Feeling Bloated? Try These Smoothies!

Have you ever wondered what causes that uneasy feeling of bloating? Most people, if not all people, have encountered bloating during some point in their lives. So how can you avoid getting bloated? 

For starters, always check the sodium levels in the food products you purchase. Just because you can’t taste the salt, it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Avoid certain processed foods with a lot of carbohydrates such as white bread, cookies, and other pastries or foods that you might see in the bakery. These are what I call “bad carbs”. They are very low in fiber and are more likely to contribute to negative impacts on your health. Once again, check the labels of these foods and try to avoid them as much as possible. 

There are various reasons why we get bloated but there are simple at-home remedies that can help us. Here are three smoothies that you can easily make at home as long as you have a blender.

Banana-Blueberry Smoothie 

1 banana

1 cup of blueberries 

1 tablespoon of ginger

½ cup of water (can substitute in with coconut water or freshly squeezed lemon juice)

Cucumber-Spinach-Celery Smoothie 

1 cup of spinach

1/2 cucumber

1 cup of chopped celery 

1 tablespoon of ginger

½ cup of water (can substitute in with coconut water or freshly squeezed lemon juice)

Papaya-Pineapple Smoothie

½ cup of papaya 

½ cup of pineapple 

1 tablespoon of ginger

½ cup of water (can substitute in with coconut water or freshly squeezed lemon juice)

Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to any of these smoothies will help with digestion. 

What are the benefits of these ingredients?

Bananas:

Bananas are very high in fiber and contain vitamin B6 that can protect your body against diseases such as diabetes. They are also rich in potassium that can help manage your blood pressure. Bananas also contain natural sugars such as glucose and fructose that act as a healthy source of energy for your body. 

Blueberries: 

Blueberries help to maintain a stable and balanced digestive system with their large content of fiber. This berry is very low in calories but very high in nutrients so it will help you stay full for a very long time.  

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers have a lot of antioxidant properties and one of them being that it helps with preventing constipation. They comprise mostly of water and can help avoid dehydration. Cucumbers are not only filled with nutrients such as Vitamins K, B, and C but they can also help control your blood sugar levels.  

Papayas:

Papayas are one of the most beneficial tropical fruits. They are a good source for vitamins A and C and can help reduce signs of aging. The papain enzyme can make it easier for proteins to break down in your digestive systems. 

Pineapples:

Pineapples are one of the healthiest fruits in the world and for good reasons as well. An enzyme found in pineapple called bromelain, and the fiber that pineapples contain work together for a healthy digestive system. Other benefits of bromelain are the increase in serotonin levels and the reduction of inflammation. 

Spinach:

Tons of people aren't huge fans of leafy greens but let me tell you, spinach is a miracle worker. This vegetable is very low in calories but provides a ton of nutrients that help with your bone health, skin, and hair. Spinach is also very rich in vitamin A that helps your body efficiently fight off bacteria and diseases.  

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is used as a natural remedy for many things such as improving digestion, weight loss, and reducing acne. It can also kill bacteria easily so it is a really good way to treat and prevent infections. If you have stomach ulcers or acid reflux, then you should stay away from this ingredient.

Ginger:

Ginger has chemical compounds that can kill off germs and it is also filled with antioxidants that can prevent damage to your body. If you take ginger before heavy meals, it can help with digestion. Ginger can also help you if you are feeling nauseous, especially during pregnancy. 

These smoothies are definitely worth a try if you want to reduce bloating. Apple cider vinegar and ginger are key ingredients that help with digestion so feel free to add these to your daily routine. You can drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (mixed with water) in the morning or drink ginger tea in the night. I hope these tips are useful!