Avocados Should Be Your Best Friend Next Time You're Feeling Bloated
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Feeling bloated? It happens to the best of us. *raises hand* And while all types of bloat feel awful, not all bloat is created equally. In fact, there are actually two different kinds: gas bloat and water bloat.
The gassy kind of bloat makes you unbutton your jeans after eating certain foods—often beans, dairy, cruciferous veggies like broccoli or cauliflower, or greasy foods. “But we’re all very different, and some foods that might trigger gas for one person don’t for another,” says dietitian Jessica Cording, RD.
Water-retaining bloat makes you feel like the Michelin Man—puffy all over. It's triggered by hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle, dehydration, or eating lots of salty foods and not enough potassium and water. “Most Americans over-consume salt but under-consume potassium, which is a mineral found in fruits and veggies that helps counterbalance sodium,” explains Samantha Cassetty, RD and Performance Kitchen advisor. “If you eat a lot of packaged foods, takeout meals, fast food, or restaurant meals, there’s a good chance you’re consuming too much sodium, so you may be retaining extra fluid and feel bloated.”
But beyond being conscious of how your eating habits affect your bloating, water is crucial for de-bloating, says dietitian Torey Armul, RD—especially when you're eating high-fiber foods. "When you eat fiber [crucial to get things moving after eating], you need to drink enough water to digest it and move efficiently through your GI tract." Armul says, adding that you may want to steer clear of fizzy water or seltzer, though, which can add extra gas to your digestive tract.
No matter the bloating culprit, the good news is that you can get back on track fast by loading up on these 25 foods that reduce bloating, according to nutritionists.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is packed with probiotics—good bacteria that populate your GI tract to support a healthy digestive process and calm inflammation. “Probiotics are an important piece in the big picture of gut health, especially when you’ve got bloating and gas,” says Cording. Go Greek to bump up the protein to 20 grams while lowering the carb count, and enjoy it as dessert with some fresh fruit like grapefruit slices or blueberries.
Can’t digest yogurt because of the lactose? Try kefir, suggests Cording. “It’s 99 percent lactose free and has a greater variety of probiotic bacteria,” she says.
Per 7-ounce serving Greek yogurt: 146 calories, 4 g fat (2.5 g sat fat), 68 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 7 g of sugar, 0 g fiber, 20 g protein
2. Ginger
One of the oldest herbal medicines around, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties work wonders on bloat and gas. “Ginger contains a digestive enzyme called zingibain, which helps the body break down protein,” says Tara Coleman, a clinical nutritionist in San Diego.
“It also has a nice relaxing effect on your intestines, reducing inflammation in your colon, which helps the food you eat pass through your system more easily, and in turn, reduce the bloat and gas you experience,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Enjoy it in a warm cup of homemade tea to sip on it before, during, or after a meal.
Per 1 tsp fresh ginger: 2 calories, 0.01 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 0.4 g carbohydrates, 0.03 g of sugar, 0 g fiber, 0.04 g protein
3. Fennel
Fennel is a natural diuretic that can also help banish intestinal gas (a.k.a. it works on both types of bloating). “The compounds anethole, fenchone, and estragole in fennel seeds have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that relax intestinal muscle and allow trapped gas to dissipate,” says Coleman.
While you can add the seeds to a cup of tea, Cording says you can also add a cup of sliced fennel bulb into your salad to add a little extra fiber to help you fill up and feel satisfied for longer.
Per 1 cup sliced fennel bulb: 27 calories, 0.2 g fat (0 g sat fat), 45 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 3 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 1 g protein
4. Bananas
Potassium is the main reason this low-maintenance food helps with bloat. “Part of what causes your body to retain water is you’ve eaten too much sodium,” says Cording. “Potassium-rich foods help flush out sodium and water." She says that while eating one banana won't magically cure bloat, eating potassium-rich foods like bananas throughout the day will help reduce bloat.
Per medium banana: 105 calories, 0.4 g fat (0 g sat fat), 1 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrates, 14 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 1 g protein
5. Lemons
Yep, the old lemon water trick actually works. Lemon juice is very similar in acidity to the stomach's digestive juices (yum!) says Coleman, so it can help relieve bloating and other symptoms of indigestion. By drinking lemon juice on the reg, you’re doubling down on hydration plus getting acids to help your GI tract move things along faster.
Per ounce of lemon juice: 7 calories, 0.1 g fat (0 g sat fat), 1 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrates, 1 g of sugar, 0.1 g fiber, 0.1 g protein
6. Avocado
If you’re on a low-carb diet, like keto, avocados are an excellent source of bloat-reducing potassium and antioxidants for just six grams of carbs—a quarter of what you’d get in a banana. “After an indulgent weekend, people think you need to starve it out on celery and lettuce, but avocados are a nutrient-rich food that will help you feel satisfied so you’re not hangry when you’re trying to get back on track,” says Cording.
