What to Do About Bloating

Sometimes in life, you might indulge in hearty and fattening foods that your stomach might not agree with. The side effects may even make you undo the top button of your trousers just so that you can breathe. And if you’re really unlucky, bloating could last for days. Learn what you can do about it from the FizzUp trainer.

WHAT CAUSES BLOATING?

Bloating affects many people, but women are often more prone to it. Most of the time, the symptomes aren’t serious, but they can still be extremely uncomfortable and are signs that something’s not right, whether that’s water retention, a chronic medical condition, constipation, an infection or overeating. When your stomach swells up because of indigestion or eating too much food, there’s something you can do about it without taking medication.

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If you’ve indulged a bit too much, you might be tempted to eat light for a while, but there’s a better solution: try changing your diet in the following days to take care of your bloating. Here are a few plant-based remedies that can help you beat bloating.

1 | LEMON BALM

Lemon balm is a plant that’s well known by the older generation for its digestive and soothing benefits. An an antispasmodic, it relieves an upset stomach and helps reduce abdominal pain. You can find it at herbal stores and even in nature if you live in a wooded area.

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If you want to beat bloating, use it as an herbal tea. Steep 3 to 4 g of lemon balm leaves in 25 cl of boiling water for 10 minutes.

2 | ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal is a natural detoxifier you can find in pharmacies. It has been shown to be effective against digestive problems. Activated charcoal is made by heating coconut shells or olive pits to create porous char, which is what makes it so effective for retaining gas. Once ingested, the charcoal absorbs the gas in your digestive system that causes bloating to rid you of abdominal pain.

Your pharmacist can tell you how to use activated charcoal to treat bloating when it arises.

3 | PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Peppermint essential oil aids digestion, balances gut bacteria and reduces bloating. But use it carefully and sparingly! Overdosing can have serious consequences for your health.

You can buy peppermint essential oil capsules at your pharmacy. Take them once or twice a day, depending on your pharmacist’s recommendations.

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You can also take it pure by diluting it in water. Mix one drop of peppermint essential oil in 25 cl of water. If needed, add a teaspoon of honey to make it easier for your body to digest.

4 | FENNEL

Fennel seeds are known as an effective aid to digestion. Have some between meals for the best results.

You can also try fennel tea, which you can find in grocery or herbal stores. Soak 3 g of fennel seeds in 25 cl of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Fennel is also available as an essential oil. Ask your pharmacist about how much you should use at a time.

Use these tips from FizzUp to win the battle against bloating. You can rely on these remedies whenever abdominal pain happens to you for some natural relief.

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