Waking up with a bloated stomach can really put a damper on your morning. But luckily, there are things you can do to resolve the issue. If you frequently experience uncomfortable morning bloat that makes buttoning your pants a difficult endeavor, you may want to consider adding some tasty new spices to your coffee. Coffee on its own is known for numerous health benefits, including its ability to stimulate your digestive system. And sprinkling a few surprising spices into your morning cup of joe could kick things up a notch so that you can finally say “bye-bye bloating!”
As it turns out, spices can do more than just add some flavor to your foods and beverages. Many of them are also packed with incredible health benefits—and that includes a healthier gut and a less bloated stomach. Adding spices to your coffee can be a real game-changer for your health, especially when you use them to replace common coffee add-ins like refined sugar and sweetened creamer, which could do some serious damage to your digestive system. To discover a few of the best options that can help you beat bloating every morning, we spoke to registered nurse Lauren Thayer. She told us that cinnamon, ginger, and fennel seeds are all great choices. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Cinnamon
Put the sugar down! If you like your coffee on the sweet side, try a bit of cinnamon instead. This warm spice can add a great hint of flavor without putting you at risk of all the health consequences of refined sugar. Best of all, it can do wonders for your digestion.
"Cinnamon is often associated with the holiday season, but it can be used year-round and offers up some great benefits to your health," Thayer says. "Research shows that cinnamon helps support healthy digestion, promotes blood flow, and also relieves bloating." Amazing!
2. Ginger
Ginger is a delicious spice that's found in a range of cuisines and meals. And while you may have heard about the numerous benefits of ginger tea, maybe you haven't considered adding to your coffee. The truth is that this tasty ingredient makes a great, bloat-fighting coffee add-in.
"Ginger is used for a variety of reasons as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer properties offer up many health benefits," Thayer raves. "Research has shown that it can improve gastric motility, reduce intestinal cramping, gas, and bloating. Some even get great benefit from nausea and vomiting with the use of ginger." Plus, it tastes great!
3. Fennel Seeds
Here's one that may sound a little unconventional, but don't knock it 'til you try it! Fennel seeds have amazing anti-bloating properties, and Thayer says they could be a fantastic ingredient to add to your coffee every morning for a healthier gut.
"Fennel seeds contain natural antispasmodic and anethole agents, both supporting healthy intestinal activity," she explains. "Many people steep fennel seeds into hot water to promote digestion after meals, but could also be used in a coffee drink. Fennel seeds have both antibacterial and antibiotic properties, which can promote healthy digestion and reduce unwanted microorganisms found in the gut that may lead to bloating and other unpleasant symptoms." We're definitely giving this a try!
The bottom line
It's worth noting that spices can only do some much for your digestive system; while all of the items on this list have been praised for their bloat-blasting properties, it's important to remember that every body is different, and what works perfectly for one person won't necessarily be your saving grace. There are many gut-healthy habits you can implement for healthier digestion and less frequent bloating. If your gut problems are chronic, the best thing to do is speak directly to your doctor about your personal health issues and needs. However, adding these spices to your coffee definitely couldn't hurt—and at the very least, they'll add some great flavor!
