Bloating affects millions of people worldwide. The feeling of fullness and a swollen belly can be uncomfortable, but the solution is closer than you think. Certain foods and drinks can prevent and even relieve bloating in a matter of minutes. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has shared a list of foods and drinks to relieve bloating. “Are you struggling with bloating or sluggish digestion? These three seeds can turn your gut health around. I’m a gastroenterologist with training at Harvard and Stanford, and this is what I recommend to a lot of my patients,” he said, in a video shared on Instagram. Sesame seedsFirst on the list is black sesame seeds. “The fiber in sesame seeds helps promote smooth bowel movements. It also contains magnesium, which relaxes intestinal muscles, improving the movement of food through the GI system,” the gastroenterologist said.Flax seeds Yes, flax seeds are more than a nutritional powerhouse. They can also relieve bloating. “The lignans in flax seeds help balance hormones, and their omega-3 fatty acids reduce gut inflammation, promoting a healthier GI system,” the doctor said. Chia seeds
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Chia seeds are superstars in today’s nutritional and wellness world. These seeds are not only good for weight loss and heart health, but also promote good digestion. “These seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in water and form a gel-like consistency which can help you get excellent BMs,” he added. Remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes before or overnight. You can mix chia seeds into water, juice, or smoothies for an easy, gut-friendly addition to your diet.Breakfast drinks that can prevent bloating
The gastroenterologist also recommended three breakfast drinks to combat bloating and support digestion. These beverages are gentle on the stomach and packed with gut-friendly properties.Warm ginger tea
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Ginger has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Drinking some warm ginger tea in the morning can soothe the stomach and reduce bloating. “Warm ginger tea soothes digestion and reduces inflammation,” he said.Plain kefirKefir, which is a fermented dairy drink, is rich in probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome. Its low lactose content makes it gentle even for those with lactose sensitivity. You can have a small glass of plain kefir for breakfast. This simple drink can help reduce bloating and promote smoother digestion.
Warm water with honey, and cinnamon This simple drink combines the digestive benefits of warm water with the soothing properties of honey and cinnamon. According to Dr. Sethi, this simple drink can boost digestion and calm an irritated gut. All you have to do is stir a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon into warm water for a comforting, bloating-relieving beverage.
