Try a New Routine that Can Aid Your Gut Health
Verified by: Lena Bakovic, MS, RDN, CNSC
Highlights
- Live it Up Super Greens- Best for Overall Nutrition
- Amazing Grass Greens Blend - Good for on a Budget
- Bloom Greens - Good for Flavor Variety
Often the result of underlying issues such as inadequate nutrient intake or intestinal inflammation, bloating can be a painful and inconvenient struggle for many of us. Greens powders, a whole foods vegetable supplement consisting of dehydrated leafy greens and often times probiotics, are a healthy and natural option you can explore for helping to reduce bloat. In this article, I'll be providing my opinion, as a dietitian, on the different greens powders for bloating on the market, what they bring to the table, and whether they might work for you.
5 Best Greens Powders for Bloating in 2024
Many greens powders are on the market, but some are much better than others at helping to support gut health. Based on my research and experience as a registered dietitian, here are the best greens powders for bloating and what to expect from each brand.
1. Live it Up Super Greens
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Live it Up Super Greens is one of the best all-around greens powders on its own, but it’s also our top pick as the best greens powder for bloating and digestive support thanks to the special attention paid to its probiotic and digestive enzyme blend.
The digestive enzyme complex in Super Greens is derived from papaya, pineapple, and vegetarian pepsin, which are formulated for healthy digestion and bloating discomfort. The complex also contains 5 billion CFUs of probiotics, which aid in developing healthy gut bacteria. Super Greens is 100% natural and made in the USA, making it a reliable and nutritious greens powder.
Beyond its potential for bloating, Super Greens also contains a wide variety of all-natural superfoods that may also assist a healthy immune response. The powder is plant-based and free of dairy, sugar, and gluten—an important factor for those with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities that could increase digestive upset.
Despite its abundance of greens, Super Greens has a pleasant taste and dissolves easily in water. And, unlike an artificially-flavored greens powder, Super Greens attains its flavor through the use of natural peppermint and monk fruit.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a healthy, plant-based greens powder to aid bloating discomfort, look no further than Super Greens. It has a delicious taste users love and the necessary ingredients to help support healthy digestion, with zero additives or fillers.
2. Bloom Greens & Superfoods
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Bloom Greens is a vegan greens powder that may aid with digestion, bloating, and immune function. It has over 30 ingredients, including fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. A single serving contains only 15 calories and various nutrients that can help you meet your daily requirements.
Bloom Greens' digestive enzyme blend contains seven major components that may help support bloating discomfort and overall digestive health. On the other hand, Bloom Greens contains sugar, stevia, and caffeine. Nonetheless, Bloom Greens may be a good option for promoting digestive balance, and their array of flavors can help those with more sensitive palates.
Bottom Line: Bloom Greens has quickly become one of the most popular greens powders for inflammation and bloat support. Even so, it lacks the same level of vitamin and mineral content found with other greens powders. Nonetheless, some people may enjoy its relatively simple formula and the variety of flavors it provides.
3. Amazing Grass Greens Blend
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Amazing Grass Greens Blend contains gut and digestive health-supporting ingredients such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber. Although this greens powder was not specifically developed or designed for bloating, its ingredients may support a healthy gut and digestive function.
Amazing Grass also uses plant-based, organic, and gluten-free ingredients. One serving has 30 calories, dietary fiber, and a few vitamins, but the ingredients differ depending on the flavor.
Even so, Amazing Grass Greens' strong digestive enzyme blend and fibrous greens make it an excellent choice for supporting digestive health, potentially even for bloating.
Bottom Line: Overall, Amazing Grass Greens Blend is one of the best greens powders on the market due to its carefully curated list of gut health-related ingredients. Like Bloom Greens & Superfoods, however, its list of vitamins and minerals leaves some room for improvement.
4. Organifi Green Juice
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Organifi Green Juice has an impressive ingredient and nutrient mix but is more expensive than other greens powders for bloating support. Still, this higher price point means a variety of flavors, including mint, green apple, and coconut, which favors customers who prefer changing their flavors every month rather than sticking with one.
In addition to its versatile flavor choices, this greens powder delivers powerful nutrients and improves overall health thanks to ingredients like matcha green tea, spirulina, and wheatgrass. Organifi Green Juice also contains fiber and digestive enzymes, which may help with bloating and digestion support. However, it lacks probiotics, so users may need to supplement this separately for their gut health.
Bottom Line: Organifi Green Juice can help contribute to immune wellness, support digestive health, and aid in weight loss plans, among other things. It also comes in several flavors and mixes well with liquid. However, it is more expensive than other greens powders and contains fewer superfoods and probiotics.
