Bloated After Eating? Try This.
You've just finished the most delicious dinner and when offered to indulge in dessert you feel full, but think heck, you only live once, right? It was delicious just as dinner was and you decide to retire to the couch for the remainder of the evening, but as you try to get comfortable you realize you are feeling quite full and well, you probably could have skipped dessert. It doesn't take you long to determine you may have a small food baby growing in your belly and all of the sudden you look and feel like your pregnant.
Bloating is common and some of the underlying causes we must consider are food intolerances, low digestive enzymes, low stomach acid, improper food combining, dietary choices and gut dysbiosis. One or all of these can lead to poorly digested and absorbed foods, leading to a build up of intestinal gas.
Addressing your bloating with a full body approach through proper digestive practices, dietary changes and supplement support is the key to long term prevention of bloating and healing of your digestive system. While these changes are most definitely the long term answer, for immediate relief of your bloating I have created this Digestive Tea Blend that has become a staple in my pantry.
I am a huge believer in the power of spices and herbs and when combined together their synergistic effects become even more powerful. So what's in this combo? Check it out...
Peppermint
The oils contained in peppermint stimulate the gallbladder to release bile, which your body uses to digest fats. Cramps and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct and gallbladder may also be relieved with peppermint due to its relaxant and antispasmodic properties.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa tea is used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive disorders, promoting healthy digestion. Ayurveda, traditional medicine in India, uses alfalfa to relieve water retention. Alfalfa is also extremely effective at purifying and thinning the blood and should not be used while on blood thinners.
Fennel Seed
Fennel seeds are a wonderful digestive aid. Their rich volatile oils are extremely effective at clearing intestinal gas, having an anti-inflammatory effect and much like peppermint contain anti-spasmodic properties that relax contracted intestinal muscles allowing for trapped gases to dissipate.
Regular fennel seed use has also been proven to be extremely effective in more serious digestive disorders such as IBS.
Anise Seed
Anise is also a great addition to our tea providing assistance in digesting rich, processed foods containing lots of butter, oils and sugars. Aromatic in nature and will also improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea.
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon is a great addition on any day of the week, but in particular it is great at soothing the stomach, increasing metabolism and relieving intestinal gas. Ideal as a post-meal digestive aid, cinnamon will stimulate a weak digestive tract to get things moving right along. It is also excellent at helping your body regulate blood sugar, so sprinkle that stuff on everything!
Orange Peel
Orange peel is used commonly in Chinese medicine. Acting primarily on the liver and stomach, orange peel is known to promote digestion, relieve intestinal gas, abdominal bloating, food retention and promote proper liver function.
Cardamom Pods
Cardamom's oils have been proven to soothe the intestines and stomach, making it ideal for digestive upsets including indigestion and bloating. You will also experience relief from upset stomachs, gas and heartburn.
Looking for a breath freshener? Cardamom is one of the most effective remedies for bad breath. Simply chew on the seeds to eliminate bad odors.
Digestive Tea Blend
Ingredients:
1/2 cup spearmint
1/2 cup alfalfa
1/2 cup fennel seed
1/2 cup star anise seed
1 cup cinnamon bark
1/2 cup dried orange peel
Method:
Mix all ingredients in a 1L jar for storage.
Ready for a tea: Add 1 tbsp. of your blend to a tea strainer. Add hot water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Sip and enjoy!
