How to Treat Bloating Naturally

If you often feel bloated then you will know just how uncomfortable and self conscious it can make you feel, not to mention that it can be a real pain, literally! Whether it's due to indigestion, a food intolerance or just too much food at once, bloating can be an inconvenient and frustrating part of daily life, especially if it affects you after each and every meal. It's important to remember that bloating is very different to weight gain, so a diet isn't the right approach. It is also important to remember that bloating may be a sign of something more serious, so always seek advice from your healthcare professional, especially if you regularly suffer from painful bloating Once you have the all-clear from your doctor, we have a range of natural digestive aids which may be beneficial to include into your daily routine.

What causes bloating?

Bloating is characterised by a full or swollen belly, causing temporary discomfort. It can be caused by digestive troubles which cause the gastrointestinal tract to fill with trapped gas and expand as a result. This gas may not pass through the body quickly or smoothly, leading to an uncomfortable 'full' feeling and even pain. For some, bloating might just be caused by eating too much too quickly, meaning it can be controlled by simply eating a bit less and moving to a better portioned diet. For others though, bloating can be caused by food intolerances, coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can go hand in hand with other symptoms such as irregular motions, cramps or nausea.¹ Bloating is also often experienced just before menstruation, as an influx of certain hormones can trigger that swollen, uncomfortable feeling.

Natural supplements for bloating

Life Botanics Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules
To treat bloating naturally, the best course of action is to sweep your gut of any nasties and replace them with good, gut-loving bacteria. We like the Life Botanics Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules because you actually take them before eating which may help beat the bloat early on. The raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar used in these capsules is packed with good bacteria from the 'mother' culture', making them ideal as a daily supplement for supporting gut health and restoring balance to the digestive system. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar without the strong taste associated with drinking it (although I know many of you love the taste, it is not for everyone]. Our Naturopath recommends taking one capsule half an hour before a meal, two to three times per day.

The Beauty Chef BODY Powder
Rich in gut-loving probiotics, super fruits and super greens, fibre and wholefood vitamins, the The Beauty Chef BODY Powder is an ideal daily wholefood supplement that is delicious in a smoothie or your choice of milk, I find it really fills me up without having that 'full' feeling. It is vegan and Australian made, it may also help you feel fuller for longer, reducing naughty cravings and promoting overall gut health. This also comes in both vanilla or chocolate flavours!

Edible Beauty Tea No. 5 - White Chai Digestif
Herbal teas can be a wonderful natural digestive aid such as the Edible Beauty Tea No. 5 - White Chai Digestif. This delicious natural tea works to get rid of that uncomfortable full feeling when enjoyed post-meal, as it contains antibacterial and anti inflammatory herbs and spices including Liquorice, Cloves, Fennel, Cinnamon and Vanilla to help relax and soothe the stomach.

Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion Root has long been known for its bloat fighting powers, so if you prefer the taste of coffee over herbal tea, you can try swapping out your afternoon coffee fix for a caffeine free Dandelion Root Tea such as this Kintra Foods Roasted Dandelion Blend which comes in a jar, looks like coffee and can be made into a hot beverage in the same way as instant coffee! You can find out more about the benefits of dandelion tea here.

Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Powder
To help with your overall daily gut health routine we love the Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Powder. Previously called 'Heal Your Gut powder', it is just pure, food-grade Diatomaceous Earth flour, this naturopath-recommended powder works to sweep your digestive system of impurities, build up and even parasites and promote healthy gut function. As the tiny particles move through your gut, Lee Holmes explains in this FAQ that they can help cut through parasites and bacteria, cleansing and unburdening the digestive system of harmful build up and leaving only the beneficial bacteria behind! As it is completely flavourless, this fine powder can be added daily to water, juice, smoothies, cereal and even cooking and baking. Start with one teaspoon per day around an hour before eating, then gradually increase to one tablespoon each day.

Amazonia Raw Pre-Probiotic
This can be taken as a daily wholefood Pre-Probiotic, the Amazonia Raw Pre-Probiotic is a delicious addition to your gut wellbeing routine as it contains 13 different organic probiotic strains and billions of prebiotics to help beat bloating. It is Certified Organic, Australian made, vegan and free from gluten, wheat, soy and corn, this powder can be taken daily in water, smoothies, your choice of milk or on top of muesli or yoghurt.

Source: ¹ Better Health.