Bloating and a protruding stomach can be uncomfortable and frustrating, often caused by factors like poor digestion, excess gas, or water retention. Achieving a flatter stomach involves addressing these issues through diet and lifestyle choices. Surprisingly, drinking certain beverages before bed can play a supportive role in this process.
We checked in with Dr. Mrinal Pandit to learn about two beverages you can sip on before sleeping in order to minimize bloating and achieve a more toned and flat belly in the A.M. He revealed that two of the best options are warm water with lemon and ginger tea. Read on to find out why.
1. Warm Water with Lemon
Drinking warm water with lemon before bed can work wonders for your digestive system. As Dr. Pandit explains, "Warm water with lemon can help stimulate the digestive system and promote peristalsis, the waves of muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract." Additionally, lemon water aids in maintaining hydration levels, essential for optimal digestion and preventing constipation—a common culprit behind morning bloating. Lemons' citric acid also enhances enzyme function and stimulates the liver, aiding in detoxification and reducing bloating overnight.
It is also a low-calorie beverage compared to sugary drinks. Replacing high-calorie beverages with lemon water can help with weight management, which might contribute to a flatter stomach over time.
2. Ginger Tea
Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea is a soothing elixir for your digestive system. "Ginger tea can help stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric juices, aiding in better digestion and reducing the likelihood of morning bloating," Dr. Pandit explains. This aromatic beverage also acts as a carminative, relieving gas buildup and preventing bloating. Sipping on ginger tea before bed can help calm your stomach and promote a restful night's sleep, free from discomfort.
Some studies suggest that ginger can boost metabolism and help with fat oxidation. A more efficient metabolism can support weight management, contributing to a flatter stomach over time.
To maximize these benefits, drinking lemon water and ginger tea regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can be a supportive measure in achieving and maintaining a flatter stomach along with minimizing bloating.
