July 10, 2017
We’ve all had those days where we have the dreaded bloat.
Seven Ways You Can Reduce Your Feeling of Puffiness and Bloating
Drink Lots of Water
Fluids will assist in removing waste and help with constipation especially when you consume a lot of high sodium foods. Aim for 8 250ml glasses of water a day to help push the extra fluid away.
Eliminate Consumption of Processed Foods
Processed foods are usually loaded with sodium which will enhance the feeling of puffiness. Try to cut down on these foods to make you and your stomach feel better.
Increase Your Intake of Potassium Rich Foods
Potassium is a mineral which helps regulate the fluid balance in your body. A diet high in potassium acts as diuretic which helps flush out the system. Foods high in potassium include spinach, bananas, tomatos, winter squash, sweet potatoes, yogurt and avocados.
Slow Down
Often times we’re eating on the run, or talking while eating, which usually means we’re eating too fast while swallowing in a lot of air. Eating your foods slowly and mindfully, will avoid stomach bloat and pressure. Studies show that you may end up eating less if you eat your foods slowly.
Exercise
Get up and move! Exercise, even a brisk 15 minute walk, will help quickly move things along through the digestive tract. Ideally you should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 times a week.
Try Ginger
Ginger contains compounds called gingeroal and shogaoils, which will help with gas, bloating and cramps by moving waste out of your system. The gingeroals also ease any pain that can come with bloating. Place some peeled fresh ginger and steep in hot water for 5 minutes to make ginger tea. You can also add lemon to the tea.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne contains capsaicin which increases the flow of digestive enzymes and gets things moving along. Cayenne also removes the bad bacteria in our belly that can cause the bloating. So add a half teaspoon in hot water with lemon or your drink of choice, and drink up!
Next time you have that uncomfortable belly bloat, I hope you try these remedies out!
