7 Foods That Decrease Bloating ...

1. Water

Yes, the best of the foods that decrease bloating is not actually a food, it's a beverage! Since salt causes bloating, it makes sense that water will work the other way. When we get dehydrated, our bodies begin to retain water like a camel in the desert. This water retention leads to a bloated look and can only be diminished through drinking more water. It may sound counter-intuitive, but when we drink more water, our bodies will let more go.

2. Natural Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like succralose, saccharin, and aspertame have alcohols that cause bloating. These are usual found in sugar-free products and have been linked to a whole slew of other health issues. Instead of reaching for the synthesized, unhealthy stuff, use some agave or Stevia in your iced tea. Natural sweeteners are far healthier for us, and will reduce the bloating that goes along with their not-so-natural counterparts.

3. Watermelon

Watermelon is an incredible anti-bloating tool. They are made of over 90% water, and are filled with antioxidants. Watermelon can also be used as a diuretic or to curve a sweets craving the healthy way. When you eat this super-melon, be sure to eat it alone. When eaten with certain foods, watermelon has a chemical reaction during digestion that can actually cause bloating.

4. Grapefruit

Oh grapefruit, you are good in so many ways. Grapefruits are great for bloating and for helping us loose weight over the long haul. Grapefruit has insulin regulating properties that reduces insulin production and help our bodies burn more glucose. In studies, people who ate half a grapefruit or 100% grapefruit juice before every meal lost an average of three pounds over twelve weeks. This does not include any other dieting or exercise!

5. Garlic

Garlic is great for our hearts, but did you know that it is also good for bloating? Garlic increases the fat loss in our livers. This allows our livers to work at a higher capacity at detoxifying our bodies. When our bodies are detoxified, we bloat less. Pretty great when we consider that the liver is our greatest detoxifier!

6. Herbal Teas

Certain herbs like peppermint, lemongrass, cinnamon, chamomile, and ginger will help reduce gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. These herbs have also been found to help stimulate our digestive tracts. The herbs can be added to foods for the same effect, but my favorite way is to steep them in water and enjoy with a touch of honey!

7. Quinoa

The minerals in quinoa help the filtration system in our kidneys. Quinoa is rich in phosphorous, manganese, and magnesium; minerals that help decrease bloating and aid in filtration.These minerals are especially good to take if your bloating is related to your menstrual cycle. Quinoa is also high potassium which can help decrease water retention.

Other foods that help decrease bloating include blueberries, yogurt high in active cultures, and vegetables high in water like celery or cucumber. There are plenty of foods we eat that cause bloating, thank goodness there are a few to work against it! What are some of your favorite methods to reduce the dreaded bloat?