Damn, I can,t tell you how much I hate bloating! They have been my continuous companion through life for way too long! I can remember several situations when I thought my stomach would explode. Usually these were (of course!) social situation, when I acted like nothing was wrong and inside I died a little every time my stomach decided to grow like a balloon and hurt like a trapped snail that wants to get out of there.
So yes, no fun! When I was younger I tried several things that sometimes helped never helped like drinking a lot of water, breathing deeply or going for a walk.
The one thing that really helped was when I performed these crazy yoga contortions. If your thoughts are now going to a crazy place, I am right joining you straight away and telling you:
Yes, I did that in the train.
Yes, I also did it at university, during class, on the floor (ok that sounds weird when you read it out of context…)
Anyway, with a more plant-based diet, I could definitely reduce bloating significantly and I found some ways to get through the pain and the usually 4-5h pain period. Below you can find my top 5:
Fennel tea with fennel seeds
I know that my mom used to give me fennel tea already as a baby when I had stomach cramps. Apparently, fennel contains so-called volatile oils that are responsible for this beneficial effect of our digestive system. They help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and within that help reduce bloating. I usually make myself a huge cup and then sip on it for about half an hour.
Pineapple
Pineapples are real heroes. Besides having thousands of benefits they always help me when I have an upset stomach. I actually don’t even know why, it is just an experience I’ve made during my life. I heard that pineapples contain enzymes that help better digest protein and also they contain a lot of water to flush the system. Pineapples for life!
White bread
Ok, now here I really have no idea why! I tried it several times after lunch when I had a bad bloating and suddenly my tummy calmed down. I imagine that the bread soaks all the bad stuff out of my tummy right?! No, seriously if you have an explanation for this let me know 🙂
Raw ginger
..chewing raw Ginger..Ok, this is really hardcore and disgusting. BUT, it has helped me. I chop a slice of ginger and try to have it in my mouth for several minutes. Be strong!
Lemon Water
A glass of warm lemon water can sometimes recude the time of your bloating significantly. Make sure you don’t add too much of lemon juice, just a small splash is enough to get all the benefits of this magical cocktail.
Last but not least, I currently tried Tummydrops, which is like an American brand candy, that comes with different flavors (most ginger based). I thought they are very practical to have with you when you are on the go and I really enjoyed the flavor combos! Mostly ginger/peach.
And what remedies do you use to fight the bloating?
Wow, I never knew that white bread could actually relieve bloating! Whenever I have bloating problems, I just stick to whole plant-based foods–lots of high-water content vegetables and greens!