02 May 2023 , 11:50
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If you struggle with bloating and you've spoken to your GP about any concerns, you may wish to try some at-home remedies to try and ease the uncomfortable feeling.
The NHS website lists four signs of bloating, which are your stomach feeling more full than usual, tummy pain or discomfort, a rumbling tummy, or you're passing gas more than usual.
It says: "The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut.
"This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat."
The dietician recommends putting cinnamon in your coffee to avoid bloating (Getty Images/EyeEm)It can also be a sign of more serious conditions - but if you've ruled those out and you're just looking to ease your bloating, dietitian Trista Best recommends adding something to your morning coffee to help relieve it.
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She told the Express: "One of the best anti-inflammatory spices to add to coffee is cinnamon."
Cinnamon is said to contain "powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body."
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which contributes to its "natural sweetness."
And that means that you likely won't need to add any additional sugar or syrups.
It's a great idea if you simply can't part with coffee, but the NHS actually recommends cutting down on caffeine if you're struggling with bloating.
The website says: "Exercise regularly to improve your digestion and help prevent bloating – exercise can also help when you're feeling bloated. Chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air.
"Drink plenty of water. Eat foods high in fibre if constipated. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. Massage your stomach from right to left to release trapped wind."
And when it comes down to what not to do, the NHS says to "avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, don't eat lots of foods that cause gas such as lentils and cabbage, don't slouch when eating or eat a lot before bed, do not eat lots of processed, sugary, spicy, or fatty foods, and do not eat foods you're intolerant to."
A food diary may also be helpful to help identify any foods that trigger bloating - you can always take this to your doctor.
Would you try cinnamon in your coffee? Let us know in the comments.
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