Per 1/3 fruit: 106 calories, 10 g fat (1 g sat fat), 5 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 0.4 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 1 g protein
7. Cucumber
“Cucumber contains lots of water to help keep you hydrated,” says Cording, which is great for helping to clear out excess water from your cells and gas from your GI tract. What’s more, cucumbers contain sulfur and silicon, which act as a mild natural diuretic that makes you pee. They’re also a good way to get your GI tract moving minus the gassy factor of cruciferous veggies.
Per 1/2 cup slices: 8 calories, 0.06 g fat (0 g sat fat), 1 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrates, 1 g of sugar, 0.3 g fiber, 0.3 g protein
8. Asparagus
The amino acid asparagine in asparagus is another known diuretic that helps reduce water retention. “Asparagus also contains prebiotic fiber, which are good to nourish the probiotics in your gut and keep your digestive tract running,” says Cording.
Per 1 cup serving (raw): 27 calories, 0.3 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrates, 3 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein
9. Kiwi
These powerful little fruits contain another enzyme, actinidin, that helps speed digestion, says Cording. Just two kiwis are also an excellent source of bloat-beating potassium and fiber—all for just 90 calories.
Per 2 whole kiwis: 90 calories, 1 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 13 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein
10. Papaya
The papain in papayas is yet another enzyme that helps break down the foods you eat and fight inflammation. “You can buy papain in supplement form. It’s very effective for soothing the digestive process, especially during the menstrual cycle,” says Cording.
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You’ll also get fiber along with a healthy dose of the anti-inflammatory vitamin A. Just keep a serving to one cup, adds Cording, since the high amount of fructose can sometimes be rough on your GI system.
Per 1 cup pieces: 62 calories, 0.4 g fat (0.1 g sat fat), 12 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 11 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 0.7 g protein
11. White beans
While other beans can lead to mega-bloat, white beans (a.k.a. navy beans) are actually "high in potassium, which helps balance out sodium levels in our body," says Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet.
White beans are a great addition to soups, along with kale, carrots, and other vitamin-rich veggies. Or, you can use them as an alternative to chickpeas in hummus for an equally protein-packed spread.
Per cup, cooked: 100 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g sat fat), 110 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 2 g of sugar, 12 g fiber, 8 g protein
12. Pineapple
Another water-dense fruit, pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, says Gans. "Mostly reported anecdotally, bromelain is thought to assist in digestion, by breaking down proteins in the stomach that may otherwise cause bloating." Throw pineapple in your morning smoothie, or enjoy a couple slices for an afternoon snack.
Per half cup: 80 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat fat), mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 16 g of sugar, 1 g fiber, 0 g protein
13. Beets
Beets are another potassium-rich food, which can help counteract sodium in your body, and therefore bloat. In fact, "One cup of beets has more potassium, fiber, and protein than a medium banana," says Armul. Plus, it has fewer calories, too.
Add beets to your salad, roast them with a tray of veggies, or slice them into sticks and bake them to make beet fries.
Per cup, cooked: 37 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat fat), 32 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 6 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein
14. Celery Root
Celery root is a powerhouse for fighting water retention and bloat, because it contains a compound that acts like a diuretic. “It makes you urinate, so it can help with any water bloat you’re feeling,” says New York City-based dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin, RD.
Cut celery root into cubes and sauté with thyme and onion, purée it into soup, or roast it in the oven as “steaks.”
Per 1 cup diced: 19 calories, 0.2 g fat (0.1 g sat fat), 96 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrates, 2 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 0.8 g protein
15. Tomatoes
When it comes to water bloat, consuming more water (which tomatoes contain lots of) is key. “It might sound counter-intuitive, but fluid pushes out fluid,” says Zeitlin.
Slice them up to make salsa or top off a sandwich. Since heat evaporates tomatoes' water and breaks down their fiber (which helps keep your digestion moving), eat 'em raw.
Per 1 cup chopped or sliced: 34 calories, 0.4 g fat (0.1 g sat fat), 9 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 5 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
16. Artichokes
When foods linger in your gut, they ferment, resulting in gas. Adding fibrous foods, like artichokes, to your diet prevents this by pushing foods along.
“They’re way more versatile than get credit for,” says Zeitlin. Add artichoke hearts to salads, pasta, or toast—or simply grill them whole and dip them in yogurt-dill sauce. Just watch the sodium count on canned versions.
Per ½ cup artichoke hearts, cooked in water: 45 calories, 0.3 g fat (0.1 g sat fat), 50 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 0.8 g of sugar, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein
17. Lentils
I know what you're thinking: Don't beans make you bloated? Well, it depends. Legumes do make some people feel gassy.
That said, though, lentils are “a phenomenal source of fiber, and a little bit goes a long way,” says Zeitlin. If you handle legumes well, the fiber in lentils help you push anything lagging in your GI tract right on through.
Zeitlin recommends sautéeing lentils to make them easier to digest. (Don't worry, you won't break down all their fiber.)
Per 1/2 cup cooked in water: 110 calories, 0.4 g fat (0.1 g sat fat), 188 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 2 g of sugar, 8 g fiber, 9 g protein
18. Oatmeal
All whole grains contain bloat-beating fiber, but oatmeal might take the cake.
