There are certain foods that we eat that will decrease bloating and some the will cause it. Everyone knows that beans and salty foods will cause bloating, but what about brussels sprouts and onions? Yep, those can cause bloating too. Our stomachs can hold up to six cups of food, best keep it to things that will decrease gas production and water retention, rather than aid it.
Water
Yep, it may seems counter intuitive, but drinking water will decrease water retention. I like to think of this as the camel effect. If our bodies become dehydrated, it will retain more water since it does not know the next time water will be available... A bit like a camel and it's humps. When we drink water, we are re hydrating our body and making the water retention unneeded. Be sure to get in at least six to eight cups of water daily. This can be a hard habit to gain, but will be worth it for your health.
Garlic
Garlic is great for heart health and immunity, but can also help with bloating. Garlic aids in fat loss in our livers, which can help in decreasing bloating. The liver is one of the greatest detoxifies in our body; by having this at proper working order, we can also help detoxify, and thus, de-bloat.
Watermelons
These giant fruits are giant wonders. They are quite filling and comprised of about 92% water. Watermelon is a great alternative to a sweets craving. They can also act as a diuretic and have high amounts of antioxidants. When eating watermelon, try not to mix many other foods with them since they can go through a chemical change when being digested and, actually, cause bloating. Yikes!
Non-Artificial Sweeteners
People who have a great amount of artificial sweeteners tend to be bloated more than those who have natural sugars. Check the foods that you are already eating that are sugar free (gum, diet sodas, and some energy drinks), chances are they have aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose. These all have sugar alcohols that cause bloating. Instead, opt for some agave nectar, stevia, or honey. Stevia and truvia are great options and can be found in a number of health-concience brands.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is one of those foods that I just hate eating, but with all the benefits, I may have to forgo the taste and eat them anyway. Not only are grapefruits great to help against bloating, they can also help us lose weight! Grapefruit has insulin regulating properties, so when we eat it, our insulin levels are going down. When insulin levels go down, more glucose is burned and less fat is retained.
There are many health and fitness experts out there who recommend eating half a grapefruit or drinking 100% grapefruit juice before a meal. People who have done this reported losing an average of three pounds over a 12 week span.
Blueberries
They are not called super fruits for nothing, these little guys pack quite the punch in the health department. Blueberries are among the highest in antioxidants per servings and also have a high fiber content. Between the fiber, vitamin content, and antioxidants, bloating does not stand a chance.