Pass on the gas, and try these foods to give belly bloat the boot.
Or maybe it was the way you had to wolf down that burrito at work between meetings.
Or it could be PMS.
Photo: Victor Protasio
Whatever the reason, you’re feeling gassy, puffy and miserableand longing for stretchy pants.
Abdominal bloatingsometimes described as feeling too fullaffects up to one-fourth of all healthy people, according to some surveys.
But there’s good news.
Jenny Huang
Just as some foods may blow you up like a balloon, others can help you deflate, naturally.
Here are some proven bloat-fighters.
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1.
Papaya
A few fresh slices after a big meal may help ward off a bloated belly.
That’s because papayas have papain, another enzyme that breaks down protein in your digestive tract.
The tropical fruit also fights inflammation, just what a bulging belly needs.
Jenny Huang
Try it brewed in hot tea, or add a little grated fresh ginger to a smoothie.
If you’re already bloated with gurgling gas, the last thing you need is more bubbles.)
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5.
Lisa Cassell-Arms
A soothing cup of peppermint tea can also relax your digestive muscles, allowing trapped gas to pass.
Go for plain yogurt with active cultures, and sweeten it with a little fruit.
Water
You may think water will make you more bloated, but drink up.
Some research suggests fennel may help ease bloating from PMS, too.
Bottom Line
Luckily, most bloating is harmless.
Most of the time, time is all you really need to find relief.
But trying some of these science-backed strategies to find relief faster may help.
