A bloated stomach is usually caused by poor digestion, which happens when consuming certain foods and drinks.
When the digestive system struggles to digest certain foods, it leads to excess gas and trapped wind, which causes abdominal bloating, pain and cramps.
Cutting out bloat-inducing foods will help to relieve a bloated stomach, but it could also be worth adding foods to your diet containing properties that aid digestion.
Sebastian Pole at Pukka Herbs recommends the following four spices to help support digestion.
Turmeric
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“Turmeric is a well-known tonic for the digestive system,” said Pole.
As well as helping to reduce inflammation in the digestive system, which prevents bloating, turmeric is anti-spasmodic, helping to prevent the gut from cramping.
Aniseed
Aniseed helps to stimulate digestion and clear the digestive system, relieving abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating.
It is also an effective anti-spasmodic, relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract to help prevent the gut from cramping.
Fennel
Like aniseed, fennel helps stimulate digestion and clear the digestive system. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory.
Cardamom
Cardamom helps to naturally boost metabolism and increase circulation in the body, helping to relieve that bloated feeling.
It is also an effective decongestant and helps to soothe indigestion and flatulence.
Pole recommends seasoning your food with these spices, or drinking them in the form of herbal teas.
In addition, Pole advises eating your main meal between 12pm and 2pm, “when your digestive system works the best”.
Eating a big meal in the evening “will only tax your digestive system” and could leave you with a painful, bloated stomach or gut cramps.
Also try to eat “intuitively” and just when you are hungry, as this is a sign your previous meal has been digested.
“Poor digestion is a common ailment in modern society, particularly after an overindulgent festive season. Unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and unpredictable bowel habits can affect day-to-day life,” said Pole.