“Having it first thing in the morning will help you move your bowels sooner, so you’ll feel better all day,” says Zeitlin. Top your oatmeal with chopped walnuts and berries for additional fiber, antioxidants, and protein.
Per 1 cup cooked with water: 147 calories, 1 g fat (0.2 g sat fat), 173 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrates, 1 g of sugar, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein
19. Spinach
High in immune-boosting and inflammation-fighting antioxidants, spinach has truly earned its reputation as a superfood, says Zeitlin.
You’ll get the most fiber by eating spinach raw, but cooking it makes upping your intake easier. Zeitlin recommends adding spinach to still-hot stir fries so it wilts just a bit.
Per 1 cup raw: 7 calories, 0.1 g fat (0 g sat fat), 24 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g of sugar, 0.7 g fiber, 0.9 g protein
20. Blueberries
These little antioxidant-packed fruits are high in water and fiber to keep your digestive system grooving, says Atlanta-based dietitian Marisa Moore, RD.
Frozen berries have just as many nutrients as fresh ones, so toss either into whole-grain pancakes or on top of a parfait with plain low-fat Greek yogurt.
Per 1 cup raw: 80 calories, 1 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 12 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 1 g protein
21. Watermelon
Made up of more than 90 percent water, watermelon is a tasty way to get more bloat-fighting liquids into your diet. This naturally sweet fruit is also a source of lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid associated with heart health.
Snack on a handful of watermelon when hunger strikes.
Per 1 cup raw cubes: 46 calories, 0.2 g fat (0 g sat fat), 2 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 9 g of sugar, 0.6 g fiber, 0.9 g protein
22. Sweet Potato
Yet another potassium-rich food that fights sodium-induced water retention: sweet potatoes. (Plus they contain the antioxidant beta carotene, which supports vision and organ health.)
Bake sweet potato and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, add roasted cubes to salads or grain bowls, or purée it into root veggie soup. (Just keep the skin on, since it contains lots of fiber.)
Per 1 medium skin-on potato: 130 calories, 0.2 g fat (0 g sat fat), 524 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrates, 9 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein
23. Mint
It’s no wonder mint tea is an after-dinner staple in many cultures: The herb may help improve digestion. “Most research is on peppermint oil taken as supplement or capsule, but mint leaves are traditionally used for digestion benefits at the end of a meal,” says Moore.
Brew yourself a mug of mint tea when dealing with bloating or indigestion.
Per 2 tbsp fresh peppermint: 2 calories, 0g fat (0 g sat fat), 1 mg sodium, 0.5 g carbohydrates, 0 g of sugar, 0.2 g fiber, 0.1 g protein
24. Oranges
An excellent source of potassium, filled with water, and packing a healthy serving of fiber to boot, oranges are an anti-bloat triple-whammy, Moore says.
Opt for the whole fruit instead of OJ to ensure you don’t miss out on the fiber (or overdo it on the sugar).
Per 1 medium fruit: 65 calories, 0.3 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 13 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 1 g protein
25. Grapefruit
Grapefruits are packed with water (and are also a good source of fiber) to keep your GI tract moving along, says Moore.
Use grapefruit to add brightness to salads and smoothie bowls, or serve it alongside chicken or shrimp for a hit of zest.
Per 1 small grapefruit: 64 calories, 0.2 g fat (0 g sat fat), 0 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 14 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein
What are some other ways to avoid bloat?
Eating the right foods is a great way to keep bloat at bay, but it’s not the only thing that can help.
Eat slowly
For starters, how you eat is just as important as what you eat. “When you eat quickly, you swallow more air, which contributes to bloating,” explains Cassetty. To combat this, make an effort to eat slowly and chew foods more thoroughly. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a race.
Limit FODMAPS
It’s also important to limit your intake of carbohydrates known as FODMAPS, which aren’t well digested and get fermented, thereby producing excess gas and bloating. Examples of high-FODMAP foods are dried fruit, cauliflower, kale, and milk. “People with IBS are especially vulnerable to bloating when they consume these foods, but some of these carbohydrates can cause bloating even in people who don’t have IBS,” Cassetty says. Sugar alcohols, for example, which are found in sugar-free candies and gum, are hard for most people to digest.
Limit processed foods
Try to keep your consumption of processed foods to a minimum, and instead focus on whole and minimally processed foods. “It’s important to eat a range of plant foods, including a half plate of fruits or veggies (or a mix of the two) at all of your meals,” Cassetty advises. “This strategy helps you reduce your sodium intake and boost your potassium intake, which can help minimize bloating from water retention." It’s also a good strategy for increasing your fiber intake.
Keep the fizzy stuff to a minimum
Lastly, you may want to kiss some of your favorite sodas and carbonated drinks goodbye. “When you drink carbonated drinks, like soda or seltzer, the bubbles can get trapped in your digestive system and make you feel bloated,” Cassetty says. So if you're feeling particularly bloated, it's best to skip it.
BTW, since bloating can be a sign of something more serious, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any changes in your bowel habits. Some conditions that cause bloating require medical treatment, so it’s crucial that you get properly diagnosed before experimenting with any serious food restriction or elimination diets.
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