5. Live Conscious Beyond Greens
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Those who enjoy matcha may particularly like Beyond Greens, a greens powder with matcha green tea and a mushroom blend. Beyond Greens contains organic and natural ingredients that may support healthy energy levels and immune function. It also includes probiotics and digestive enzymes, which help to support the digestive system and potentially bloating discomfort.
Beyond Greens is highly concentrated; one 4 oz container contains 30 servings of approximately 115 grams per scoop. Because of its small size, it is reasonably priced while maintaining high nutritional value and solid manufacturing standards.
Bottom Line: Live Conscious Beyond Greens is an excellent choice for supporting overall health, and those who enjoy matcha will appreciate the flavor even more. Beyond Greens, while lacking some superfoods in comparison to other brands, still has a valuable selection of ingredients that can help reduce bloating.
What Are Greens Powders?
Greens powders generally include a nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable blend, along with other plant-based ingredients, depending on the brand. These powders dissolve in water or other liquids and provide significant nutritional value in a small serving size. Greens powders typically contain high levels of:
- Vitamins A, C, B, and others
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Superfoods like kale, spirulina, or barley grass
While greens powders are not direct replacements for all nutritional needs, they can help bridge the gap and may promote several health benefits, such as bloating and digestive support. When combined with quality whole foods, greens powders make it far more convenient to maintain a balanced diet.
What Do Greens Powders Do?
Most greens powders are used daily and can help support overall health, energy balance, healthy digestion, immunity, and more. While greens powders can be taken at any time of day, most consumers report the best success taking their servings in the morning to maximize the potential benefits throughout the day.
Depending on their formulas, dosages, and balance of superfoods, different greens powders have different purposes and uses. Still, most can help you meet daily nutrition intake requirements and benefit overall health.
For those wanting help with bloating, finding a greens powder with a potent blend of digestive enzymes can encourage healthy gut bacteria and reduce gastrointestinal issues.
How Do Greens Powders Help With Bloating?
Because of their digestive enzymes and probiotics, greens powders are a natural and effective way to relieve bloating. These enzymes aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. As a result, this process aids digestion and nutrient absorption, lowering the likelihood of bloating and discomfort.
Greens powders also contain fiber and probiotics, which help balance the bacteria in the gut, reducing inflammation and bloating. They also have a variety of vitamins and minerals that aid digestion. Because greens powders are simple to incorporate into your daily routine, they are an excellent choice for those who require daily nutritional support.
Potential Benefits of Greens Powders for Bloating
Because of their digestive enzymes and probiotics, greens powders are a natural and effective way to support bloating for many. These enzymes aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. As a result, this process aids digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting bloating discomfort.
Many greens powders also contain fiber and probiotics, which help balance bacteria in the gut and decrease inflammation. They also have a variety of vitamins and minerals that may aid digestion.
Due to the convenient nature of a concentrated powder, using these products to supplement your daily nutrition means you're much more likely to sustain balanced, healthy eating habits.
May Naturally Support Bloating
Greens powders with digestive enzymes and probiotics may help with bloating naturally. These enzymes work in the gut to break down food and make it easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
Importantly, this approach helps go after the root cause of bloating rather than addressing individual symptoms for temporary relief.
Promotes a Healthy Gut Microbiome
Greens powders can help deliver essential probiotics on a daily basis, which are proven to aid gut health and digestion.
Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, reduce inflammation, and may support common digestive issues such as acid reflux, constipation, and bloating. The combination of fibers, probiotics, and digestive enzymes found in a high-quality powder could aid the body's digestion.
What Ingredients in Green Powders Might Support Gut Health?
While most greens powders contain a wide range of ingredients intended to address various health issues, certain types may do more for gut health than others. Here are some of my favorites:
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes can assist with supporting gut health by breaking down complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the intestine. This can facilitate nutrient absorption and inflammation, which, in turn, may help with bloating discomfort and overall gut health. Papain, bromelain, and vegetarian pepsin are common digestive enzymes in greens powders.
Probiotics
Healthy gut microbiome, digestion, and reduced inflammation are all benefits of probiotics, which are live bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum are typical probiotic strains found in greens powders.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that nourish the bacteria in the gut. They stimulate and promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria, which may help regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation.
Fiber
The health of your digestive system and intestinal tract depends on getting enough fiber in your diet. This is due to the way that fiber reduces inflammation, encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and regulates bowel movements. Chia seeds and flaxseed are two examples of high-fiber ingredients.
