Not only does bloating feel uncomfortable, but many people are self-conscious about their appearance when they feel bloated. You might notice that your pants fit tighter, or your stomach is protruding a bit more than normal.
It doesn’t matter ifbloating is a regular occurrence or you notice the symptoms occasionally: you are probably looking for ways to reduce the symptoms. Specific dietary lifestyle changes can have a positive impact. For example, you might be surprised to ask: does pineapple reduce bloating? The truth is that tropical fruits, such as pineapple, can be an important part of an anti-bloating diet.
Why Pineapple Reduces Bloating
Why does pineapple act as an anti-bloating ingredient? Pineapples and other tropical fruits contain as much as 85% water. The high-water content, combined with a good source of dietary fiber, is important to support healthy digestion. As a result, eating fruit can combat painful bloating.
Additionally, pineapple is an excellent source of bromelain, which is an enzyme. Adding this enzyme to your diet supports proper digestion by breaking down your food and promoting faster stomach emptying. The better food can move through the digestion system, the less bloating you will experience.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that people who ate a half cup of raw pineapple could reduce their bloating symptoms within 20 minutes.
Foods to Reduce Bloating and Stomach Pain
Many different ingredients can support digestive health and reduce the symptoms of bloating. Here are a few options you might add to your diet if you are looking for ways to reduce bloating:
- Pineapple: We’re putting pineapple at the top of the list for a reason. The bromelain in pineapple is an effective way to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Try eating pineapple or drinking juice to see how it affects your symptoms.
- Ginger: This age-old remedy helps alleviate many gastrointestinal issues, including bloating and an upset stomach. A simple way to improve digestion is through ginger supplements or juice.
- Peppermint: When you consume peppermint, it helps to relax the stomach muscles and soothe the digestive tract. The benefit is that you might notice a reduction in gas and bloating.
- Papaya: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse containing papain, which is a protein-digesting enzyme that can help to reduce digestive discomfort (including bloating). The enzymes are higher in unripe, green papaya vs. ripe papaya.
- Yogurt: Adding probiotics to your diet can effectively improve digestion and reduce bloating. Many people find that yogurt is an excellent addition to their diet when they want to minimize these symptoms.