For the last couple of years, I have been dealing with persistent bloating that left me feeling uncomfortable and forced me to wear baggy clothes. Despite being a size six, the bloating was so severe it would make me look pregnant.
I tried various dietary changes, including avoiding fatty foods and takeaways and even going gluten-free, but nothing seemed to help. It wasn't until I examined my drinking habits that I identified the culprit - coffee.
After cutting out coffee for three days, I noticed a significant reduction in me bloating. I also ditched English breakfast tea and fizzy pop for a while.
Further research led me to discover the gut benefits of peppermint tea, which prompted me to purchase some. I opted for a box of Diplomat Peppermint Infusion Tea Bags from Aldi for 89p, with 40 bags in a box, each cup costs around 2p, reports Surrey Live.
The transformation has been remarkable. Not only is my stomach the flattest it's been in ages, but I can even indulge in a cup of coffee now and then (not daily), and as long as I have a peppermint tea on the same day, I won't bloat.
It means I can slip back into my tight dresses and t-shirts without constantly having to hold in my stomach and tense my gut muscles. Peppermint tea is widely acknowledged for its digestive benefits, with many people, like myself, claiming it helps ease issues such as gas and bloating.
While there isn't a wealth of human research backing these claims, many animal studies suggest that peppermint may have a calming effect on the digestive tract. Peppermint tea aids digestion in several ways:
- Relaxing stomach muscles
- Improving bile flow
- Reducing bloating
- Easing IBS symptoms
It can soothe an upset stomach by relaxing the stomach and digestive tract muscles, allowing food to pass through the stomach more swiftly. Additionally, peppermint tea can enhance the flow of bile, which assists the body in digesting fats.
It can also help alleviate bloating by relaxing the muscles that allow gas to pass. Peppermint tea is naturally sweet and free of caffeine.
A 2014 review analysed nine studies involving 726 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treated with peppermint oil for at least two weeks. The review found that peppermint oil significantly relieved symptoms more than a placebo.
A study involving 72 individuals with IBS also found that peppermint oil capsules reduced symptoms by 40% after four weeks, compared to a mere 24.3% improvement in the placebo group. While peppermint tea is generally safe for most people, it can cause irritation.
Those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should steer clear of it as it can worsen their symptoms. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and young children should seek advice from a healthcare professional before consuming peppermint tea.
Besides easing digestive issues, peppermint tea has been shown to possess several other health benefits, including:
- May help relieve tension headaches and migraines
- May freshen your breath
- May relieve clogged sinuses
- May improve energy
- May help relieve menstrual cramps
- May be beneficial against bacterial infections
- May improve your sleep
- May aid in weight loss
- May improve seasonal allergies
- May improve concentration
Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for any time of day. You can savour it after meals to support digestion, enjoy it in the afternoon for an energy lift, or sip it before bedtime to unwind.