helpful to balance sodium and potassium when the issue is bloat. Eat it raw or try a drink made of cucumber, lemon, watermelon, and rosemary, it will flush you out.
• Beans and Lentils
Often people who are bloated have too much sodium and not enough potassium and fiber. For immediate relief for your bloated belly try reducing sodium and increase potassium. Lentils are high in fiber which aids digestion. Foods high in potassium and fiber include soybeans, white beans, and lima beans. Beans can also relieve period bloat as they are high in plant estrogens and protein. Canned beans can be high in sodium, drain and rinse them before using.
• Avocado
Avocado can do wonders to ease bloating, it’s rich in potassium which releases water. It can help you slim down with healthy fat and has more potassium than a banana. Try having a half portion of avocado daily.
• Cucumber
Cucumbers help stimulate kidneys and remove uric acid from your body, include it in your daily diet. They are versatile and can be enjoyed alone, in salads, with seafood, or on sandwiches and wraps.
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