Does Matcha Help with Bloating?
Does matcha help with bloating?
If you’ve dealt with uncomfortable bloating, you may have looked far and wide for different solutions. One option that you may want to try is adding warm matcha to your diet.
Matcha may help with bloating because it contains antioxidants and catechins with anti-inflammatory properties. It can alleviate bloating by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
In this blog, we’ll answer if matcha helps with bloating, including other symptoms like gas, acid reflux, and constipation. We’ll review the key compounds found in matcha that positively affect digestive health and bloating.
You’ll also learn about five herbal teas to help with bloating and a matcha recipe to add to your daily routine. So, try it yourself to see if matcha is an effective remedy for your bloating.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea made from the finely ground leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Other green teas require steeping and discarding the leaves, while matcha contains the entire leaf, making it a more potent source of nutrients.
Matcha stands out amongst other teas for its vibrant green hue. Additionally, it contains rich antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants can fight free radicals, support skin health, and boost metabolism.
Matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid is known for its potential to promote relaxation while boosting focus and concentration. It creates balance with matcha’s caffeine content, which results in a sustained energy boost without the crash of coffee.
You can enjoy it as a tea, add it to smoothies, or even use it in baking recipes.
Does Matcha Help with Bloating?
Bloating is an uncomfortable feeling, especially if it happens every day. So, can matcha do the magic of providing relief?
Yes, matcha can help with bloating because it’s rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by bloating. In particular, matcha contains catechins, which may help relieve bloating symptoms.
Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness and eases tension. Bloating is often a symptom of stress, so drinking a cup of matcha may calm your mind and soothe your digestive system.
Additionally, matcha contains caffeine which can act as a mild diuretic. Diuretics help your body remove excess water and reduce bloating. By increasing urine production, you flush out any excess sodium and water retention that might lead to bloatedness.
How long does it take for matcha to get rid of bloating?
If you’re dealing with bloating, you likely want to know how long it takes for matcha to take effect.
How long it takes for matcha to relieve bloating varies from person to person. It ultimately depends on individual factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health.
Sometimes, you may notice less bloating within a few hours after drinking matcha. While for others, it takes a lot longer because they need to remedy the root of the bloating.
How Matcha Helps with Digestion
Matcha boasts numerous health benefits, including a positive effect on digestion. The rich antioxidants and nutrients in matcha support a healthy digestive system.
Matcha contains polyphenols, specifically catechin, which reportedly boost healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is key for the overall health of your intestines and supports digestion.
Healthy bacteria help break down food and support your body in absorbing essential nutrients.
Matcha has a gentle effect on the digestive system and may even address common gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can diminish inflammation in the stomach lining, alleviating stomach ulcer symptoms.
Additionally, pure matcha is considered gluten-free because it only contains the entire green tea leaf.
Below are several common questions and concerns about the role of matcha in digestive health, such as stomach acid, GERD, constipation, and more.
Does matcha help with stomach acid?
Matcha contains tannins which can increase stomach acid. As mentioned, matcha also contains caffeine, which can produce acid in the stomach. Although matcha has acidic properties, it contains catechins which have been shown to neutralize stomach acid.
Does matcha help with GERD?
The evidence is still early on the impact of matcha helping with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
On a positive note, antioxidants might help combat inflammation and protect the esophageal lining. While it may help balance stomach acid levels, everyone will respond differently.
Is matcha OK for IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition in up to 15 percent of the United States population. It affects the stomach and intestines and can lead to bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation.
Matcha is low FODMAP, meaning it’s fine for anyone with IBS. However, it depends on the person and their specific triggers and tolerances.
Some people with IBS may find that matcha can irritate their symptoms because it contains caffeine.
Does matcha help with constipation?
Matcha contains caffeine, stimulating the digestive system and speeding up bowel movement. Drink hot instead of cold matcha because warm beverages act as a vasodilator that helps with contractions in the small intestine and increases transit time through your gut.
Does matcha help with acid reflux?
While matcha may help balance stomach acid levels, it’s essential to note that caffeine, a component found in matcha, can cause acid reflux symptoms in some individuals.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or prone to acid reflux, it may be best to talk to your doctor before incorporating matcha into your diet.
Does matcha help with gas?
