We all know bloating is no fun, and it can come at the most inconvenient times. Bloating can happen for several reasons, and some might be as obvious as you might assume. Hormones, stress, digestion problems, food sensitivities, eating too much fiber at one time, or even eating large meals can all cause bloating. Sometimes it even happens for no reason at all, which is frustrating on a whole other level. Many people swear by eliminating salty foods, processed foods, and foods with added sugar, combined with drinking plenty of water as things to do to combat bloating. However, sometimes you need a quick savior in the moment, and this is where anti-bloat supplements come in.

Bloating Explained 

Source: GutDr – The Gut Doctor

The GutDr (Dr. Vincent Ho) is passionate about providing credible, accurate information about the gut and educating people to maintain a healthy and happy gut. This YouTube channel will provide informational videos about the gut and also answer your questions!

What are Anti-Bloat Supplements?

Digestive diseases — such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — are hugely common, affecting “up to 70 million Americans,” per the National Institutes of Health. The search for a solution is an ongoing challenge for many medicinal practitioners and researchers, yet one of the most promising discoveries has been digestive enzymes.

Digestive enzymes “are thought to help the body break down food compounds and increase nutrient absorption, relieving symptoms of indigestion in the process.”

Why Are They Helpful?

While there are many enzymes created in the human body, the most important “are the proteases (which break down proteins), lipases (fats), and amylases (starches and sugars),” all of which are secreted by the body “to break down the foods that we eat.” A variety of enzymes “are secreted starting in the mouth, and others further down in the digestive tract.” It turns out, in many people’s cases, the glands that create enzymes are not functioning properly — these include the “mouth, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and pancreas.” If these glands aren’t functioning properly or “have been damaged, digestive enzyme supplements are intended to help pick up the slack.”

Reduce Bloating on a Plant-Based Diet

Going plant-based comes with so many benefits, one of the best being digestion. A plant-based diet has been found to improve IBS (especially for those with lactose intolerance), along with GERD. Animal foods aren’t only acidic to the body but also very hard to break down. Anytime an abundance of work is put on the digestive system to break down food, the longer it takes to digest that meal. This creates digestive problems, along with a sluggish system. Since plant-based whole foods are mainly fiber, water, vitamins, minerals, or water-based fats (i.e., avocado) or complex sugars (i.e., an apple), your body can break them down easier to process into nutrients. This naturally simplifies digestion and also minimizes the number of acidic wastes that end up in the body.

Sweet Potatoes

Source: Sweet Potato Bites With Guacamole and Cauliflower

Sweet potatoes have several GI benefits going for them – they’re packed with water, soluble fiber, and potassium. Water helps ensure fiber makes its way through your system the way it was meant to, sweeping out any waste along with it. Soluble fibers can be better for sensitive tummies than others, especially in fiber-rich foods. Soluble fiber slowly absorbs water and wastes to regulate digestion, remove cholesterol, and ensure regularity without any harsh effects

Avocados

Source: Grilled Avocado With Roasted Tomatoes

Avocados provide essential fatty acids, plant-based protein, plentiful amounts of potassium, and Vitamin E. They’re also packed with soluble fiber and water, which naturally ensures smooth digestion. The best part about avocados is that their healthy fats help boost the absorption of nutrients in other foods, which is beneficial for those looking to get the most out of their foods as possible.

Fermented Foods

Source: Fermented Probiotic Apple Butter

This Fermented Probiotic Apple Butter is easy and healthy! It’s a great way to get your kids (and picky adults) to consume more probiotics! The probiotic bacteria digest the sugars in the apple butter, making it slightly less sweet and with a yogurt-like tanginess. Plus, the fermented apple butter is packed full of gut-healing healthy probiotic bacteria that aid digestion and your overall health.

Looking to get your hands on some digestive enzymes? First off, talk to your doctor! It’s always important to have an honest discussion with your physician before beginning a new round of supplements.

Related Content:

• Important Nutrients You Need for Healthy Digestion
• How to Regulate Your Digestion Using These 10 Foods
• Tips to Improve Stomach Acid Levels Needed for Good Digestion
• Warm Foods and Drinks That Benefit Digestion
• Fermented Foods That Can Improve Your Microbiome and Digestion
• The 101 on Raw Food and Digestion
• Tips and Natural Remedies to Tackle Indigestion
• This Unique Vegetable Has the Power to Do Wonders for Your Digestion

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