6 OF THE BEST TEAS TO REDUCE BLOATING AFTER YOUR THANKSGIVING MEAL

Giving your body time to digest your food after you eat - especially after a big dinner - is important. Fatty food, fibrous foods, and foods high in sodium are a recipe for an uncomfortable evening. Consuming foods too fast can also cause this bloating feeling. If bloating is an issue you struggle with every holiday, these 6 teas will soothe your gut and aid your body's digestive processes.

Licorice Root: This tea helps soothe the stomach with its anti-inflammatory properties. The tea has antispasmodic effects that counter issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion. This tea has a distinctly earthy, and sweet taste.

Gentian Tea: Gentian Tea works with your body to stimulate digestive juices and bile to help with digestion. It is very important to not go overboard with this tea, as drinking in excess amounts can result in vomiting and more tummy discomfort. This bitter tea increases stomach acid so do not use if you have acid reflux or similar conditions.

Peppermint: This tea relaxes the gut and reduces spasticity making it ideal for when you have bloating or abdominal pain. Its anti-microbial properties also reduce discomfort if bloating is caused by bacteria in your gut. It's cool and minty taste help wash down a big meal.

Fennel: This tea is a three-pack punch - it relaxes your gut muscles to relieve bloating, stimulates digestive juices to break down fats, and soothes inflammation. This tea tastes similar to licorice or anise, sweet with a spicy note.

Chamomile: This tea isn't just good for promoting sleep - it promotes digestion too. This light, floral tea will help your gut function the way that it should and sooth any discomfort or abdominal pain. Chamomile is not strong or bitter. It has a light, subtly sweet taste, some describe as being delicate.

Ginger: Ginger has always been a reliable way to quiet the chaos indigestion wreaks on your body. Ginger tea enhances gastric motility and aids the movement of food through your gastrointestinal tract. It also reduces bloating, gas, and indigestion. This tea is spicy and peppery but can be made slightly sweet with honey.

You may prefer bitter teas to lighter floral ones, or more spicier teas to citrusy tasting ones. Whatever your preferences are, you should go with what you think suits your body's needs. This Thanksgiving - drink smart! Your health is what you should hold the most gratitude for. Having your teas on hand is a way to ensure gut wellness is a sip away.

Sources:

Healthline, "8 Herbal Teas to Help Reduce Bloating" via Marsha McCulloch