Either your jeans shrank or your belly grew- chances are it's the latter.

A bloated belly can sabotage your plans & mood like no other. Sometimes zipping up pants is a real struggle- thanks to those chips, junk & all the poor food choices that we made.

Abdominal bloating not only looks bad but can also be painful, uncomfortable & not to mention embarrassing. Bloating is a typical protestation influencing somewhere around 10 & 30 per cent of grown-ups. Hence, there is a list of home remedies for bloating that can be used every day to cure bloating & gas.

Try these bloat-blocking foods to feel like yourself again:

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:

Apple cider vinegar contains many nutrients that can help improve your health like pectin, potassium & acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar is most effective for digestive problems & for maintaining the pH of the stomach & the intestines. An added benefit is that your body can properly eliminate your food, thus preventing further weight gain (provided you are not severely overeating) & can even facilitate weight loss.

*You can have 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 glass of water before your meal or it can also be mixed in the salad.

CAYENNE PEPPER:

A little bit of this spice can work wonders! The capsaicin in this pepper helps to reduce bloating & gas because it naturally increases the flow of digestive juices through your intestines.

*Try to include Cayenne pepper powder in daily cooking.

GINGER:

Ginger is an age-old cure for so many problems. Its anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties work wonders for a bloated stomach. Sipping ginger tea before, & after a meal will help your body stimulate saliva, bile, & gastric juices that help in digestion.

*Ginger can be added to a normal cup of tea/green tea or in your daily juices, soups, dals, etc.

GARLIC:

Stinky, but a very good cure to beat the bloat! Eating garlic alone can help to relieve the gas. The best way to have it is in a form of soup. Mince 2-3 cloves & roast them in olive oil on low heat, add some low sodium vegetable broth & let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.

*Eat 2 cloves of raw garlic on rising or add it to your stir-fried veggies, gravy, etc.

FENNEL SEEDS:

Fennel seeds contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory properties that help to stimulate the production of gas in the stomach & give quick relief from stomach problems (bloating & gas).

It is a powerful natural carminative, meaning it helps to eliminate the gas from your intestinal tract & aids in better digestion.

*Every night before sleeping, have 1 tbsp of Fennel seeds (chew it) with 1 glass of water.

CELERY:

Celery is considered a healthy choice among stomach bloating remedies because it is a useful digestive aid. It contains a healthy dose of dietary fibre & is also considered G.I. tract friendly by helping to improve the condition of the stomach lining & reducing inflammation, which can lead to abdominal discomfort. It is a low-calorie & crunchy choice among stomach bloating remedies.

*Use chopped celery leaves in salads or blend them along with other vegetables while making your juice.

BANISH BLOAT DRINK:

You will need:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sliced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Juice from 1/2 lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

METHOD:

 Step 1   Mix the ingredients & microwave for about 30 seconds.

 Step 2   Wait for it to cool to a comfortable temperature & drink!

 Step 3   If you drink it first thing in the morning when you wake up & the last thing before you go to sleep at night: on an empty stomach both times: you'll boost your metabolism & give your other healthy eating habits a helping h&.

CHIA DELIGHT:

You will need:

• 1 glass of coconut water
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup or honey

METHOD:

 Step 1   Add the chia seeds & coconut water to a jar. Stir well. If your chia seeds sink to the bottom, you may want to use a jar with a lid so you can shake everything up.

 Step 2   Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

 Step 3   Add lemon juice & sweetener to taste.

 Step 4   Enjoy!

 Step 5   This will also add a glow to your face as well.