Stomach bloating is most commonly associated with problems digesting certain foods and drinks. This can irritate the gut and cause excess gas, leading to trapped wind, pain and a feeling of swelling in the abdomen. Cutting down on bloat-inducing foods can help to prevent a bloated stomach from occurring in the first place, but it can also be soothed by consuming foods and drinks which promote digestion. One type of fruit which can aid digestion and relieve a bloated tummy, is citrus fruit.
Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps to keep your digestive system in good working order, and has many other important health benefits
Bupa
Citrus fruit includes oranges, tangerines, satsumas, clementines, lemons, limes and grapefruits.
These fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals, and can help soothe a bloated tummy due to their high water content, which keeps the body hydrated.
When the body is dehydrated, or thinks it is dehydrated, it holds on to excess water. This can make your tummy feel swollen and bloated.
Sometimes when eating food which is high in salt, the body thinks it is becoming dehydrated and holds on to excess water in order to prevent dehydration.
Keeping hydrated therefore allows the body to let go of excess water, making your tummy feel more comfortable.
In line with this, citrus fruits are a good source of potassium – a mineral which helps balance the level of salt and water in the body.
They also contain B vitamins, which help to break down and release the energy from food.
In addition, the juice in lemons can help relieve bloating and indigestion due to its similarity to the acidity in the stomach’s digestive juices.
This means it can aid the digestion process, while also stimulating metabolism.
Lemon juice is also a natural diuretic, meaning it can help flush out excess water and toxins from the body.
A diuretic is a substance that promotes diuresis – the increased production of urine.
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Fruit on the whole is beneficial to digestion due to its high fibre content.
Fibre is essential to the digestion process as it keeps everything moving easily though the digestive system. It also bulks up the stools, making them easier to pass.
“Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps to keep your digestive system in good working order, and has many other important health benefits,” said Bupa.
The NHS advises cutting down on junk food and carbonated drinks to prevent bloating, while exercising regularly to keep the digestive system moving.
“Get rid of bloating by cutting out fizzy drinks and foods that cause wind. Sit down to eat and take regular exercise,” the health body said.
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