One of the main reasons for a protruding belly is bloating. Though a natural process of the body, bloating is caused when about 1 liter (about half) of the stomach and the intestine fills with gas. The air in the stomach occurs due to intestinal microflora microorganisms - bacteria that help the digestive process. The harder the stomach has to work to digest food, the more gases are produced. Keep reading to find out how to prevent and naturally cure stomach bloating.
Click on one of the links below to get started:
1. Causes of Stomach Bloating
2. Signs & Symptoms
3. How to Cure Bloating
4. The Role of Natural Diuretics
5. Preventing Stomach Bloating
6. Side Effects
1. Massaging above the navel
This point helps reduce gas formation and relieve stomach cramps.
Here's How:
• Place 4 fingers horizontally above the navel and massage this area for 2 to 3 minutes clockwise and counterclockwise.
• If the massage was successful you should feel a sour taste in your mouth and salivation will increase.
This point will help eliminate water retention and relieve stomach pain.
Here's How:
• Locate the point which is situated at the height of the second finger, just above the navel.
• Press on the point and massage the area for two minutes clockwise and counterclockwise.
Massaging this area will increase intestinal activity and remove heaviness within the stomach.
Here's How:
• Place four fingers under the navel, the point is located just under the little finger.
• Massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes clockwise and counterclockwise. If done correctly, bloating should be alleviated.
4. Drink a glass of warm lemon water every morning
Each morning drink a glass of lemon water 15-30 minutes before your first meal. Doing so will help normalize the secretion of gastric acid. Lemon water will also help relieve the symptoms of heartburn, as well as prevent belching and gas formation in the intestine.
Drinking warm water first thing in the morning can also help flush the digestive system and hydrate the body. Furthermore, there is evidence that drinking water with lemon first thing in the morning can help maintain a healthy weight.
As we get older, our body's ability to produce lactose decreases, primarily because we don't need milk anymore. As our body's ability to break down cow's milk becomes more difficult with age, we are likely to experience more bloating.
Opt for yogurt or kefir instead as they contain probiotics. This helps stomach bacteria in the digestive processes which causes a bloated belly.
Ginger tea has many benefits. Ginger tea is known to treat nausea as well as improve circulation and relieve menstrual problems. Ginger tea also dilutes the blood and improves circulation. But one of the main benefits of ginger tea is its ability to soothe the stomach, reducing gas formation and intestinal activity.
There are few things in life as frustrating as a bloated belly when you’re working out and sticking to a healthy diet. Even though you might be doing all the right things, feeling the way you want to feel might be less about cutting things out and, well, adding things in. So, if you have already tried cutting out salt, gluten, and soda, and you still have a bloated stomach, you should try some of these doctor-recommended natural diuretics. They all help to boost gut health while getting rid of excess fluid.
1. WatermelonEveryone knows that distinct smell your urine gets after consuming asparagus. It happens fast, which goes to show that this vegetable is a great diuretic. This odor is caused by a compound called mercaptan, which releases odorous byproducts when broken down by the digestive system.
3. Lemons
There’s a good reason why many wellness experts swear by starting their day off with a cup of hot water and a squeeze of lemon. Dr. Wu says that “not only are lemons fantastic for helping flush the system of excess water, but they are also known to help rid the body of toxins.”
4. Water
One of the most overlooked ways to fight fluid retention is by upping your water intake. Water helps to move things along and keeps the body hydrated. When our bodies are hydrated, they don’t need to hold onto excess fluid.
5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are great to use as diuretics because they’re naturally hydrating. Dr. Wu says that “they quickly work to help shed the body of excess water since they contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, in addition to its high water content.”
6. Dandelion Leaves
These leaves contain minerals, vitamins, and other compounds that work to encourage healthy fluid levels and stimulate healthy urinary flow. These greens are quite bitter, so it’s best to pair them with something sweet like honey lemon dressing.
7. Celery
Nutritionists often recommend celery to those looking to lose weight because it’s low in calories, contains a lot of fiber, and has a high water content – which means your body will be efficiently flushed out. Better still, it’s a versatile vegetable that works just as well in a soup or dipped in some hummus.
Mint is commonly added to salads, juices and smoothies that can be found at health food stores – and for good reason. The plant works to naturally treat fluid retention while boosting digestion. If you feel bloated after a big meal, pour hot water over some mint leaves and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
9. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories because it helps to flush out excess fluids. Simply add some to your tea or salad, or chop it up and use it in the dressing for whatever protein you’re cooking for dinner.
10. Peaches
Peaches can be a very effective diuretic when eaten as they are or added to smoothies and salads. If you find that you’re having issues going to the bathroom, eat a handful of peaches.
11. Pineapples
This yummy fruit is high in digestive enzymes and is a natural diuretic. They are a versatile diuretic as you can eat them as they are, juice them, or add to smoothies.
12. Kale
High in water and nutrients, kale helps to get rid of fluid retention. Kale can be added to soups, salads, smoothies, stir-fry dishes, or juiced.
If you found this guide useful, then don't forget to share it with your friends and family!
Sources: eatthis, stylecraze
Images: depositphotos