One in ten Americans report feeling bloated all the time, even if they haven’t eaten a large meal (like Thanksgiving).
Sometimes the bloating becomes severe enough to cause significant swelling of the abdomen. Gas and bloating are often related to diet, so making a few simple changes to what you eat can help. However, if your stomach doesn’t settle, there’s no need to rush to the doctor or the pharmacy (yet!)
In this article, we’re going to talk about four natural ingredients that can help relieve those gas and bloating ailments – essential oils. We’ll wrap things up with a few more helpful tips.
What causes bloating?
Several things can trigger bloating and gas. Here are some common offenders:
– Beans and lentils: These foods contain sugars called oligosaccharides, which must first be broken down by bacteria in the gut before they can be digested.
– Certain fruits and vegetables: Certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and carrots, contain enough starch that they can cause gas. Fruits that are naturally high in sugar, such as apricots and plums, can cause gas and bloating.
– Dairy products: Lactose or milk sugar can be a source of bloating and abdominal discomfort if you are hypersensitive. You probably already know if you are lactose intolerant.
– Sweeteners: Fructose, a natural sugar added to many processed foods, is difficult for many people to digest. The artificial sweetener sorbitol is not absorbed. Both can cause serious bloating issues, so keep that in mind the next time you eat. Try to limit the amount of fructose and sorbitol you consume each day.
– Whole Grains: Natural whole grains have great health benefits but can sometimes cause bloating and gas. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that can cause bloating, gas, and constipation when consumed in large amounts. This is one reason why nutritionists do not recommend suddenly and dramatically increasing fiber in a person’s diet. Instead, it’s better to gradually add fiber and give your body time to adjust. Additionally, H2O can prevent fiber from absorbing too much water from the digestive tract, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
Oils that can help
Now that we’ve discussed some of the possible food influences, let’s talk about some oils that can help ease your tummy troubles.
Here are four ingredients that can help with gas and bloating.
- Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil helps reduce intestinal inflammation and relieve pain caused by cramps. Chamomile helps relieve diarrhea, chronic heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, motion sickness, and vomiting. More research is needed, but chamomile oil helps flush toxins from the body. - Cumin oil
Cumin oil is said to relieve colic and general stomach pain. It also helps with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Pregnant women should not use cumin oil and should not be exposed to sunlight after applying it to the skin. - Ginger oil
According to Health News today, the health benefits of ginger include motion sickness, nausea, anorexia, and pain relief. Ginger is known for its vaginal properties that help reduce gas, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.
AD
- Peppermint oil
Of the four oils listed here, peppermint oil is the most proven to relieve gas and bloating. Whether taken as a capsule or applied to the skin, peppermint helps relax stomach muscles and relieve pain. It also helps to relieve gas.
