Best Smoothie For Gas And Bloating

Best Smoothie For Gas And Bloating

Uncomfortable—and sometimes embarrassing—gas and bloating are problems I hear about all too often from my patients. A little gas is normal, but excessive amounts can be caused by bacteria in the colon feeding on partially digested food, such as carbs and sugars.

Fortunately, many herbs and some foods can ease gassiness. Most bitter foods (such as chard and kale) stimulate the production of enzymes that allow your body to digest food more fully and efficiently, so there's less for gas-producing bacteria to consume. Bitter herbs like dandelion and chamomile also promote healthy digestion, especially when combined with carminatives—herbs that reduce intestinal cramping and bloating. That's almost all the aromatic spices and culinary herbs, including ginger, anise, fennel, peppermint, and thyme. Other foods that help are yogurt with live and active cultures and enzyme-rich pineapple.

For chronic bloating and gas, you can take an herbal supplement that contains bitters and carminatives. Or drink the herbs in this smoothie, which also includes two other digestive aids: enzyme-rich fruit and yogurt with active cultures.

½ c chamomile or dandelion root tea, cooled
1 c strawberries
1 c pineapple chunks
½ c vanilla yogurt with live and active cultures
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ c ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and process on high to the desired consistency.