
Harvard gastroenterologist shares 4 tips to avoid bloating: ‘Eat kiwi or papaya to break down trapped gas'
Are you someone who suffers from the discomfort caused by bloating? If yes, then some quick fixes could make your life better. Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD (gastroenterology and hepatology) and a Harvard-trained expert, often shares tips related to gut and liver health on social media. On June 13, he shared 4 tips that could help alleviate the discomfort of bloating.
Also Read | Nutritionist shares what happens when you start eating berries, beetroot, prunes and other purple foods
For the uninitiated, bloating is a condition where your belly feels full and tight, often due to gas. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it's usually a digestive issue, but hormones and stress also play a part. Let's find out the tips Dr Sethi shared to avoid bloating:
A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@doctor.sethi)
The gastroenterologist suggested eating kiwi or papaya to help break down trapped gas. Per a 2013 study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days had significant improvement in constipation and bloating. The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest.
As for kiwi, it contains several key nutrients, including fibre, potassium, and actinidin, an enzyme that may help improve digestion and speed up stomach emptying, per Healthline. Therefore, eating it could reduce bloating.
Dr Sethi suggested taking a short walk to stimulate natural movement. According to a report by SRM Global Hospitals, walking helps the gas to pass and provides relief. Engaging in a brisk 10–15-minute walk to facilitate the movement of gas through your digestive system relieves built-up bloatng.
The gastroenterologist suggested considering simethicone to break up gas bubbles. Per the NHS, simethicone (or simeticone) is a type of medicine called an antiflatulent. It's used to treat farting (flatulence), trapped wind and bloating. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes take simeticone to ease their symptoms. Although they stated that there isn't enough certainty whether it really works for these symptoms.
Sipping peppermint tea can also help ease discomfort and cramping caused by bloating, Dr Sethi suggested. Studies show that peppermint relaxes the gut, which may relieve intestinal spasms and the bloating and pain accompanying them. Peppermint oil is also known for its antimicrobial properties.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Harvard gastroenterologist shares 4 tips to avoid bloating: ‘Eat kiwi or papaya to break down trapped gas'
Are you someone who suffers from the discomfort caused by bloating? If yes, then some quick fixes could make your life better. Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD (gastroenterology and hepatology) and a Harvard-trained expert, often shares tips related to gut and liver health on social media. On June 13, he shared 4 tips that could help alleviate the discomfort of bloating. Also Read | Nutritionist shares what happens when you start eating berries, beetroot, prunes and other purple foods For the uninitiated, bloating is a condition where your belly feels full and tight, often due to gas. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it's usually a digestive issue, but hormones and stress also play a part. Let's find out the tips Dr Sethi shared to avoid bloating: A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ The gastroenterologist suggested eating kiwi or papaya to help break down trapped gas. Per a 2013 study, people who took a papaya-based formula for 40 days had significant improvement in constipation and bloating. The papain enzyme in papaya can make protein easier to digest. As for kiwi, it contains several key nutrients, including fibre, potassium, and actinidin, an enzyme that may help improve digestion and speed up stomach emptying, per Healthline. Therefore, eating it could reduce bloating. Dr Sethi suggested taking a short walk to stimulate natural movement. According to a report by SRM Global Hospitals, walking helps the gas to pass and provides relief. Engaging in a brisk 10–15-minute walk to facilitate the movement of gas through your digestive system relieves built-up bloatng. The gastroenterologist suggested considering simethicone to break up gas bubbles. Per the NHS, simethicone (or simeticone) is a type of medicine called an antiflatulent. It's used to treat farting (flatulence), trapped wind and bloating. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes take simeticone to ease their symptoms. Although they stated that there isn't enough certainty whether it really works for these symptoms. Sipping peppermint tea can also help ease discomfort and cramping caused by bloating, Dr Sethi suggested. Studies show that peppermint relaxes the gut, which may relieve intestinal spasms and the bloating and pain accompanying them. Peppermint oil is also known for its antimicrobial properties. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Here's Why You Must Add Mustard Seeds While Cooking Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are well-known for their cancer-fighting properties. These foods are generally low in calories and rich in fibre, folate and vitamins C, E and K. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables are a good source of beneficial plant compounds that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed regularly, cruciferous vegetables are linked with lower rates of many chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Some common cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, Brussels sprouts and others. Cruciferous vegetables typically possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, you can boost these properties by adding one simple ingredient during their preparation. Keep reading to know how. In an Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities shared some food combinations that can do wonders to your health. He revealed that adding adding mustard seeds while preparing cruciferous vegetables can maximise their anti-inflammatory properties. "If you add mustard seeds while cooking cruciferous veggies like cabbage and cauliflower, the enzymes boost sulforaphane which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound," he said in the video. Mustard seeds are also highly anti-inflammatory. They are also rich in several essential vitamins and minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and selenium. In the video, Dr. Sethi shared a few more power food combinations including: Black pepper and curcumin: The piperine in pepper boosts curcumin absorption by 2000%. Lemon and green tea: The vitamin C in lemon helps absorb more antioxidants from green tea. Blueberries and walnuts: The polyphenols (blueberries) and Omega-3 (walnuts) team up to protect your brain. Cocoa and coffee: The caffeine and theobromine boost mood, focus and clarity. Chia seeds, basil seeds and yogurt: The fibre and antioxidants can skyrocket your gut health. Try these healthful combinations and boost your health effortlessly Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.


