These Hot Teas May Help Ease Bloating After A Big Meal

Nobody likes the feeling of a bloated stomach after a big meal, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as an abnormal tightness and extension of the abdominal region. You might also experience pain in addition to discomfort. Bloating is fairly normal, affecting around 10-25% of people from time to time.

A big meal or even just eating too fast can lead to a buildup of gas in the abdomen, which is a common culprit behind bloating (via Cleveland Clinic). Healthline adds that the foods you eat can also contribute to bloating, especially if you have food intolerances or sensitivities. If your meal contains too much salt, it can lead to bloating in the form of water retention. High-fat foods (especially if processed or fried) can also cause bloating, as they take longer to move through the digestive system. There are some specific foods that are known triggers when it comes to bloating, which include cruciferous vegetables, dairy, beans, and onions.

There are a number of ways you can treat bloating after a big meal. One method is to get your body moving (which might be counter-intuitive if you're super full!). A 2006 study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that mild physical activity improved bloating by clearing excess gas from the digestive tract. MedicalNewsToday points out that yoga can be a great physical activity for this purpose. You can also take over-the-counter gas relief pills, indulge yourself with a warm bath, engage in abdominal massage, or drink hot tea.

PopSugar points out that an incredibly effective way to reduce bloating is to sip on hot herbal tea. The outlet referred to double-board certified internal and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Natasha Fuksina to elaborate. She explained that as a liquid, tea passes directly through the stomach into the intestines. "Depending on the amount of food in the intestines, it may take from 10 to 30 minutes for the tea to help relieve bloating symptoms," she told PopSugar. Certain herbal teas have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in the case of excess gas production in the gut. They also reduce bloating by eliminating toxins and making it easier for stool to pass.

One tea to get rid of that after-dinner bloat is peppermint (via PopSugar). The phenols and flavonoids it contains relax the digestive tract. Licorice tea, on the other hand, is great for reducing inflammation and constipation, in turn allowing the bloat to pass. You may also want to try ginger tea, which is chock full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of which are fantastic choices for digestive health and eliminating bloating.

The European Medicines Agency names lemon balm tea as yet one more option for reducing bloat and gas. If you don't mind a bit of bitterness, you can also try wormwood. In a 2015 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it was shown to alleviate indigestion and discomfort in the upper part of the digestive tract, namely the stomach.