Matcha might help with gas and indigestion due to its combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s essential to remember that individual results may vary.
5 Best Teas That Help with Bloating
As you’ve learned, matcha has powerful effects on its ability to help with bloating. But matcha isn’t the only tea with anti-bloating properties.
There are a variety of teas that can help soothe your stomach and alleviate discomfort. Below are some of the best teas to try when feeling bloated.
1. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is known for its minty taste and ability to aid digestion. It contains menthol, which helps relax your gastrointestinal muscles, relieving bloating and gas.
Peppermint tea doesn’t contain caffeine. You can drink this after a meal or in the evening to alleviate bloating.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a popular choice for digestion issues. This herbal tea has been used for centuries to relieve nausea, bloating, and inflammation.
Drinking warm ginger tea helps stimulate your digestive system and ease discomfort. You can make ginger tea by steeping ginger root in hot water or using a store-bought ginger tea bag.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties that aid relaxation and alleviate stress-induced bloating. Additionally, this tea aids digestion and reduces gas.
Simply steep a chamomile tea bag or dried chamomile flowers in hot water for a soothing cup of tea. Additionally, chamomile has a sedative effect which can help with falling asleep.
4. Fennel Tea
Fennel is frequently used as a digestive aid and can help relieve gas, bloating, and cramps.
To make fennel tea, gently crush fennel seeds and steep them in hot water or opt for an easy-to-use fennel tea bag.
5. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root is a herbal tea that is packed with nutrients and is a potent detoxifier, which can help alleviate water retention and bloating.
Adding these different teas into your routine can make a big difference in relieving bloating and related discomfort. Also, you can mix and match these teas to create your own brew.
Recipe: How to Make Matcha for Bloating
If you are experiencing bloating and looking for a natural solution, adding matcha to your diet may help.
As a reminder, you get what you pay for with matcha.
Quality matcha is expensive because it’s a labor-intensive harvesting process sourced from Japan’s best-quality green tea leaves. Although there are cheaper options, they likely won’t have the vibrant green color you’d associate with quality matcha.
Follow this simple recipe to make a soothing matcha drink that can reduce bloating:
- Begin by heating 8 ounces of water to just below boiling point, around 175°F.
- While your water heats up, sift one teaspoon of high-quality matcha powder into a bowl using a fine mesh strainer to remove clumps.
- Once your water is ready, pour it over the sifted matcha powder.
- Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), briskly whisk the mixture in a zigzag motion for 1 to 2 minutes until the tea is frothy. This process will help aerate the matcha, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
When adding matcha to your diet, choose a high-quality, sugar-free powder, and avoid taking matcha supplements in excessive amounts, as they may disrupt your digestion.
I’d recommended using 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder per cup of water. This ratio will help you get the most flavor without overdoing it. But everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust to your liking.
Besides preparing matcha alone, you can blend the powder into smoothies or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha and Bloating
Does matcha help with water retention?
Matcha can help with water retention because of its diuretic properties. It can help your body release excess water and reduce bloating. However, stay mindful of your overall fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Is matcha or green tea better for bloating?
Both matcha and green tea can help with bloating because they contain antioxidants and compounds. While matcha is a more concentrated form of green tea, it’s difficult to say if one is definitively better than the other for bloating. You may find that either option works well for managing bloating, so it depends on personal preference.
Will a matcha latte make me bloated?
A matcha latte might cause bloating, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. The matcha is unlikely to cause bloating, but the milk or milk substitute in the latte may contribute. Try a lactose-free or non-dairy alternative, or enjoy matcha without added milk.
Can matcha powder cause gas?
Yes, like any other food product, matcha powder may cause gas in some individuals. Matcha is considered slightly acidic, which could cause gas production. However, most people can tolerate matcha well. If you notice that matcha powder causes gas or discomfort, limit your consumption.
Final Thoughts
Matcha can play a role in helping you reduce bloating because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It positively affects digestion and has the potential to alleviate gastrointestinal issues.
But matcha alone won’t alleviate all of your bloating issues. You should incorporate healthy foods, exercise, and stress relief to deal with bloating truly.
Other anti-bloating teas such as peppermint, ginger, chamomile, fennel, and dandelion root can also provide relief. By understanding the potential benefits of matcha and other teas, you can make informed decisions about your diet and the role of matcha.
