Table of contents:
- Foods and drinks that cause flatulence
- 1. Salty food
- 2. Dairy products
- 3. Cabbage and cabbage
- 4. Foods with artificial sweeteners
- 5. Carbonated drinks
- Food and drinks to relieve flatulence
- 1. Cucumber
- 2. Celery
- 3. Bananas
- 4. Watermelon
- 5. Papaya
- 6. Turmeric
- 7. Ginger tea
- 8. Kiwi
- 9. Garlic
- 10. Yogurt
Flatulence is one of the most common symptoms of digestive problems. Fortunately, this condition can get better on its own even without treatment. You can even eat certain foods or drinks to reduce the bloating feeling that makes the stomach feel like a stomach.
On the other hand, it's worth remembering that some types of food can actually make the taste worse. So, don't get confused in the difference. Here's a quick look at the guidelines you can follow to choose foods when your stomach feels bloated.
Foods and drinks that cause flatulence
(Source: www.shutterstock.com)
When you feel awkward, this usually occurs because the digestive tract is filling with a greater amount of gas than usual. As a result, the stomach feels full, enlarged, or even painful due to increased pressure in the stomach.
There are various factors that can increase the production of gas in your stomach. Some of them are eating habits that are too fast, hormonal changes during menstruation, to diseases of the digestive system.
In these conditions, certain foods and drinks can actually increase gas production, making your complaints worse. Therefore, you are advised to avoid the following foods and drinks when the stomach feels bloated.
1. Salty food
Salty foods are high in sodium from salt. Excess sodium in the body can cause fluid retention, which is a condition when fluids are not able to leave the body completely. As a result, water gets trapped in the stomach and causes stomach ulcers.
2. Dairy products
Some people have a digestive system that is sensitive to lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. Digestion of lactose requires the enzyme lactase, but not everyone has enough of this enzyme.
For people with lactose intolerance, consumption of milk or its products can cause flatulence and other symptoms in the digestive system. This is because the presence of lactase triggers the formation of gas in your intestines.
3. Cabbage and cabbage
Cabbage, cabbage, and similar vegetables are high in raffinose, which is a type of sugar that can only be digested in the bacterial fermentation process. Fermentation produces excess gas so this food is not recommended for people with flatulence.
4. Foods with artificial sweeteners
Some types of added sweeteners contain substances that are difficult for the body to digest. These substances will accumulate in the stomach and eventually make the stomach feel bloated. So, it's best to limit the amount of added sugar you consume on a daily basis.
5. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, sodas, as well sparkling water contains a lot of bubbles. The bubbles that can't get out will get trapped in your digestive system. Together with the gas that builds up, this will make the stomach feel even worse.
Food and drinks to relieve flatulence
The good news is, there are a number of foods and drinks that can help treat flatulence. Here are a few examples.
1. Cucumber
Cucumbers are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin. According to a number of previous studies, this substance can help relieve common symptoms irritable bowel syndrome such as flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation (constipation).
Apart from that, cucumber also contains silica, caffeine, and vitamin C which helps prevent fluid retention in the body. You can get this benefit by consuming raw cucumber or mixing cucumber slices in drinking water.
2. Celery
Celery is believed to be effective in reducing excess gas production in your intestines. Thanks to its ability to rid the body of various toxins and harmful substances, this vegetable can also prevent the buildup of fluids in the digestive tract.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a great fruit to relieve flatulence. This is because the potassium content can neutralize excess sodium in the body due to consumption of salty foods.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon has diuretic properties that can stimulate the kidneys to excrete more urine. This will help to deflate your stomach which is sore from excess gas or fluid.
5. Papaya
Another powerful food to treat flatulence is papaya. The reason is, papaya is rich in fiber, protein-breaking enzymes, and various anti-inflammatory substances that help relieve a sore stomach.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is able to calm your digestive system by removing trapped gas in the body. To get rid of flatulence, you can drink turmeric juice (herbal medicine) or mix it in your diet.
7. Ginger tea
Ginger is rich zingibain which can reduce excess gas production, while tea helps calm your stomach. Therefore, drinking a cup of ginger tea without any added sweeteners can relieve discomfort caused by a flat stomach.
8. Kiwi
Kiwi is rich in an enzyme called actinidin. According to a study in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, actinidin can facilitate digestion and accelerate the breakdown of protein so that the stomach avoids feeling bloated.
9. Garlic
Garlic is able to stimulate digestion and remove excess fluid in the body. Content allicin in garlic also works with natural proteins to help break down substances that are difficult for the body to digest.
10. Yogurt
Even though it is a dairy product, yogurt is actually the right food to treat flatulence. This is because the various processes involved in making yogurt make it easier for the body to digest.
The probiotic content in yogurt also stimulates the growth of good bacteria that help relieve flatulence. To increase its properties, you can eat yogurt with fiber-rich foods such as bananas or papaya.
Flatulence usually gets better on its own, but this condition can also get worse if you choose the wrong food or drink. As much as possible, choose foods that do not increase gas production so that they are effective in dealing with flatulence.
