Bloat by Arrae works to beat belly bloat with a powerful combination of natural digestive aids. The ingredients in Bloat are not laxatives and they are non-habit forming, making this product safe to use frequently if needed. Ginger root, dandelion root, bromelain, slippery elm, lemon balm and peppermint work synergistically in this product to decrease gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort following meals. Let’s explore how each of these ingredients function in the body.

Ginger root, also known aszingiber officinale, has been traditionally used to treat a variety of common digestive complaints including dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence and abdominal pain. Dyspepsia is defined as, “postprandial fullness, early satiety, or epigastric pain or discomfort felt in the upper abdomen without any known structural cause or a concomitant diagnosis of IBS or gastroesophageal reflux disease”. Impaired gastric-emptying, or the time it takes for food to empty from the stomach and enter the small intestine, is a known cause of dyspepsia. Ginger root increases gastric emptying which results in decreased pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and reduced intestinal cramping, bloating and dyspepsia. Ginger’s ability to increase the rate of gastric emptying is due to its stimulating effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase. Trypsin and lipase are vital in the breakdown of fats and proteins. The bitter qualities of dandelion root also aid in fat and protein digestion.  

Dandelion root is a popular and tremendously bitter herb that is used to support the liver and optimize digestion. Digestive complaints are often caused by low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria. We need stomach acid to break down our food and release nutrients from that food. Hypochlorhydria can be caused by stress, medications like proton pump inhibitors, age and infections and is common in individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. An easy way to increase gastric acid secretion is by consuming bitter herbs, such as dandelion root, before a meal. Bitters work by first locally stimulating sensory receptors in the mouth and throat, initiating digestion. Further down the GI tract, they promote digestive secretions, including the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and liver. Bitters stimulate smooth muscle in the stomach to increase gastric emptying and cause the lower esophageal sphincter to contract, preventing reflux of food back up the esophagus. Dandelion root also stimulates the flow of bile from the liver which aids in the breakdown of fats and prevents constipation. Protein digestion is further supported in Bloat by bromelain. 

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that is derived from the pineapple plant. Most bromelain found in supplements comes from the stem of the plant. Along with helping to break down proteins, bromelain has also been shown to increase absorption of nutrients in the food that is being digested. Research also suggests that bromelain can decrease inflammation in the colon and reduce pro-inflammatory messengers that cause damage to the GI tract. Besides helping to optimize the digestion of fats and proteins, Bloat also contains slippery elm which is soothing to the digestive tract.

Slippery elm is a demulcent, mucilaginous herb. Mucilaginous herbs form a slippery mucilage when mixed with a liquid and create a soothing coating to the GI tract when swallowed. Traditionally, slippery elm has been used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, including reflux and gas, as its’ soothing qualities make it quite helpful in reducing abdominal discomfort. Slippery elm’s effectiveness is further amplified in Bloat with the presence lemon balm and peppermint.

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family. It has a mild lemon scent and has historically been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Medicinally, lemon balm can be helpful in decreasing abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas. It contains a variety of constituents, including rosmarinic acid, that have anti-spasmolytic (anti-spasm) and carminative (anti-gas) properties. In their product Bloat, Arrae pairs lemon balm with peppermint for a powerful carminative effect.

Peppermint effects the physiology of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon. It is a carminative, meaning it prevents gas buildup in the GI tract. Placebo controlled studies support peppermint’s use in treatment of IBS, functional dyspepsia, childhood functional dyspepsia and nausea. More research is needed at this time, but the available evidence suggests that peppermint, especially peppermint oil, acts as a smooth muscle relaxant that decreases spasms that result in pain and impaired digestion. Interestingly, peppermint may also help to decrease abdominal pain through analgesic effects when taken orally.

Bloat by Arrae is an effective, non-habit forming digestive supplement. The herbs and enzymes in this product are designed to soothe abdominal discomfort and the gas or bloating that commonly occurs following meals. Bloat does not contain any laxatives, making it safe for daily use if needed. It is not meant to be used as a weight loss aid, but instead to help you find food freedom and enjoy your favorite meals again!

Please note: If you have consistent, persistent or severe digestive concerns a visit to your healthcare provider may be indicated. 

References:

1. Hu, Ming-Luen et al. Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia.World J Gastroenterol. 2011 January ; 17(1) 105-110.
2. Bodagh, Mehrnaz Nikkhah, Maleki, Iradj and Hekmatdoost, Azita. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials.Food Science and Nutrition.November 2018.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fsn3.807. 
3. Pavan, Rajendra, Jain, Sapna and Kumar, Ajay. Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review.Biotechnology Research International. 2012. doi: 10.1155/2012/976203. 
4. Chumpitazi, Bruno P. et al. The physiologic effects and safety of Peppermint Oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018 March; 47(6): 738-752. Doi: 10.1111/apt.14519.