We don’t know about you, but we say “I feel bloated” far more often than we think we should. It’s a near-constant state of being for some of us, though some days are obviously worse than others. Bloating can be caused by a range of factors, including the consumption of raw vegetables and processed and packaged foods, the drinking of carbonated beverages and food allergies. Here, eight foods you can nosh on to relieve bloating overnight (for best results, be sure to do so at least a few hours before bed).
Beat The Bloat
Garlic has been proven to aid in digestion, but to get the bulk of its benefits, it's best eaten raw. Try cutting a clove of garlic into pill-sized servings and then swallow them with water. Some say garlic supplements work to this end as well, though this has not been concluded definitively.
Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate sodium levels in the body. They are also rich in soluble fiber, which can help reduce bloating by relieving constipation.
Avocados contain even more potassium than bananas, making them all that more effective in the fight against water retention. They're also high in digestive-aiding fiber—one avocado offers half a day's requirement for women.
Is fennel the superfood that has yet to blow up all over the internet? We recently learned that it helps reduce cellulite, and now we know it's also good for beating bloat. Fennel seeds contain a compound that can relax spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, which aids in the passing of gas. Here are some tips for baking with fennel seeds; you can also sip fennel tea after a meal to relieve bloating.
Celery is a natural diuretic, so it aids in reducing fluid retention. For the purpose of de-bloating, it may be best when cooked. Here, 35 recipes you can use as inspiration for your daily dose.
Though it may seem counterintuitive, proper hydration helps with bloating. Well, watermelon is over 91% water and a good source of potassium to boot.
Asparagus is a highly nutritious, low-calorie food, which means it's a must-add to your diet no matter what. It's also a natural diuretic, which means it'll relieve you of excess water weight.
Ginger is known as a carminative, which is a fancy way of saying it helps relieve gas. Here are a bunch of ideas for consuming more of it.
