Harvard gastroenterologist shares 4 bloat-busting tricks that actually work

Time of India

14 hours ago

Bloating is one of the most common issues that people face. Mostly because they are not aware of how serious this digestive issue is. Whether it strikes right after a heavy meal or randomly during the day or due to less rest, the discomfort and tightness it causes disrupts one's mood and energy and diminishes their confidence.
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Thanks to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a well-trained gastroenterologist from Harvard, who has shared a simple yet effective list of remedies that help to relieve bloating without taking harsh medications.
Dr. Sethi is quite active on Instagram; almost every week he shares his medical insights that are easy to understand and much easier to incorporate in our daily lives. He has offered four practical solutions for easing bloating, and all of them are surprisingly readily available at our homes.
Eat kiwi or papaya to release trapped gas
Both kiwi and papaya contain natural digestive enzymes that support the breakdown of food in your stomach. Papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that helps to break down proteins and ease constipation, and it also helps in relieving trapped gas. Kiwi, on the other hand, contains actinidin, a substance that promotes better stomach emptying. Incorporating both in your diet, especially after heavy meals, can support smoother digestion and reduce gas buildup.
A 10-minute walk can ease your gut
Physical movement is a powerful, drug-free way to ease bloating. A short walk, just 10-15 minutes after eating, helps stimulate peristalsis, the natural movement of our intestines that pushes food and gas through our digestive system. It can prevent food from sitting too long in your stomach and intestines, which often leads to a painful and swollen feeling. Walking also helps release trapped air and boosts circulation, aiding overall gut function.
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Sip peppermint tea to ease discomfort
Peppermint has long been used in traditional medicine to calm the stomach and relax the muscles inside. Easing the discomfort and pain caused by water retention or bloating. Peppermint contains menthol, a natural muscle relaxant that can ease spasms in the gut and reduce sensations of bloating and discomfort. Especially if you drink warm peppermint tea, it can help relieve gas, pressure, and even cure mild nausea.
The gas relief tablet many don't know about
Simethicone is an over-the-counter, anti-foaming agent that helps consolidate gas bubbles in the stomach, making them easier to pass. It doesn't just stop gas from forming but also offers rapid relief by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles. While not a cure for chronic bloating, simethicone can be useful in acute cases, especially when combined with dietary adjustments.
These suggestions are not just random home remedies; they are backed by clinical understanding of how the digestive system works. Dr. Sethi blends his nutritional wisdom and evidence-based medicine to offer fast, effective bloating relief.
For the next time, if and when bloating sneaks up on you, try grabbing a slice of kiwi, taking a quick walk, and letting that magical peppermint tea simmer while you come back. Let your body know you care!