How to Reduce Stomach Bloating

A bloated belly can sabotage your plans and mood like no other. What do you do when you're supposed to be somewhere, in something (you know, pants that button, your little black dress, or perhaps even a bathing suit), and suddenly your stomach looks and feels like you swallowed a basketball? How do you banish bloat in its tracks when you've got a bloat emergency?

Sip Lemon Water

If you only have a few hours before an event, Karena and Katrina recommend drinking some water with fresh lemon and a little cayenne pepper for a de-bloating tonic.

Spice It Up

On that note, you might be bloated because of indigestion or gastrointestinal distress. Cayenne pepper stimulates digestion, eases gas, and can relieve pressure and cramping. It's basically a bloated belly's most formidable match when you're in a bind, so toss a teaspoon into your drink of choice (more options below).

Take Some Turmeric

Like cayenne pepper, turmeric is a detoxifying spice. The girls buy it in powder form, but you can also get drops of turmeric and add a teaspoon (in either form) to water, tea, juice, or a smoothie before an event.

Drink Coconut Water

In addition to water with lemon and cayenne pepper, sip coconut water, which helps to de-bloat. "You really want to stay hydrated to flush out any extra sodium," so just keep sipping the right fluids, they say.

Drink Peppermint Tea

If you prefer the taste or want something in addition to water and coconut water, "teas like peppermint tea or ginger tea will alleviate bloat," they say.

Eat Asparagus

There are foods like asparagus that are a natural diuretic. So if it is a little further ahead of time (a few hours versus just one, for example), you can eat some asparagus to help you lose some bloat. Just make sure to not sprinkle any salt on it! Sodium causes bloat, so lay off the shaker before an event.

Eat Spinach

Spinach also helps lessen belly bloat by pushing fiber through your digestive tract. Your best bet for reaping its de-bloating benefits is to toss some spinach into a slimming smoothie along with ginger, turmeric, and coconut water. Keep scrolling for a full recipe!