A swollen belly is one of the most frequent ailments, not only for women, but above all one of the least loved. Jeans don’t close well, we leave the tight dress that we like so much in the closet and we opt for loose dresses or sweaters to hide the belly. Not only that, the sense of swelling is annoying and makes us feel uncomfortable.
But are there any remedies for a swollen belly? Yes, and effective too. Then find out what to do in case of abdominal swelling and all the natural treatments to counter it.
Swollen belly remedies and causes: what to do
When abdominal swelling is not linked to specific diseases and ailments, you can fight it by changing your lifestyle, but above all at the table.
Remember that having a swollen belly does not mean being fat. Often, in fact, an increase in abdominal circumference is linked to visceral fat. Instead, it is the air that is produced by the fermentation of what we eat that significantly contributes to increasing the centimeters of the waistline.
In short, you are bloated, not fat.
However, it is important to understand the cause of the swollen belly (and whether it is pathological swelling or not) in order to manage and reduce it.
We often talk about swollen belly and abdominal swelling as synonyms: but are they really the same thing?
When we eat, air is formed in the intestines during digestion, causing a characteristic post-prandial bloating. In case of slow and difficult digestion, this swelling can become more evident and lasting causing problems such as meteorism or intestinal disorders.
If you want to know more, read our study on the swollen belly.
So what to do?
Meanwhile, follow simple rules that help avoid swelling. Between these:
- Healthy eating.
- Eat slowly and chew well.
- Eat at least 5 meals a day.
- Consume probiotics.
- Get more dietary fiber.
- Hydrate well and drink more water.
- Avoid sodas and chewing gum.
- Do you practice any sport.
- Use herbal teas that help digestion.
- Limit stress that can affect digestion and cause bloating.
If you want to know more, read our in-depth study on how to deflate the belly.
But it’s the diet that makes the difference, choosing the most suitable foods that don’t ferment too much or weigh down digestion. In fact, there are foods to avoid and others to prefer, such as so-called “functional” foods, i.e. probiotics, those foods containing live bacteria (yogurt, kefir) and prebiotics, foods rich in good fibres, which in turn are the nourishment for our gut bacteria. So following a dietary plan aimed at reducing abdominal swelling is the winning choice.
If you want to know more, read our in-depth study on the flattened belly diet.
Remedies for swollen belly? Here’s what you shouldn’t do
To reduce the feeling of a bloated belly, there are some don’ts and foods to avoid. Here are some tips
- Consume foods that ferment more and cause intestinal gas such as beans, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, peppers and broccoli. Although they are healthy foods, not to be removed from the diet, they can however be eaten once in a while without associating them in the meal.
- Eating fried foods and foods that are too fatty because they take longer to digest and can cause a feeling of heaviness and bloating.
- Using artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sorbitol which can cause bloating and gastrointestinal upset in some people.
- Drink milk or consume dairy products if you are lactose intolerant. Better to opt for lactose-free alternatives. In fact, undigested lactose can cause bloating and intestinal disorders.
- Eat foods that contain gluten if you are sensitive to this protein group or suffer from celiac disease.
- Drinking carbonated drinks and chewing gum, as they draw air into the digestive system and cause bloating.
- Eat quickly, talk while eating and drink through a straw. Instead, try to eat slowly, chewing your food well and drinking straight from the glass.
Swollen belly: natural remedies and grandmother’s remedies
In addition to good eating and lifestyle habits, there are several natural or grandmother’s remedies to reduce the feeling of a swollen belly.
It is always nature that comes to meet us, thanks to plant products that contain phytocompounds that are very useful for digestion. Herbal teas, for example, come in handy, such as those with peppermint or anise, known for their digestive properties, or fennel seeds, known for their carminative and antispasmodic properties, which can help relieve the feeling of swelling.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, as do charcoal and white clay, which are excellent remedies for abdominal swelling.
