What to Drink for a Bloated Stomach

You know that feeling when your stomach is puffed up like a balloon and you’re not even sure why?

Yeah, bloating is the worst. It sneaks up at the worst times—like right before dinner with friends or when you desperately want to zip up your favorite jeans. It can make you feel sluggish, foggy, and, honestly, uncomfortable in your own skin.

The good news? There are simple drinks you can try that may help calm the bloat and make your belly feel a bit more like itself again.

First things first: what’s behind the bloat?

Sometimes it’s something you ate. Other times, it’s stress, hormones, not enough movement, or just not enough water. And occasionally, it’s a little mystery your body’s keeping to itself.

Whatever the cause, there are a few everyday drinks that people (including me) have found helpful. No fancy powders or super-expensive supplements—just practical stuff you might already have in your kitchen.

Let’s break it down by type.

1. Warm water with lemon

It’s simple, and it works more often than you’d think.

Warm water (not boiling, just cozy) mixed with fresh lemon juice can help move digestion along. Think of it like a gentle wake-up call for your digestive system.

Lemon contains a compound called d-limonene, which has been researched for its potential digestive benefits. Some people also say this combo makes them feel “lighter” in the morning or after a heavy meal.

What to try: Squeeze half a fresh lemon into a mug of warm water. Sip slowly, especially first thing in the morning or after eating something that’s sitting uncomfortably.

2. Peppermint tea

This one’s a classic for a reason.

Peppermint has been used for centuries as a go-to for digestive discomfort. The natural oils in peppermint may help relax the muscles in the gut, which could ease bloating and gas in some cases.

Plus, peppermint tea is caffeine-free, so you can sip it in the evening without messing up your sleep.

I’ve personally started keeping peppermint tea bags at work because I tend to bloat after lunch (probably from eating too fast). Peppermint tea doesn’t fix everything, but it makes a noticeable difference. It helps me feel more comfortable and focused for the rest of the day.

What to try: Brew peppermint tea like you would any herbal tea. Let it steep a little longer—around 7-10 minutes—and drink it warm, not hot.

3. Fennel seed tea

This one’s a little lesser-known but super powerful.

Fennel seeds have a mild licorice-like flavor and have been traditionally used to support digestion and reduce bloating. There’s actually some interesting research around fennel's potential to reduce intestinal gas and soothe digestion. Wild, right?

You can buy fennel tea pre-made, or go the old-school route: take a teaspoon of fennel seeds, crush them gently, and steep them in hot water for 10 minutes.

What to try: Drink fennel tea after meals that usually leave you bloated—like pasta, bread-heavy meals, or dairy (if you’re sensitive to it).

4. Ginger water or ginger tea

Ginger is like that friend who’s always got your back.

It’s warming, soothing, and has been used for generations to support digestion. Plus, ginger may help your stomach empty more efficiently, which could reduce bloating that comes from food just sitting too long.

Sometimes I’ll slice up a bit of fresh ginger, throw it in hot water with some lemon, and sip it slowly. It’s grounding and honestly kind of comforting.

What to try: Grate or slice fresh ginger (about a tablespoon), steep it in warm water for at least 10 minutes, and add a touch of honey or lemon if you want. You can also keep ginger tea bags around for quick sips.

5. Plain water (yes, seriously)

Don’t underestimate pure, simple water.

Staying hydrated keeps everything moving—including digestion. When your body’s low on water, it holds onto whatever it can, which can mean puffiness and bloating. Kind of annoying, right?

Drinking enough water helps your system flush out excess salt (especially after salty meals) and supports regular digestion.

If you’re not a fan of the plain stuff, try infusing it with cucumber, mint, or citrus. Just don’t confuse hydration with downing three sparkling waters in a row—carbonation can sometimes add to bloating if you’re sensitive to it.

What to try: Aim for consistent sipping throughout the day instead of gulping a bottle all at once. Keep it easy and casual.

6. Aloe vera juice (in moderation)

Okay, this one’s a little more niche, but worth mentioning.

Aloe vera—yep, the same plant you put on sunburns—can also be taken in small doses as a drink. Some people find it soothing for digestion and find it helps ease occasional bloating.

But here’s the thing: not all aloe drinks are created equal. Some are loaded with sugar or unclear about sourcing. Look for plain, food-grade aloe juice and start with a small amount, like 1–2 ounces mixed with water.

What to try: Mix a small splash of aloe vera juice with water and sip it gently. Don’t go overboard—this one’s better in low amounts.

A few extras that might surprise you

• Sparkling water: Some people love it for digestion, others feel bloated after drinking it. Try both and see how your body reacts. I personally get bloated from too many bubbles, so I keep it to a minimum.

• Chamomile tea: Known for helping with winding down, but also really calming for the stomach. Can be especially useful if your bloating seems stress-related.

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV): Some folks swear by a tablespoon in warm water before meals to “prime” their digestion. There’s not a ton of hard science, but if you try it, keep it diluted—raw vinegar is strong stuff.

Final thoughts

Feeling bloated can throw off your whole vibe. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes just has no clear cause. But small things—like what you sip—really can make a difference.

You don’t need a fridge full of wellness shots or a 30-minute smoothie routine. Just some heat, a few herbs, and a little curiosity go a long way.

Try one or two of these drinks this week. Don’t overthink it. Pay attention to how your body feels. And remember: your stomach is just trying to tell you something.

Sometimes, it just wants a warm cup of kindness.

Let me know what works for you—I’m always up for a good bloating-busting tip.