Bloating 101
There can be a number of different causes of bloating, but whatever the reason, I’m sure we can all agree it is uncomfortable. What makes it worse is bloating can sometimes trick you into thinking you haven’t lost weight or that you are doing something wrong - typically, that is not the case. The good news is that there are ways to get rid of bloating so you can feel comfortable again!
These are my top tips to help you de-bloat:
Drink water
Try ginger
Stay away from salt
Take a probiotic
Exercise
Drink tea
Drink water. Drink plenty of water! Water can help to restore balance in your body and help it to run smoothly again, which is exactly what you need after eating fatty and sugary foods. When you’re feeling bloated and full, drinking things such as soft drinks may make it worse. The bubbles in fizzy drinks move air into your stomach, which can make you feel more bloated and uncomfortable. Try to keep a water bottle with you at all times — it makes it easier to remember to sip on water throughout the day.
Exercise. It might be the last thing you feel like doing but exercise can help you to debloat fast. When you move the muscles in your body, it stimulates blood flow, which can help to ‘wake up’ your digestive process. Gentle stretches can also be useful for stimulating your organs and aiding the digestive process. A short walk can help too!
Probiotics. Another way to help your body debloat is to include some probiotics in your day. Probiotics can help to balance the digestive flora in your gut, which can help create a healthy microbiome and reduce bloating. You can find probiotics in food sources such as yogurt, kimchi and other fermented foods. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplement, however, remember to check the ingredients list for any sugars or additives.
Even if you are feeling bloated, for whatever reason, remember that you still need to eat. It might be tempting to skip a meal but that will only cause your blood sugar to drop, which can make you feel irritable. It may also lead to overeating later in the day. Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself and feel guilty if you have overindulged and strayed from your healthy eating habits. Now you know how to debloat, you can focus on helping yourself to feel better.
