Stomach bloating has affected most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. It can make the stomach feel stretched and puffy, and is generally uncomfortable, it said. Certain foods in your diet could be causing your stomach bloating, as well as eating too fast, or too much. But, you could lower your chances of feeling bloated after a big meal by chewing on some aniseed, it’s been claimed.
Aniseed is a natural digestive aid that could help to get rid of bloating pain, according to medical website LiveStrong.
It works as a diuretic to reduce water retention, and subsequently avoid bloating, it said.
Simply pop a few seeds in your mouth and chew for its digestive benefits, it revealed.
“There are a number of effective herbal remedies for gas and bloating, many of which can be found in your own spice cabinet or local grocery store,” said LiveStrong.
“Prized as a digestive aid and breath freshener in India, anise seed is an excellent remedy for gas and bloating.
“It is often chewed after meals for its sweet flavour and digestive effects. Like fennel seed, anise seed contains anethol – a compound with diuretic and carminative properties.
“According to the National Institutes of Health, anise seed may be useful for preserving foods due to its ability to kill bacteria like E. coli.
“Its mild diuretic properties make it effective for treating bloating and water retention, while its muscle relaxant effects help ease tension in the digestive tract to fight gas and cramping.”
If you’d prefer not to chew on aniseed, you could always opt for a hot cup of aniseed tea.
You could also lower your risk of stomach bloating by regularly eating peppermint, it added.
Peppermint contains methol, which has anaesthetic and muscle relaxant properties, both of which help to relieve bloating pain.
Stomach bloating may be caused by trapped wind, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or swallowing air.
Talking while eating could lead to swallowing air, which in turn, leads to bloating.
People are more likely to feel bloated after a big weekend – especially around the festive season.
Speak to a doctor if your bloating symptoms don’t go away, said the NHS.
It could be caused by something more serious, including ovarian cancer.