Easy Peasy Ways to Stop Bloating
Do you ever get bloated? No? How about if I asked you if sometimes you feel like there is a balloon being blown up inside your stomach? Sound familiar?
If this is you, trust me, you aren't the only one. Bloating is one of the most common presentations that I see in clinic, and most of the time it is not the primary reason for the person coming to see me. A lot of people just put up with it and assume that its normal.
Bloating isn't something that people should have to put up, so I have put together a list of symptomatic remedies that may help, and steps that you can take to reduce the dreaded bloat in the first place.
Bloating often occurs when food is left in the digestive tract, and causes fermentation, creating gas and causing you to bloat. Many other factors also contribute to bloating so it is hard to have a one size fits all approach.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
!!!! This is my FAVOURITE anti-bloating remedy! I find that its effective as a preventative treatment, as well as symptomatic.
Symptomatic: dilute 1 part apple cider vinegar to one part warm water. Shot it down and allow it to kickstart your digestion, moving everything along.
Preventative: Decant apple cider vinegar into a small spray bottle, prior to meals spray onto tongue. This stimulates your digestive juices, and prepares the body for breaking down your food, preventing bloating. Alternatively prepare 1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water and drink prior to meals.
AROMATIC HERBS
Peppermint
Fennel
Ginger
These are all aromatic herbs which are commonly found in the pantry, and they are awesome for reducing bloating. Making a tea from these aromatic herbs is a great way to stimulate digestion, and aid the movement of food through your digestive tract.
GENTLE EXERCISE
Especially after a large meal, gentle exercise like going for a walk is so effective in reducing bloating. The gentle movement promotes digestion, preventing any bloating from occurring.
TUMMY MASSAGE
Gentle massage, in a circular motion over your abdomen is effective for relieving abdominal pain and promoting effective digestion.
NOT EATING WHILE YOUR ON THE RUN
This is more in the preventive category, but taking the time to sit and relax around your food is so important for activating your digestion. Read my previous blog post about the effect of stress on your digestion.
EATING EASY TO DIGEST FOOD
Steer away from the big slab of steak, and go for that slow cooked meal. Opt for the steamed veggies over the raw carrot sticks you love. This makes it easy for your body to deal with breaking down the food properly, reducing possible digestive complaints from occurring.
These are all tips on how to prevent and relieve bloating, but if you are still suffering it may pay to see a Naturopath and they can get to the cause of your health problem, and stop it from coming back in the future.