But let’s not forget regular physical activity, even moderate, which not only tones the muscles of the abdominal wall but also stimulates digestion. For this it can be useful to take a short walk after meals as a daily routine.
However, it is good to remember that natural remedies can provide some relief, but if the symptoms of bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort are persistent, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The best herbal teas for a swollen belly
Drinking herbal teas is the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of nature. In addition to plants rich in “healing” virtues, herbal teas are in fact made up of 90% water, so they are a valid aid for those who are on a diet. In fact, water not only hydrates and has a draining effect but according to some studies it helps to lose weight, especially by drinking two glasses of water before meals.
Furthermore, herbal teas do not contain caffeine, so they can be drunk throughout the day and are often an excellent ally for those who are unable to drink the recommended 2 liters of water a day.
Tipsforwomens has chosen for you 5 well-being herbal teas that can help you deflate your belly.
1 – Artichoke herbal tea
Did you know that the artichoke has the greatest amount of fiber in the vegetable world? Additionally, it contains a substance called cynarin, which appears to play an important role in protecting liver cells.
It relieves digestive disorders and irritable bowel syndrome sufferers and helps lower LDL cholesterol.
Recipe
Boil 10 grams of artichoke leaves in a liter of water for 5 minutes. Filter and then drink 3 cups of herbal tea a day before meals for 1 month. Warning: the artichoke is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
2 – Cardamom herbal tea
Cardamom is a spice from the same family as ginger and whose active principles are contained in the seeds.
It acts mainly on the digestive sphere and improves the problems of swollen belly, constipation and flatulence. Cardamom stimulates the production of bile and is also an excellent antispasmodic.
Recipe
Pour boiling water into a pint teapot and add 3 teaspoons of cardamon seeds. Leave to infuse for at least 5 minutes and filter. Cardamom is often used in combination with other spices or green tea. Drink 3 cups a day a day for 1 month.
Warning: cardamom is not recommended for those suffering from gallbladder.
3 – Tisana al Karkade
Karkadè is obtained from the infusion of hibiscus flowers and is called red tea due to its intense red colour. It is draining and rich in vitamin C, has anti-inflammatory and calming properties and is an excellent diuretic. Facilitates digestion and helps the body to purify itself.
Recipe
In a cup of boiling water, add 2 teaspoons of dried karkadè and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Filter. Drink 1 to 2 cups a day, preferably after main meals.
The karkadè infusion is good both hot and cold. Warning: this herbal tea is not recommended for those suffering from low blood pressure, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
4 – Mint herbal tea
Mint infusion is perfect for helping you digest, it stimulates the liver and regulates digestive functions.
What kind of mint do you prefer? Forget the ready-made sachets you find at the supermarket and prefer the peppermint leaves you can find in herbal medicine. It’s perfect for getting a flat tummy!
Recipe
Pour boiling water into a teapot and add a tablespoon of peppermint leaves. Leave to infuse for 5/10 minutes and filter. Drink 3 cups of herbal tea a day between meals for at least 1 month.
Warning: if you suffer from insomnia, do not drink herbal tea in the evening. To be consumed in moderation if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux.
5 – Sage herbal tea
Sage has numerous beneficial properties: it is very useful for deflating the belly, it gives relief if you have eaten too much, it stimulates the gallbladder, fights constipation, improves intestinal transit and helps eliminate flatulence.
Recipe
Pour boiling water into a liter teapot and add 15 grams of dried or fresh sage. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes and filter. You can add some lemon.
Drink one liter of this herbal tea a day for 1 week: our advice is to drink the first cup in the morning on an empty stomach to stimulate the digestive system. During the day you can drink it hot or cold, as you prefer.
Warning: sage is contraindicated in pregnancy.
The best supplements for a swollen belly
There are several supplements that could help reduce the feeling of bloated belly. However, it is important to remember that it is always advisable to consult your GP before taking any supplements, as there may be interactions with other medications or specific health conditions.
Also, the effectiveness of supplements can vary from person to person.
Here are some supplements…
