What Causes Stomach Bloat And The 10 Teas Help

There are times my stomach will be bloated and upset. I work 12 hour days and then nights on a swing shift. I use teas and herbs to help calm my stomach.  Teas and herbs have been used in medicinal ways for thousand of years.  What causes stomach bloat and what teas for bloating and upset stomachs you can use.

Why does my stomach bloat?

Epidemiologic studies have determined that 15–30% of the general US population experience bloating symptoms at some point in their lives. Other statistics say one in 10 Americans complain about bloating. Some conditions could be chronic while others may just be symptomatic. Some bloating may include gas. While gas and bloating do not always go hand in hand they can be indications of the same problem. Some people only experience one or the other.

How do you know you are suffering from bloating? Generally, for me, I can feel it. I may not even feel as if my belly is extended, it just feels so full. How is bloating measured? Simple, a tape measure. After eating and you start to get ‘that feeling” it’s simple enough to get a tape measure and see what’s happening. Just make sure to measure your stomach and waist before a starting point.

There is another way, a more medical measure. It’s called ambulatory abdominal inductance plethysmography (AIP). This is used generally for medical reasons and for research.

If you are reading this blog then I am going to guess you too are experiencing bloating. You are looking for what relieves bloating fast. Before we can drink that cup of tea let’s dig into the causes of bloating.

Some of the more common causes of bloating are: 

Overeating – The number one cause of bloating is so fixable. I know that at times it seems I just can’t stop eating. Or there you are at the buffet and you have to “get your money worth”. 

Rich and fatty foods – Fat takes longer to digest. Your stomach will feel fuller longer. If you have a sluggish liver or gallbladder that digestion can be slowed down even more.

Salt – Oh my gosh, I love salt. While our bodies need salt, most of us eat way too much of it. Salt can cause our bodies to retain water and contribute to some health problems. You may feel puffy, bloated, excessive thirst, trouble sleeping, chapped lips, and heartburn.

Fructose – I’ve never been a fan of these sugars. They lead to gas, bloating, and pain because they are harder for your body to digest and break down. Honey, onions, and garlic are natural forms of high fructose corn syrup.

Eating too fast – There are times at work where I have a few minutes to woof down my meal. Some people tend to eat faster. By eating fast you are also taking in more air.

Those are the simple and easy to rule out causes of bloating and gas. Below are a few of the more serious causes. 

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) –  is the digestive system being overrun with bad bacteria. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, and pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome – The cause of irritable bowel syndrome isn’t understood. A diagnosis is often made based on symptoms. 

Symptoms include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation

Crohn’s disease – A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can sometimes cause life-threatening complications. Some people may be symptom-free most of their lives. While others can have severe chronic symptoms that never go away.

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Fatigue

Inflammatory bowel disease – an inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease is a coverall term for many disorders of the digestive tract

Symptoms include: 

Abdominal cramps and pain.

Diarrhea that may be bloody.

Severe urgency to have a bowel movement.

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss

Celiac disease – An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune system’s reaction to eating gluten creates inflammation that damages the small intestine’s lining. It also prevents the absorption of some nutrients (malabsorption). Many people have no symptoms.

Symptoms include: 

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Low blood count (anemia)
• Osteoporosis

Constipation – when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. The bowel movements are less than three a day and can become hard or dry.

Symptoms include: 

• Passing fewer than three stools a week
• Having lumpy or hard stools
• Straining to have bowel movements
• Feeling as though there’s a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements
• Feeling as though you can’t empty the stool from your rectum

Gastroparesis – The cause might be damage to a nerve that controls stomach muscles.

Symptoms include 

• Nausea 
• A full feeling after little food is eaten

Just know you are not alone. More and more our foods are not a benefit to our digestive systems. More toxins in our foods create more bloating in our bodies. More bloating and gas in our bodies and more need for tea to help with that bloating and gas. 

So what teas and herbs are best for bloating?

Best teas for bloating

Green tea – Green helps aid the stomach when bloated but avoid drinking it iced. Ice can cause spasms and deter the healing process of bloating and gas. History shows green tea is used as a remedy for the treatment of bacteria. The bacteria that causes stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. Green tea catechins help soothe the digestive tract. Green tea also helps food digest better.

Cautions: Drinking too much green tea for a longer period can be unhealthy. Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can cause an upset stomach as well.

Peppermint – Peppermint has been shown in animal studies to relax the stomach and relieve bloating. Peppermint as a tea has not been studied as much as peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has been shown to alleviate bloating. But, peppermint tea contains 6x the amount of peppermint oil in just one teabag. 

Cautions: Peppermint can cause more acid reflux than help it. Moderation is the best key. Peppermint can also interact with certain medications.

Wormwood – Wormwood is a leafy, green herb that makes a bitter tea and can be consumed to help alleviate symptoms of bloating and excessive gas. Wormwood is used for various digestion problems. Wormwood is bitter and can take a bit to get used to. Adding honey will help make the wormwood easier to consume. Some studies show that the properties found in wormwood help to kill harmful bacteria and parasites in the stomach

Wormwood as a tea should be used for a term of no more than 4 weeks. May cause insomnia, vomiting, nausea, vertigo, and seizures.

Do not use it if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid using it if you have any seizure condition. Also, avoid if you have any kidney disease. Avoid use if you are allergic to the Asteraceae family including ragweed, marigold, and more.

Lemon Balm – My neighbor’s backyard is full of lemon balm. It’s a mint-like herb that grows very well in most conditions. Has a minty lemon flavor, very light and refreshing. Great help for digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Caution: Lemon balm may increase your appetite, cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. If taking sedatives for sleep problems or anxiety you should consult your GP before taking lemon balm.

Dandelion Root – is a diuretic and will increase urine flow. Dandelion root can stimulate the liver, increasing bile production and helping move digesting food along faster.

