Feeling bloated, heavy and uncomfortable? There are 8 bloating banishing foods which you can find in your kitchen.

Ginger

Ginger contains zingibain, a protein digestive enzyme, and is therefore particularly effective at preventing gas caused by protein rich foods and thus, Ginger helps reduce intestinal gas and bloating. Ginger, one of the oldest spices in the world, is known to have been used in China as early as 400 B.C. Although probably best known for its cold treating powers, ginger is also well known for its ability to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and is commonly used for eliminating intestinal gas and reducing bloating.

Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available in the produce section of supermarkets throughout the year.

Pineapple

In addition to supplying a fair amount of potassium, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins. Be aware, however, that most of the bromelain in pineapple is in the stem which is not as tasty as the flesh but which is nevertheless edible.

Peppermint

Naturopaths have long been recommending peppermint for bloating. Peppermint has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, thus allowing the body to rid itself of digestive gas. One study conducted in Italy found that 75% of the test subjects with an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) had a significant reduction in their IBS symptoms after taking peppermint oil capsules for four weeks. IBS is a common syndrome characterized by bloating, abdominal cramping and pain, constipation and diarrhea.

Papaya

Originally from Central America, the papaya plant is today cultivated in most tropical countries. Termed as the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus, papaya is a true nutritional powerhouse. It is also a great food to add to your diet if you suffer from digestive complaints such as bloating.

Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme, as well as a number of other active compounds that can fight bloating. Green unripe papaya typically provides more papain than ripe papaya. Green papaya, which is often more readily available in Asian food stores, makes a nice addition to salads.

Ripe Bananas

Too high an intake of salt is one of the most common causes of water retention around the abdominal area. Foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, help combat bloating caused by salty food. While salt attracts fluid into the cells, potassium drives the water molecules out of the cells.

Celery

Celery, which is a natural diuretic, has for long been used to help relieve water retention. When buying celery, opt for organically grown produce whenever possible — together with bell peppers celery tops the list of vegetables that contain the highest levels of contaminants, including neurotoxic pesticides and the potentially carcinogenic substance chlorthaloni.

Cultured Natural Yoghurt

Cultured natural yoghurt typically contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium bifidum (or L. acidophilus and bifidum, for short). These probiotic bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract where they aid digestion and fight the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, thereby preventing bloating. Increasing your intake of probiotic bacteria may be particularly helpful if you have recently been taking an antibiotic medication as antibiotics are known to destroy the healthy flora in the intestines.

Fennel Seeds

With their mild, anise-like flavor, fennel seeds are used in many different types of dishes around the world.The key active constituent in fennel seeds is the terpenoid anethole which has been shown to inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, including those in the intestinal tract.

In northern and central Europe, they are used in baking, particularly in breads. In Italy, fennel seeds are often added to sausages and meath dishes. In India, fennel seeds are one of the ingredients of panch poran, a spice blend which is used to flavor curries.

Also, for more result try this quick yoga routine to beat the bloat.