The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
What your tongue says about your health
Have you ever wondered why doctors often ask you to stick out your tongue during a routine check-up? While it may seem like a small, almost trivial request, this simple act serves as a crucial diagnostic tool. The tongue is a muscular organ made up of four main parts: the tip, body, root, and underside. The tip helps with speech and tasting sweet flavors. The body aids in chewing and tasting, while the root connects to the throat and assists with swallowing. The top surface (dorsum) has tiny bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds, while the smooth underside reveals blood vessels and helps absorb certain medicines. The tongue's movement and shape come from its strong muscles, making it essential for talking, eating, and tasting. There are several conditions that can affect the tongue -- such as tongue cancer, glossitis, thrush and other oral health issues which may impact its appearance or function. And beyond its essential roles in taste, chewing, and swallowing, the tongue can provide invaluable insights into health conditions, many of which may not yet show visible symptoms. Its appearance, texture, and coating can reveal key clues about your nutritional status, oral hygiene and even systemic health issues. Doctors across specialties emphasis that paying close attention to the condition of the tongue can serve as an early warning system for a wide range of underlying health issues. The link between the tongue and overall health Lokesh Mahajan, Head of Pediatrics at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, explains, 'The tongue is not just a local indicator of oral health; it reflects broader systemic conditions. Conditions like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders and even infections can manifest through noticeable changes in the tongue's appearance.' For example, a red, smooth tongue could indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid, while a white coating may point to a fungal infection such as candidiasis. Dr. Mahajan emphasises, 'A pale tongue may signal anemia, while an unusually red tongue could point to inflammation or systemic infection. These are subtle but important signals the body is giving us.' In paediatric care, changes in the tongue are also critical. P. Priyatharshini, consultant in Paediatric Critical Care at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, says, 'For children, conditions like Kawasaki Disease -- a syndrome, mainly affecting children under five, that causes a high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries -- often present with a 'strawberry' tongue -- red, swollen, and with a bumpy texture. This is a critical sign that requires immediate attention.' She also points out that even systemic conditions like hypothyroidism can alter the tongue's appearance, with signs ranging from swelling to a glossy appearance. Dr. Priyatharshini adds, 'Certain rare diseases like sarcoidosis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause ulcers in the mouth, including the tongue, which can be mistaken for minor irritations if not examined closely.' Indicator of deficiencies and infections The tongue also serves as an indicator of nutritional deficiencies. Sneha Bokdia, consultant dentist, House of Tooth, Chennai, explains, 'A pale tongue often suggests iron deficiency anaemia. A red, smooth tongue, on the other hand, could be a sign of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Both of these conditions can be detected early by a simple examination of the tongue.' The tongue's coating is also important in identifying health issues. A thick white coating often signifies poor oral hygiene, which can lead to bacterial growth and bad breath. Dr. Bokadia highlights, 'If left untreated, poor oral hygiene can result in serious oral infections like oral candidiasis, especially in children..' Dr. Bokadia emphasises that children are particularly vulnerable to oral health problems. 'Conditions like stomatitis, which involve inflammation and redness of the tongue, are commonly seen in children due to poor nutrition or irritations caused by braces. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they can lead to more severe complications.' The connection between the tongue and systemic health is profound says Dr. Mahajan, 'A pale tongue can be a sign of anaemia, while a yellowish tongue may suggest liver issues or jaundice. A blue-tinged tongue often indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, seen in conditions like cyanotic heart disease. Such changes in tongue colour are early warning signs and must not be ignored.' Dr. Priyatharshini highlights, 'Infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, can sometimes be traced back to bacteria originating from the mouth. This is especially a concern for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.' The role of oral hygiene and regular monitoring Gowri Shankar, senior consultant ENT specialist at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, points out, 'A healthy tongue can help maintain the balance of bacteria in the mouth, which is important for preventing systemic infections.' Dr. Shankar further explains, 'A dry, red tongue may indicate dehydration, while a tongue coated in food debris, bacteria, and dead cells can be a sign of poor oral hygiene. In some cases, conditions like macroglossia, an enlarged tongue, are seen in patients with thyroid disorders. This can lead to sleep apnea or snoring, which obstructs the airway.' She adds, 'Maintaining good oral hygiene can help avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria, which could otherwise enter the bloodstream and affect the heart or other organs. For instance, bacteria in the mouth can lead to endocarditis, a serious heart infection.' Regular checkups are essential in maintaining tongue health. Dr. Mahajan stresses, 'Routine dental and medical checkups are essential for early detection of potential issues. A thorough tongue examination should be part of these checkups, as it can provide critical clues about your overall health.' Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital, as Dr. Bokadia advises, 'Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a tongue cleaner, and avoiding excessive use of antibiotics are simple yet effective ways to keep the tongue clean and healthy. For children, starting oral care early --around six months of age-- can prevent long-term issues.' Dr. Shankar also recommends staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and using mouthwash after meals to help prevent bacterial growth on the tongue.'These steps not only help maintain oral hygiene but also reduce the risk of developing serious systemic issues.' The tongue is more than just a tool for taste; it is a valuable indicator of your health. As doctors across various specialties highlight, the appearance, texture, and coating of the tongue can provide early warning signs of nutritional deficiencies, systemic diseases and oral health problems. Regular checkups and attention to the tongue's condition can help detect potential issues before they become serious. As Dr. Priyatharshini sums it up, 'The tongue is often the first to show signs of trouble within the body. By observing it closely, we can take proactive steps towards maintaining our health, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.'