They say summer bodies are made in the winter, which might mean that winter bodies are made…right about now. But since getting to a “winter body” isn’t exactly on anyone’s to-do list, we figure we may as well keep enjoying the summer and avoiding the dreaded bloat that may be settling in.
The Heat Is Not Helping
Summer comes with its own bloating worries that need not wait until December. It’s well known that a major cause of abdominal bloating is dehydration, which often comes with the territory in the sweltering heat of the summer months. Typical summertime foods like cocktails, soda, and ice cream certainly don’t help the situation. Then, of course, there is the general puffiness and swelling that comes with any kind of sustained heat. In any high-heat situation, the body retains fluid to stay hydrated, and the blood vessels dilate in order to make room for more blood flow to your extremities—a phenomenon known as heat edema. Further, there’s the dreaded ankle swelling from those inevitable long walks and hikes on super-sunny vacations or weekend retreats.
Digestion & Hormones
Digestion itself, as well as hormone fluctuations (especially for women), are a major issue at hand, which can present challenges all year round if not properly tended to. Bloating is mostly the result of excess gas which is in turn produced by poor digestion (delayed, blocked, sensitive, or slow) and constipation. This can appear in the hands, feet, abdomen, as well as other areas.
The Tea on Bloating Relief
To keep things svelte and the blood flowing, there are many remedies, but we’ve got a special one in mind—you guessed it. Our edit of teas that help for digestion and gut health are also the ones that will keep you looking as fabulous as you feel when you indulge in these teas regularly.
How These Teas Actually Work
These loose leaf flavors and blends contain powerful probiotics, and sometimes polyphenols, that help your gut bacteria break down fats, thereby aiding your body’s natural defenses and promoting your ability to heal and process food on your own. Providing stomach relief, regularity, and a break from the bloat, these caffeinated and naturally caffeine-free teas include ingredients like mint, fennel, pu’erh tea, and more, all of which have been shown to help alleviate symptoms like stomach cramping, gas, indigestion, bowel irregularity, and even nausea.
Our Favorite Debloating Teas
Now for the real fun: our most adored selections. Although you really can’t go wrong picking from the Heavenly Tea Leaves edit—a complete collection of digestive teas—it’s always fun to play favorites.
Minty Morning
Start any balmy morning with Minty Morning. There is perhaps no digestive with a more immediate and satisfying effect than spearmint and peppermint. This organic blend also features a caffeine bolster, black tea, plus lemongrass for some brightness and balance.
Butterfly Pea Flower
Next on the roster: Butterfly Pea Flower, a rare tea that is tasty and tart, and full of antioxidants that are linked to the alleviation of inflammation. This herbal tea—drinkable at any time of day or night—is distinct in its bright blue color (a great conversation starter for when you have company on the patio).
Jasmine Green
Afternoon pick-me-up needed? Try Jasmine Green, a floral and uplifting take on the notoriously wellness-promoting classic green tea. This earthy blend originates in China and delivers taste, comfort, and hopefully a flatter midsection and lighter ankles by end of day!
Chamomile Lavender
Finally, for an evening sip, enjoy the naturally caffeine-free Chamomile Lavender. While the chamomile, as we all know, will help put you to bed without a fuss, it’s really the lavender that we’re focused on for July. By relaxing the body, and specifically the digestive tract, lavender may aid in making digestion both more efficient and helping in nutrient absorption (not to mention reducing flatulence!).
So, there you have it—a full day’s worth of the absolute best Heavenly Tea Leaves has to offer when it comes to a less bloated body and the freedom to enjoy the rest of the summer without a care.
