Bloating 101: How to Beat a Bulging Belly

Artificial sweeteners are frequently found in many reduced-calorie foods, processed products and diet or decaffeinated drinks. They contain chemical compounds called sucralose, aspartame and cyclamate that the digestive tract cannot break down easily. Sweeteners, which can be up to 300 times sweeter than natural sugar, are known to increase appetite and result in overeating. Be on the lookout for artificial sweeteners, and when possible, steer clear of them. 

Carbonated drinks, like soda, cause air bubbles to form and expand in your abdomen. When they burst, carbon dioxide particles are dispersed in the stomach. They fill up your belly and cause bloating. Click here to wean yourself off soda with Dr. Oz’s 28-Day National Soda Challenge.

There’s plenty you can do to prevent bloating, but sometimes it is unavoidable. For those times, there are simple cures you can recourse to alleviate bloating and aid digestion. These effective solutions will remedy a bloated belly and cleanse the body.