Relieve Bloating with Natural Juice Recipes
Bloating is a common complaint that can make your stomach feel swollen and uncomfortable. It occurs when excess gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract, usually from eating certain foods or as a side effect of a medical condition. While bloating may be aggravating, there are many natural juice recipes made with ingredients that help reduce gas and soothe digestive issues.
What Causes Bloating?
There are several possible causes of temporary bloating, including:
Swallowing Air
Eating or drinking too fast can cause you to swallow extra air which leads to gas and bloating. Carbonated beverages also trap air in the digestive tract.
Constipation
When stool moves slowly through the intestines, excess gas builds up behind it causing uncomfortable bloating.
Food Intolerances
Difficulty digesting certain foods like dairy, gluten, beans and cruciferous vegetables can trigger bloating. The undigested food causes excess gas.
SIBO
An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) ferments carbohydrates creating hydrogen and methane gas.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS commonly causes bloating and gas due to abnormal intestinal muscle contractions and increased sensitivity.
Menstruation
Hormonal changes during menstruation can slow digestion and cause temporary bloating.
Juice Ingredients that Reduce Bloating
Many fruits, vegetables and herbs have beneficial properties that can relieve bloating. Juicing them provides a fast way to get a concentrated dose of antioxidants, digestive enzymes and carminatives that help break down gas bubbles and soothe irritation. Here are some of the best ingredients:
Ginger
Ginger acts as a natural carminative by relaxing smooth muscle in the intestines to promote the release of gas. It also enhances digestive juices.
Fennel
All parts of the fennel plant contain anethole, a phytonutrient that reduces inflammation and intestinal cramping while having an antispasmodic effect to relieve gas.
Lemon
Lemon juice aids digestion and helps relieve bloating by stimulating the release of bile and gastric juices. The citric acid helps flush out toxins.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a carminative herb that relaxes GI tract muscles to allow gas to pass while reducing stomach distension. The menthol provides a soothing effect.
Cucumber
Cucumber is high in water and electrolytes which stimulate hydration and intestinal transit to flush out excess gas from the digestive system.
Parsley
Parsley contains a volatile oil apiol that has carminative properties to relax smooth muscle and allow the release of built up gas in the GI tract.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber that helps improve digestion and regulates bowel movements to reduce bloating caused by constipation.
Papaya
Papaya contains the enzyme papain which aids digestion by breaking down proteins. It helps facilitate a healthy intestinal environment.
Pineapple
Pineapple has the enzyme bromelain that assists in protein digestion and reduces associated gas and bloating after eating meat.
10 Juice Recipes to Reduce Bloating
Here are 10 fresh juice blends you can make at home that utilize ingredients effective for relieving gas and bloating:
1. Cucumber Ginger Lemon Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1 inch knob of ginger
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup water
- Ice
Method: Juice the lemon, ginger and cucumber. Add water and ice. Stir to combine.
2. Fennel Apple Cider Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 2 green apples, chopped
- 1 cup apple cider
- Ice
Method: Juice the fennel and apples. Add apple cider and ice. Stir to mix.
3. Gas Relief Celery Juice
Ingredients:
- 4 celery stalks
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, peeled
- Ice
Method: Juice the celery, cucumber, parsley and lemon. Add ice and mix.
4. Mint Lime Digestion Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 lime, peeled
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cup coconut water
- Ice
Method: Juice the pineapple, lime and mint leaves. Add honey, coconut water and ice. Blend together.
5. Papaya Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup papaya chunks
- 1 banana
- 12 inch ginger, peeled
- 12 cup almond milk
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- Ice
Method: Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add ice to chill.
6. Apple Beet Bloat Relief
Ingredients:
- 1 beet, chopped
- 2 green apples, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 inch ginger, peeled
- 12 lemon, peeled
- Ice
Method: Juice all ingredients together. Add ice and mix.
7. Fennel Cucumber Cleanser
Ingredients:
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 cucumber
- 4 kale leaves
- 12 lemon, peeled
- 1 inch ginger, peeled
- Ice
Method: Juice the fennel, cucumber, kale, lemon and ginger. Pour over ice.
8. Green Gas Relief Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 5 broccoli florets
- 1 celery stalk
- 12 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 12 lemon, peeled
- Ice
Method: Juice all the ingredients. Add ice and stir to mix.
9. Pineapple Mint Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 banana
- 1 cup spinach
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 cup almond milk
- Ice
Method: Blend all ingredients together until creamy smooth. Add ice.
10. Apple Carrot Beet Juice
Ingredients:
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 beet, chopped
- 2 green apples, chopped
- 1 inch ginger, peeled
- 1 lemon, peeled
- Ice
Method: Juice the carrots, beet, apples, ginger and lemon. Stir in ice.
Tips for an Anti-Bloating Diet
Making dietary modifications can significantly help reduce gas and bloating. Here are some tips:
Eat Slowly
Chew each bite thoroughly and put your utensil down between bites. This prevents swallowing excess air while eating.
Avoid Carbonated Beverages
The carbonation introduces air into your GI tract that can get trapped and lead to bloating. Drink flat water instead.
Reduce FODMAPs
A low FODMAP diet restricts fermentable carbohydrates that can cause gas. Limit foods like beans, wheat, onions, cabbage and apples.
Increase Fiber Gradually
Sudden increases in fiber intake can cause gas and bloating. Slowly ramp up high fiber foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Chewing Gum
Chewing gum causes you swallow air which can build up in the intestines. Avoid chewing gum after meals.
Take a Walk After Eating
Light exercise stimulates the bowels and encourages the release of gas. Take a 10 minute walk after meals.
Manage Stress
Anxiety and stress can interfere with digestion and increase stomach bloating. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
Conclusion
Bloating and excess gas can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Using natural juice recipes with ingredients like ginger, fennel, parsley and lemon helps relax the gastrointestinal muscles to allow gas bubbles to dissipate. Follow an anti-bloating diet by eating slowly, reducing carbonated beverages and gradually increasing fiber intake. With a combination of juice remedies and proper diet, you can achieve flatter, bloat-free stomach.
FAQs
What causes bloating and gas?
Common causes include swallowing air while eating, carbonated drinks, constipation, food intolerances, SIBO, IBS, and hormonal changes. Foods like beans, dairy, wheat, and veggies can trigger excess gas.
What ingredients help relieve bloating?
Ginger, fennel, lemon, peppermint, cucumber, parsley, chia seeds, papaya, and pineapple have properties that aid digestion, relax GI muscles, and reduce gas and bloating.
How much juice should you drink per day?
It's generally recommended to drink no more than 12 ounces of vegetable and fruit juices per day as part of a balanced diet. Excess juices may pose health risks.
Do juicing recipes reduce stomach fat?
No, juicing alone won't lead to fat loss. To lose belly fat, you need to follow a reduced-calorie diet and engage in regular physical activity along with a healthy lifestyle.
How long do the bloating relief effects of juice last?
The beneficial effects of juice for bloating tend to be short term, typically a few hours. For ongoing relief, juices should be consumed regularly as part of a healthy anti-bloating diet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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