Chlorella
This freshwater alga is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and proteins that support a healthy digestive system. Chlorella also supports a healthy immune system.
It is important to note, however, that some types of chlorella are far more bioavailable than others. Always look for cracked or broken cell wall chlorella in your greens powder.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is a natural diuretic with inulin famous for digestive support, antioxidant properties, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a popular dietary supplement with many antioxidant properties and nutrients, including phycocyanin, magnesium, iron, and copper. These nutrients may promote digestive wellness and aid bloating naturally.
Kale
Like spirulina, this superfood ranks among the most nutrient-dense foods thanks to its various benefits. Kale contains a high water and fiber content that may help with weight management and a healthy digestive system.
Alfalfa
This nutritious herb from the legume family assists your digestive system by supporting metabolic function.
Peppermint Leaf
Peppermint has proven to be a potential help for bloating and other digestive issues. Besides the refreshing flavor, peppermint may assist the bile flow in your digestive system and calm the stomach muscles. It may also help with digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Dandelion
Dandelion leaves have many remarkable purported health benefits, including supporting digestion thanks to its abundance of vitamins A, B, and C.
Superfoods
Foods high in nutrients, such as ginger, broccoli, and others, may support gut wellness. For instance, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties make it potentially helpful in easing nausea and settling an upset stomach.
How to Choose the Best Greens Powder for Bloating Support
Choosing the best greens powder can be confusing, with so many alternatives in the market. In my experience, it helps to focus on these critical factors when comparing different products:
- Ingredient quality
- Balanced nutrients
- Taste
- No additives or fillers
- Transparent labeling and sourcing
Nutrients
Each brand uses a unique formula for its greens powder, so each will offer different nutrients. When looking for the ideal greens powder for bloating support, look for options that boost your mineral and vitamin intake in addition to any specific health goals you have.
For instance, one spoonful of Live it Up Super Greens contains a blend of superfoods that revitalize your body with folic acid, iron, vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals. While this powder may aid bloating, it also provides all the nutrients you need for overall wellness.
Additives
Most greens powders contain additives like thickeners. Some products have gelatin from animal sources or carrageenan from seaweed. Although such thickeners may be harmless, it's best to avoid drinking powder products with high additive levels.
All ingredients in Live it Up’s green powder are natural and have no additives like sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Clean Ingredients
Checking the product label for ingredients is vital when buying your super greens powder. Look for products with nutritious leafy greens and vegetables, and remember that some greens powders are not vegan-friendly or gluten-free.
Live it Up Super Greens stands out because it is allergen-friendly and suitable for many types of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Fiber Quantity
While the right mix of anti-inflammatory foods and fiber may help prevent bloating and promote better gut health, it’s important to only consume the recommended amount of fiber. Going over your daily recommended amount can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people.
- The daily recommended dose of fiber is 25g for women and 38g for men
- Most green powders contain about 2-5g of fiber per serving
Sourcing and Labeling
When choosing the best greens powder for bloating, it's best to go for a product made in the USA under strict manufacturing guidelines that has been third-party tested for quality. Some countries don't enforce stringent guidelines like the U.S., so some overseas products may have harmful substances. Live it Up products are USA-made in a GMP-certified facility, so you can be confident that the label matches the content.
Taste
Even the best greens powder in the world is useless if you can't bring yourself to use it.
Depending on your preferences, consider opting for a naturally sweetened powder, such as one that uses monk fruit. This will balance out the traditional earthy flavor of most powders and make it more likely that you'll remain consistent with your daily intake.
How Should You Implement Green Powders into Your Routine?
As discussed previously, adding green powders into your daily routine is an easy way to implement fruits and veggies into your practices. Whether added to a glass of water or your favorite fruit smoothie, the right greens powder can be a welcome addition to countless snacks and recipes. Once added to your drink of choice, you can consume all the vegetables you need in minutes, making it perfect for an early-morning pick-me-up that lasts all day.
You can drink super greens powders on your way to work, before working out, during your lunch break, or after dinner. For those with stomach problems, taking your serving after dinner may provide your body with nutrients to help you digest your food while heading to bed, which may make a significant difference in how you feel the next morning.
Are Greens Powders Right For You?
It is important to note that not all people will experience side effects from greens powders. It is uncommon to experience side effects since most ingredients are listed on the products. Read the packaging and components to prevent side effects like allergic reactions.
In most cases, no side effects are associated with Live it Up Super Greens. It is all-natural, dairy-free, gluten-free, and also vegan. But there are some potential side effects to keep in mind for some people.
Please thoroughly check the label to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients and prevent negative responses. You may want to consult your physician before committing to one a super greens powder.
What Are Some Green Powder Recipes?
Here are a few recipes to look forward to when you receive your Super Greens.
- Add a scoop of your Live it Up greens powder to pancake batter
- Add a scoop of your green powder to a fruit smoothie
- Create homemade fruit snacks and eat them on the go.
- Make green eggs and ham by adding a small scoop of the greens powder to your eggs
- Mix the greens powder into your cereal or oatmeal and top with fresh veggies
- Add the greens powder into a yummy homemade soup
- Mix it in your mousse to create a hip dessert topping
- Stir into salad dressing
Why Live it Up Super Greens for Bloating
Live it Up makes it possible to enjoy an entire glass of green leafy vegetables as a dietary supplement in your daily routine. Live it Up created Super Greens to help support digestive health by including dairy-free probiotics and powerful digestive enzymes.
Start supporting your health and digestive system and receive powerful, all-natural nutrients in a single scoop with this daily greens powder designed for you.
FAQs about Best Greens Powder for Bloating
Can greens powder make you feel bloated?
Greens powders are full of probiotics and digestive enzymes, which may help with bloating. It also supports gut health and is a high-antioxidant health supplement. It is essential to measure your fiber intake because a high fiber intake could increase your chances of bloating. Also, greens powder only has 2-5g of fiber per serving, and the average serving of fiber is about 25g daily.
Can greens powders cause allergies?
Greens powders only cause allergies if you are allergic to the ingredients within the supplement. At Live it Up, we promote transparency and add all ingredients to the label. Be sure to check if you are allergic to any ingredients within the powders. While it is uncommon to have an allergic reaction to Live it Up's greens powders, it is still possible. Consult with your physician if an allergic reaction happens, and cease taking the powders.
Do greens powders keep you regular?
The digestive enzymes in greens powders should promote your bowel movements due to the fiber added to the powders. Fiber has many health benefits, but its primary use is promoting a healthy digestive system that supports gut health.
Are greens powders for everyone?
Greens powders are made to support everyone. Live it Up has created a product full of green vegetables that is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and supports your digestive health. If you are taking any medicine and want to implement greens powders into your diet, please consult with your physician or dietitian before committing to one of the greens powders.
What is a superfood?
A superfood is a nutrient-rich food that can benefit overall health and well-being. These foods are often high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can support the immune system, energy levels, and digestive health.
How much do greens powders cost?
Typically, a good greens powder costs between $1.20 and $3.50 per serving, and many greens powders offer added perks such as subscription discounts or free shipping. Remember that expensive doesn't always mean good, so compare the price of a powder to the different factors outlined above.
References
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important/2019/07#:~:text=Gut%20health%20refers%20to%20the,constipation%2C%20bloating%20and%20loose%20stools.
- https://www.medpagetoday.com/gastroenterology/generalgastroenterology/101809#:~:text=Abdominal%20bloating%20is%20a%20relatively,)%2C%20or%20carbohydrate%20enzyme%20deficiency.
- https://bloomnu.com/products/greens-superfoods?tw_source=google&tw_adid=666802323826&tw_campaign=7409853341&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLrgQqdPdtKaLdl0WrtXRJFvzuAXMB_rYoQP1gbTpJko1kB9pJdcfzBoCGTYQAvD_BwE
- https://shop.amazinggrass.com/collections/greens-blend?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLsugZJ8BHfrUDFzWrg_6K9c13OSYrtwB6123xD6p0WkRKCjCCHZKIBoCrzwQAvD_BwE
- https://www.organifishop.com/
- https://weliveconscious.com/product/beyond-greens-shopping?tr=peKDVDx&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A18200849743%3A%3A&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=358983895&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=LWL3055&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLiiheI40A01VccsnRY3OhMJMIih4vXEcougEVy4J8gIjqEkQnweliRoCr1sQAvD_BwE
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-digestive-enzymes
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5900870/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chia-seeds-ibs#:~:text=Reduce%20inflammation-,Chia%20seeds%20are%20a%20good%20source%20of%20fiber%20and%20omega,pain%2C%20bloating%2C%20and%20diarrhea.
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/burdock#:~:text=Burdock%20contains%20inulin%2C%20a%20natural,properties%20that%20could%20improve%20health.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270435#:~:text=Kale%20is%20high%20in%20fiber,and%20a%20healthy%20digestive%20tract.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alfalfa
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/how-much-fiber-per-day
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