Getting a flat tummy doesn’t have to be difficult. There are things you can do to help flatten your stomach. Flat tummy water could trim your waistline and help you flaunt a toned body.
But what is flat tummy water? Where do you buy it? Flat tummy water isn’t available in stores, but you can make it at home.
Flat tummy water contains a few simple ingredients. It is a mixture of water, ginger, cucumber, lemon, and mint leaves. It is a good alternative to high-calorie drinks and provides many health benefits, too.
Does Flat Tummy Water Work? Know Its Health Benefits
Flat tummy water isn’t just an alternative to water or sugary beverages. It is a health tonic. Flat tummy water has many health benefits.
1. Hydrates the body
Drinking flat tummy water post-workout may help burn fat and cool down the body.
2. Prevents bloating
Flat tummy water helps with digestion and prevents bloating. It helps reduce bloating caused by high-sodium foods. It flushes out the sodium in your body and relieves discomfort due to digestion issues.
3. Cleanses the digestive tract
Flat tummy water helps to regulate and clear your digestive tract. It also reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. It helps break down food and makes its passage easier. This aids in the digestion process, and in a way, helps you get rid of tummy fat gradually.
4. Curbs cravings
Flat tummy water may help curb your sweet cravings. It is an ideal weight loss drink which also keeps you hydrated. You can sip it throughout the day.
5 Flat Tummy Water Side Effects
A flat tummy water detox is used to cleanse the body and get rid of toxins. But, detoxification also has some side effects.
These are five possible side effects of flat tummy water.
1. Headaches
Detoxification can cause headaches. People who detoxify their body for the first time may experience this side effect.
It may last from a few minutes to few hours. The headache can be a migraine, cluster headache, or a tension headache.
2. Fatigue and weakness
If you go for an intensive cleanse lasting more than 10 days, you may experience the above symptoms. During a cleanse, the body is deprived of the essential nutrients, which may lead to fatigue and weakness.
The absence of proteins in a diet makes the muscles weak, too. We recommend you consult your doctor if you want to do a detox for more than three days.
3. Frequent urination
The detox process directly affects the digestive tract. The detox drink acts as a diuretic, so you may experience frequent urination while your body gets rid of the toxins.
It occurs especially during the first two to three days of the detox. You may also suffer from loose bowel movements due to the high acid concentration.
4. Persistent flatulence
The body removes toxins from the body not only in the form of urine but also as gas. A person on a detox diet may experience persistent flatulence throughout the day.
5. Bad breath
The acid concentration in the digestive tract can lead to bad breath. You may also experience a creamy brown, orange, or white coating on the tongue, which causes bacterial buildup and further contributes to bad breath. Use a mouth freshener or try eating light foods in between to help reduce the bad breath.
Flat Tummy Nutrition Facts
Each ingredient in flat tummy water is healthy and low in calories.
Water
Water is life. It is the most important element for hydration. Dehydration can slow down the fat-burning process. Consuming water an hour before meals will help keep you full and control your food intake.
Cucumber
A cucumber contains 95% water. It is low in calories and high in fiber. They are highly recommended for weight loss diets.
Related: 12 Health Benefits of Cucumber Juice
Cucumbers are a healthy snack to eat. They enhance skin health. Cucumbers contain vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and B, as well as calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and iron.
Some of these nutrients are also present in energy drinks, but they naturally occur in cucumbers.
Lemon
Lemons are high in pectin, fiber, and vitamin C. This fiber forms a gel-like substance in the intestine which aids digestion.
Lemon is refreshing and is good to cure acidity and overall digestion issues. It helps to detoxify and cleanse the body.
Related: Lemon Water for Weight Loss: How It Helps with a Cleanse
Vitamin C acts as an immunity booster. Lemons help get rid of skin problems, too.
Ginger
According to a study published in the Metabolism Journal, people who drank a hot beverage with ginger felt more satiated and helped prevent them from overeating.
Ginger also contains gingerol, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds help relieve gastrointestinal (GI) irritation caused by toxins, food, and other lifestyle changes.
Related: More Benefits of Ginger Water
Mint leaves
These green leaves not only give a refreshing flavor, but also help curb appetite. Mint leaves also stop cravings.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, mint benefits the digestive tract. It helps soothe an upset stomach and aids in digestion. Mint also contains some powerful antioxidants.
Basil leaves
According to research done at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, basil has good amounts of beta-caryophyllene (BCP). It helps treat many inflammatory issues and bowel disorders.
How to Make Flat Tummy Water
Cucumber, lemon, and ginger are the main flat tummy water ingredients. Here is a simple and rejuvenating flat tummy water recipe.
Simple Flat Tummy Water Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 6 cups of filtered water
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ½ cup of mint leaves
Directions
Add all the above ingredients into a mason jar. You can substitute ginger with ginger root powder.
Allow the ingredients to steep overnight so that the flavors get infused. Stir and enjoy. You can also refrigerate this drink for two days.
Flat Tummy Water with Basil Recipe
Here is another refreshing flat tummy water detox recipe.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Cucumber
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Mint leaves
- Basil leaves
- Rock salt
Directions
Add one liter of water to a jug. Add 10 pieces of sliced cucumber to the water. Then, add one lemon and a teaspoon of grated ginger.
Tear four to five mint leaves and add them to the water. Add a teaspoon of rock salt and stir. Leave the mixture overnight.
How Often Should I Drink Flat Tummy Water to Reap Its Benefits?
Flat tummy water isn’t a magical formula that works overnight. It can, however, work when accompanied by a healthy diet and a regular workout routine.
So, how often should you drink flat tummy water? Generally, it is a safe and healthy drink, but don’t overdo it. Be sure to drink some plain water in between. You can try water infused with your favorite fresh fruits as well.
If you are on certain medications or have health issues, consult your doctor before opting for this kind of detox.
Related:
Sources:
“Cleanse side effects,” Detox & Body Cleanse; http://www.detoxandbodycleanse.com/detox-diets/cleanse-side-effects/, last accessed April 20, 2017.