11 RD-Approved Tricks To Get Rid Of Bloat

Nobody likes being bloated. The rock in your belly, the pants that need to be unbuttoned, like, five minutes ago. Luckily, there are a few tips that help get rid of bloat once you have it—and prevent it from ever happening again. Read on for 11 science-backed tricks for soothing the stomach, using things you likely have in your pantry.

The sky-high sodium in salty foods can cause dehydration, which contributes to bloating. Some foods to avoid are cured meat, canned and frozen foods, most processed snacks, and sauces and condiments like soy sauce, marinara, mustard, and the like. Bread can be another sneaky source.

At home, cook with herbs and spices instead of salt. If you’re out, then ask for condiments to come on the side and use a light touch when applying—or scrape off some excess if "on the side" isn’t an option. One of my favorite healthy hacks: Swap in oil and vinegar for salad dressing so you get some flavor and heart-healthy fats without any of the "what the heck is that?" from bottled dressings.

Eating too fast causes gas to build up in the stomach. Put your fork down between bites to pace yourself. Added bonus: This also helps your brain and body catch up with each other so you know when you’re satisfied.

Skip the bubbles and booze—at least in the short term. It may sound counterintuitive, but staying hydrated discourages water retention because your body isn’t struggling to hold on to the water it has. Because alcohol can be dehydrating (and contribute excess calories), it can make you feel bloated. Drinking carbonated beverages can also lead to a buildup of gas and make you feel puffy, so take a break from seltzer and other fizzy drinks.

The caffeine in coffee and tea has a diuretic effect, meaning it’ll make you pee more. Tea1 and coffee have also been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects2 when part of a regular diet, which can have long-term benefits to your digestive health. A cup or two a day is great, but don’t overdo it—unless, of course, you like caffeine jitters or diarrhea.

Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, although the body has to work hard to digest them, which can lead to gas and bloating as they ferment in the digestive tract. Keeping them off the menu for a few days can help if you’re looking to de-bloat for an event.

A few others on this list: beans, lentils, whole grains, and dairy (if you’re lactose intolerant). Artificial sweeteners also get kicked off the island because they can cause bloat-inducing stomach woes.

Potassium is a mineral that plays a key role in cell function, including regulating fluid balance. Potassium-rich foods can counteract the effects of sodium and ease bloating. Reach for avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, leafy greens, oranges, and cantaloupe.

Certain foods have a mild diuretic effect. Asparagus is a particularly powerful bloat-fighting food, thanks to the amino acid asparagine. It’s also a source of the potent antioxidant glutathione, which has been noted3 for its detoxifying effect.

Some other great diuretic foods include citrus, celery, beets, and apple cider vinegar.

Certain foods help soothe the digestive system so you experience smoother digestion and less inflammation. A few great picks:

Cucumber is an anti-bloat superfood8, thanks to the silica, caffeic acid, and vitamin C in there, all of which help reduce swelling and discourage water retention.

Kiwi contains a compound called actinidin, which supports healthy digestion9. Kiwifruit is also rich in potassium.

Rosemary is an herb with powerful antioxidant properties that has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive ailments.

Anti-inflammatory foods that calm the stress response can help keep things calm in your digestive tract too. A few great ones to reach for: