Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the stomach feels full and tight due to buildup of gas in the small intestine; this is accompanied but a lot of discomfort. Gas is caused by a natural process that results when food gets broken down in the intestine. Stomach gas can also be caused by gulping in air when you eat. So, if the excess air doesn’t come up as a burp, it will come out the other end. Having excessive gas can also be a sign of a digestive disorder like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and being lactose intolerant.
Here are a few natural methods to help get rid of bloating at home and give you some relief.
Drink Water / Stay Hydrated
When the body is dehydrated, it starts to retain water which can make the stomach swell resulting in bloating. About two litres of water for adults every day can help reduce bloating because water flushes toxins from the body, Herbal teas can also help, but please, avoid sodas and fizzy drinks as they can exacerbate them.
Ginger
This widely used and known herb is effective for reducing bloating and getting rid of gas effectively. Ginger contains gingerols , the compounds that help reduce inflammation in the intestine and also help relax intestinal muscles. Grate some ginger, add to boiling water and leave for about fifteen minutes, allow to sit and cool, drink twice daily.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint leaves contain menthol oil, which relaxes the digestive tract and support the passage of food and air through the stomach. Drink a cup of hot peppermint tea after each meal to get things moving.
Eat Foods Rich in Potassium
Bloating isn’t always caused by excess gas, In certain cases, it may be triggered by high sodium (salt) intake, which increases fluid retention around the belly. Potassium helps to counter the effects of sodium so eat potassium rich foods on a daily basis to help balance fluids levels in the body. Good sources of potassium include bananas, mangos and spinach.
Turmeric and Ginger Tea
You can also get a relief from gas and abdominal cramps by using turmeric. This can work especially well for gas if you combine it with ginger.
Turmeric contains curcumin which is anti-inflammatory. It can also be an effective remedy for treating dyspepsia (indigestion). In a study on the effect of curcumin on indigestion, it found that curcumin helped to alleviate the symptoms of indigestion, including excess gas, in 87% of the patients.
To make herbal tea from turmeric and ginger to cure gas problems, you should take 1 teaspoon of fresh grated turmeric root and 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger root. Put in a cup of boiling water, cover and let it infuse for 10 minutes. Add a little raw honey once the infusion has cooled down and a slice of lemon. Then add a teaspoon of coconut oil or a pinch of black pepper as this helps the turmeric to be absorbed into the body. Drink the herbal tea to get relief from a gassy stomach and bloating.