This Tea May Be The Solution to Your Bloating

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Whether from a gastrointestinal issue or from water retention due to our normal hormonal cycles, bloating is not fun. The gas, the stomach distention, and the overall uncomfortableness due to our jeans fitting tighter towards the end of the day are feelings no one likes to have to cope with. Luckily, the solution may be as easy as brewing yourself a cup a tea.

Dandelions are traditionally thought of as the common wild flower growing as a weed in your backyard. But for thousands of years, dandelions have been used medicinally in Europe, North America, and China. Besides being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, its de-bloating abilities comes from is diuretic properties.

A diuretic is used to help the kidneys produce more urine. In medicine, a diuretic might be prescribe for someone dealing with the water retaining effects of their hypertension medications, for those with glaucoma, or for those suffering from edema. The problem with these medications (and even most other natural diuretics) is that while they help rid your body of excess water, they also remove the potassium from your body. A loss of potassium in the body could result in mild symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, or muscle cramps, to more serious consequences such as heart, nerve, and muscle damage.

This brings us back to dandelion. What’s amazing about this perennial herb is not only does it help rid your body of excess water, but it actually also helps replace the potassium in your body that was lost in your urine. Studies have shown that dandelion is completely devoid of causing harmful potassium loss side-effects due to the fact that dandelion contains three times more potassium than other botanical diuretics. This makes it a perfect addition to your de-bloat routine that is safe to use up to two times per day (Note: Dandelion tea is not safe for those with kidney issues or who are on dialysis. Speak with your doctor first.).

Want to get started? Try my spicy dandelion tea. You can drink a cup hot and then refrigerate the rest for later as a refreshing and cooling summer sipper!

Spicy Dandelion Tea

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups water
  • 3 roasted dandelion root tea bags or 3 tbsp. roasted dandelion root
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • Honey (optional)

PREPARATION

  1. Prepare all ingredients except for the honey in a small pot and simmer on low (do not boil) for 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Using a fine strainer, strain the tea directly into your cup and then the rest into a container for storing.
  3. Add ½ tsp. honey for sweetness. Enjoy!

What are your favorite de-bloat remedies? Share them below or post them on my Facebook page!

Angelique Johnson
Angelique Johnson is a Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician from Miami, FL. Through her own journey in weight loss, she discovered her love for health and nutrition, and through her venture realized she wanted to help others suffering from obesity and other medical illnesses achieve a healthier lifestyle.
She graduated with honors from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She was the winner of the Dean's Academic Excellence Award for her graduating class and the 2014 recipient of the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Clara St. Augustine Scholarship.

Angelique has been featured as a nutrition consult on CBS4 Miami News and is a published contributor on MindBodyGreen. She is passionate about debunking diet rumors and showing her clients how to have a healthy, balanced relationship with food. No starving. No dieting. Just real science-based advice on living and loving a healthier life. She currently works as a nutrition counselor and educator in Miami, FL. You can visit Angelique's website at www.nutritionbyangelique.net