Cautions can include stomach discomforts, increased urination, and increased potassium levels.

Hibiscus – Hibiscus does this amazing scientific act in our bodies when it comes to bloating. There are compounds in the hibiscus that regulate the water and electrolytes balances of our bodies. Causing a reverse effect on bloating.

Caution – Because Hibiscus will cause your bowels to move it may cause some discomfort if you are drinking too much. Hibiscus may also affect your blood pressure if consuming too much. With all things .. moderation!

Ginger – From ancient days ginger has been used to aid in stomach issues. The part of the ginger plant used for tea is the root. Ginger helps the digestive system speed up and relieve bloating and gas. Ginger tea helps to stimulate your digestive system and get things moving. It also helps to relieve and protect the stomach from inflammation.

Cautions – Ginger tea has several side effects that vary from person to person. Most are digestive issues. The side effects do not outweigh the health benefits. The side effects of ginger are mild.

Fennel – Fennel as with ginger and anise seed all help bloating and gas. Fennel also freshens your breath. Fennel also decreases stomach cramping, gas, and bloating. People in India will chew on fennel seeds after a large meal to help with digestion.

Cautions – Do not drink fennel tea if you have a bleeding or bruising disorder. Fennel tea can also upset hormone-sensitive conditions like certain cancers, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Can cause itchy skin, rashes, and hives in those sensitive to it.

Gentian root – Gentian is a plant belonging to a large family of flowering plants. The plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers. For tea, the root is used medicinally to help the digestive system with bloating, heartburn and diarrhea. Gentian root has been used for centuries.

 Cautions – For most people, there are no adverse effects to drinking gentian root tea. But some may be sensitive to the herb and experience headaches, nausea, and or vomiting.

Angelic root – Also known as Dong Quai is a root that is used in Chinese medicine. The root of Angelic has been used as a tea to treat stomach alimentary like bloating, gas, loss of appetite, arthritis, and overnight urination.

Cautions – Some side effects could be skin irritation, rash, sensitivity to the sun, bruising, and bleeding. There was one caution that it may increase your risk of cancer. That needs more in-depth research than I can do on this post. Pregnant or nursing? It is best not to consume angelica root.

Chamomile – Chamomile will relax your gastrointestinal tract muscles and help move that gassy bloated feeling along. Chamomile is famous for its relaxing notes and is often drank at bedtime contains no caffeine and is an herb. There are times when I work late my stomach will become bloated and upset. Just one cup of chamomile and I’m ready to relax and head to bed.

Cautions – Chamomile is relaxing so don’t drink a lot or you may become drowsy. If you are allergic to the daisy family it’s best to test out chamomile tea first to see if you have any allergy reactions.

Turmeric – a powerhouse of an anti-inflammatory herb. Turmeric will stir up the gallbladder to produce bile. The bile will get the digestion moving and any bloating or gas discomfort you may be feeling will be moving right along with it. The best way to drink turmeric is golden milk, an Indian-style drink with milk and honey.

Cautions – Turmeric is considered to be safe with few side effects. Some people may experience additives that are added to cheap turmeric powders. Some turmeric powders may have higher lead content.

 

Why do our stomachs bloat

Bloating may not be a permanent situation. Bloating is one of the most uncomfortable feelings there are. Bloating can just be a fullness and extension of our stomach or it can be accompanied by gas and an upset stomach. Just not a good feeling.

Not only do you not feel good you may not look good. Your belly can bloat to the extent of being larger.

What happens when we bloat? You may think it’s your stomach but the bloating is further down, in your intestinal area. When these organs, the large and small intestine start to work they get larger, they expand. If it were your stomach the bloating would be under your rib cage and not by your waistband.

So bloating is a sign of your digestive system working. Normal bloating that is. When it gets to the point of discomfort then that is a problem. A problem you want to address. Normal bloating should not be so noticeable or uncomfortable.

When your stomach starts to bloat and you are looking for a fast response. Grab your cup and pour yourself one of the amazing teas we mentioned. No need for antacids or chemicals. Natural and healthy teas are all you need.

Some foods to avoid that cause bloating and gas

While bloating is a normal process. There are some foods that you can avoid to decrease the chances of those uncomfortable bloating and gassy moments.

Beans/Lentils – both contain sugars called oligosaccharides. These are broken down in the intestines with bacteria. The process of breaking down these sugars creates gasses.

Fruits – Fruits contain sugars as well that need to be broken down in the intestines

Vegetables – Veggies such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and carrots contain sugars. These sugars need to be broken down in the digestive system. 

Artificial sweeteners – There are several artificial sweeteners on the market that can cause discomfort, bloating, and gas. Some may even cause foods to be rushed through your digestive system and cause diarrhea. 

Natural Sweeteners -Fructose may be natural, yet it is still sugar that may be difficult to digest. Many processed foods contain fructose

Dairy – Some people are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy. Extreme pain, bloating and gas are common for those that cannot digest dairy products.

Whole grains – So healthy for us yet the high carbohydrate count is high as well as the fiber. These types of fiber are not digestible and as the body works to digest them the body bloats and gas is created. You can try to slowly add fiber to your diet. Also trying other items high in fiber to see if they work with your body chemistry better.

Conclusion

That full bloated feeling is just not good or fun. I’m glad there are many herbs and teas out there that can help us. So which tea is best for bloating? Can you imagine the powerhouse of combining a few of these herbs?

• Ginger and Turmeric
• Chamomile and Lemon balm
• Fennel and Ginger

So many combinations of herbs that make a powerhouse tea for bloating. Simply drink them alone and you still get a tea that helps bloating and gas.

You are not alone, bloating and gas contribute to a lot of our discomfort. Now with these teas that discomfort ends.