What do you usually do when you’re feeling bloated?

Nobody likes to feel bloated. It’s uncomfortable, painful, annoying, and it can ruin your whole day, especially if you have some places to go, and your clothes don’t look and feel the way they’re supposed to.

…But what exactly is bloating? 

We all know that bloating takes place in our stomachs and is the result of having too much gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract starts in your mouth and goes to your bottom zone, and it consists of your entire digestive system.

When you eat, your stomach gets filled up with food, which will quickly move down to your small intestines. When the food finally gets to your large intestines, it can make you feel uncomfortable. Why is that, you might ask?

When the food you eat gets broken down and digested in your intestines, there’s also some gas produced during this whole process. In order to be easier for your body to push the food through, it might need some extra water. Too much liquid or too much gas can easily cause bloating.

…What can you do?

When you’re feeling bloated, you might feel like there’s no space inside your stomach, and you might also notice that your belly also looks tighter and bigger. But enough with feeling uncomfortable! It’s time to get rid of it fast and for good! A simple way to do so is by paying attention to your diet! With that being said, here are 8 of the best foods you should consume if you want to keep bloating at bay!

1. Cucumber 

Cucumbers are not just delicious, but they’re great for keeping you hydrated since they contain approximately 95% water. These delicious foods are magical when it comes to keeping your skin moist and plump, and they also contain a massive amount of fiber, which is awesome for helping you stay regular and avoid constipation.

Besides that, they’re rich in vitamin K, which can help your body protect your bones and maintain them healthily. And if you lack vitamin A and you only think about eating carrots, you should also give cucumbers a try. They have a lot of this vitamin, which will be a great aid to your vision and immune system.

…If you’re sick of feeling bloated and want to stay hydrated and fresh, make sure to add cucumbers to your salads or eat them as a snack with a hummus dip! 

2. Berries

Do you feel bloated and you suddenly crave something sweet, and refreshing that doesn’t have a lot of calories and sugar? Try eating some berries and you’ll feel a lot better! Whether you prefer blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries, you’ll get a lot of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins from each of them.

These fruits are high in fiber and have plenty of benefits, including:

• preventing constipation;
• reducing bloating symptoms;
• helping your body fight inflammation;
• reducing cholesterol levels;
• great for your skin;
• might help your body fight against cancer.

…You can eat them plain, or you can combine them with yogurt, a bit of honey, and some walnuts for a quick and sweet snack or breakfast! 

3. Papaya 

Papaya is a delicious fruit that contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, such as A, C, and E. If you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable, this tropical fruit might be just what you need. It has a sweet flavor and a creamy and smooth texture that you’ll be crazy about.

It has high water content, but it will also provide your body with plenty of fiber to get your digestion going. Besides all of these amazing nutrients we’ve mentioned earlier, papaya is also rich in an enzyme called papain, which can help your body break down amino acids more quickly. As a result, your digestion will be healthier and you won’t feel bloated anymore.

4. Oats

Oats are great! They’re tasty, easy to cook, filling, and good in any combination, whether you prefer something salty or sweet! Eating a bowl of oatmeal each morning will get your digestive system going, which means that you’ll quickly say goodbye to your bloated belly.

They’re packed with fiber and beta-glucan, which will nourish your body with all the nutrients and antioxidants it needs. Consuming oats can also help you relieve itching and irritation, lower your blood sugar levels, increase levels of healthy bacteria in your gut, help you feel full for longer periods of time, which can lead to weight loss, and give you plenty of energy.

…Our favorite oatmeal recipe consists of peanut butter, banana, a pinch of cinnamon, and a bit of honey! Give it a try! It’s sweet, creamy, healthy, and tasty. And the best part is that it gets things inside your body moving!

5. Quinoa 

If you’re feeling bloated after consuming certain foods that are high in carbohydrates and gluten, such as bread, pasta, pizza, and crackers, you might consider switching to something lighter. Quinoa doesn’t contain any gluten, which might be easier on your stomach, without making you feel bloated or gassy.

If you have a gluten intolerance, consuming foods that contain this type of protein can actually trigger digestive problems, which will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

Even if you don’t need to get on a gluten-free diet and you simply want to consume lighter and more nutritious foods, you should definitely give quinoa a try. It contains a lot of antioxidants and fiber that will help your body manage its cholesterol levels while also lowering the risks of heart disease and diabetes.

6. Apples

I’m sure you already know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. We can say that eating an apple a day will help you keep the bloating at bay. This fruit gives you all the things that you want from a healthy snack: crunchiness, yummy texture, sweetness, and freshness.

Apples contain a lot of water, and they’re also rich in potassium and vitamins, which help you stay hydrated and have a healthy fluid balance. This tasty and flavorful fruit is full of fiber, especially a soluble fiber known as pectin, which is great for speeding up the movement of food as it goes through your digestive tract. As a result, you’ll feel less bloated and constipated, and you’ll be ready to go on about your day.

…Combine apples with peanut butter and cinnamon or with a few walnuts, and you’ll have a snack that’s high in antioxidants as well as a balanced mix of fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats!

7. Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that has a delicious sweet flavor and contains a lot of essential nutrients, such as manganese, vitamin B, and vitamin C. This food is also rich in a special enzyme called bromelain, which is amazing for treating digestive disorders, as many studies say.

It’s loaded with nutrients and can fight inflammation, which then helps your body get rid of swelling and bloating. Furthermore, it might even ease the symptoms of arthritis, which is great for all seniors out there.

If you want to give your immune system a boost, reduce the risk of developing cancer, and help your body gain its strength back after surgery or heavy exercise, make sure to add pineapple to your diet!

8. Yogurt

Another food that should be your go-to when you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable is yogurt. That’s because it’s packed with probiotics, which promote a healthy gut, and it can also help you with going to the bathroom regularly.

According to several studies, probiotics have been shown to be a great aid when it comes to reducing the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating and abdominal distension.

You can combine yogurt with any of the fruits previously mentioned in this article, and you’ll notice that you’ll feel a lot better in no time!

…If you want to discover other foods that are necessary for keeping your body happy and healthy, check this article out: Does Your Body Need Some Extra Antioxidants? These 6 Foods Will Help!