Fortunately, many herbs and some foods can ease gassiness. Most bitter foods (such as chard and kale) stimulate the production of enzymes that allow your body to digest food more fully and efficiently, so there’s less for gas-producing bacteria to consume. Bitter herbs like dandelion and chamomile also promote healthy digestion, especially when combined with carminatives—herbs that reduce intestinal cramping and bloating. That’s almost all the aromatic spices and culinary herbs, including ginger, anise, fennel, peppermint, and thyme. Other foods that help are yogurt with live and active cultures and enzyme-rich pineapple. For chronic bloating and gas, you can take an herbal supplement that contains bitters and carminatives. Or drink the herbs in this smoothie, which also includes two other digestive aids: enzyme-rich fruit and yogurt with active cultures. ½ c chamomile or dandelion root tea, cooled1 c strawberries1 c pineapple chunks½ c vanilla yogurt with live and active cultures1 tsp honey or maple syrup½ c ice cubes Place all ingredients in a blender and process on high to the desired consistency. More from Prevention: 25 Delectable Detox Smoothies Send your questions for Dr. Low Dog to askdrlowdog@prevention.com. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, is the author of Life Is Your Best Medicine.
