Dietitians say this simple home remedy after-dinner drink is likely to help with digestion and bloating

Even though dinner is the most soothing meal of the day, it's not always comfy afterwards. Some people experience bloating, gas, or an upset stomach right before bed after eating a large dinner and spending the evening on the couch. Although there isn't a miracle beverage that may improve digestion right away, dietitians say ginger tea is a common kitchen item that might be worth trying.

Why Ginger Tea Stands Out?

In an interview with Prevention, registered dietitian Michele Waide suggested ginger tea as a post-meal choice because the chemicals in ginger may facilitate the passage of food through the digestive system. Gingerol is one of the most well-known natural chemicals found in ginger. Ginger and its active ingredients have been linked in studies to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger has also been investigated for its potential to alleviate symptoms including nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Another obvious benefit of the beverage is that it contains water. According to Waide, proper hydration is crucial for digestion. Water supports intestinal cells, aids in the dissolution of nutrients, and can help avoid constipation.

Fresh Ginger May Be a Better Option

The amount of ginger in each cup of ginger tea varies. Allyson Balzuweit, a registered dietitian, told Prevention that a typical tea bag can contain comparatively little ginger. She recommended grating fresh ginger or slicing it and steeping it in hot water for those who wanted a bolder beverage. This does not negate the use of packaged ginger tea. Balzuweit pointed out that tea bags can still be a calming beverage, especially if making fresh ginger every nite is not feasible. Additionally, there's no need to fill the cup with sugar. The dietitians advised staying away from drinks with added sugar or caffeine in the late evening, especially if they might disrupt your sleep.

Don't Forget What You Do After Dinner

Drinking is just one aspect of the problem. Movement was actually Balzuweit's best post-dinner digestion advice. She recommended going for a little walk or possibly doing some light housework instead of settling down on the couch right away. The concept is straightforward: little activity following a meal can aid with digestion without necessitating a strenuous workout.

Why Dinner Can Leave You Feeling Uncomfortable

The body does not inherently have a harder time digesting dinner than it does breakfast or lunch. The meal's timing and portion amount can have an impact. Dinner is frequently one of the biggest meals Americans eat, as Prevention notes. Additionally, compared to meals consumed earlier in the day, it occurs relatively close to bedtime, giving the body less time to digest before lying down. This clarifies the significance of an evening routine.

Persistent digestive issues shouldn't be treated with a warm cup of ginger tea; instead, severe or recurrent symptoms should be treated by a doctor. However, the dietitians' suggestion for occasional post-dinner discomfort is surprisingly simple: take some ginger, drink plenty of water, and move for a few minutes instead of going straight to the couch. Sometimes all it takes to make the end of a big meal a bit more comfortable is to turn on the kettle.