Having a perfectly flat tummy all the time just isn’t
normal. We all bloat from time to time but sometimes it can be uncomfortable
and can last longer than we want too. What are the causes of bloating? Food and
liquid take up space in our stomachs and intestines, which inevitably means
there will be some expansion i.e. abdominal bloating. This can often cause
gassiness (flatulence) and can feel uncomfortable. It is normal for your
stomach to expand straight after eating, you should find it goes down after a
few hours when your body has digested the food and drink but if you find you
are being bloated for longer periods of time or become particularly gassy then
it could be down to the food you eat. If you suffer from bloating and gas after
eating cheese, drinking a milky coffee or your morning bowl of cereal then try
cutting out dairy. It could be a sign you are lactose intolerant which causes
gas to form in the GI tract and triggers a bloating stomach. Best way to find
out if it’s this that is causing your bloating, is to cut it out for around 3
days completely and see how your body feels. If you suffer from water retention
then it is best to stay away from salty foods, specifically processed foods as
they often contain surprisingly high amounts of sodium which.
Did you know, eating particular foods can help relieve bloating? The following foods are great remedies for bloating and gas, so get
them in to your diet and see if they banish that dreaded “food baby” for good.
Cucumber – Cucumbers are often used to reduce puffiness under the eyes and they can do the same for your stomach too. They
contain quercetin, a flavonoid anti-oxidant that helps to reduce swelling. Eat it as it is or put some in your water for flavour.
Bananas – Foods that are rich in potassium e.g. bananas, kiwis, avocados and coconuts help with water retention by balancing sodium levels. Bananas in particular are made of soluble fiber which is good at
relieving constipation (another cause of bloating).
Papaya – There is an enzyme in papayas (papain), which breaks down proteins in the GI tract. This will in turn make digestion easier
and reduce bloating after eating. Again this is great eaten on its own or in a smoothie.
Asparagus – Yes, it makes your pee smell, but it tastes delicious and will help flush out excess water. It also contains probiotics which encourage growth of “good bacteria” in the gut, easing gas and
improving digestion.
Probiotic Yogurt – Again this is an excellent way to increase the “good bacteria” in your body to aid digestion and help reduce bloating and gas. Try to stay away from sweetened probiotic yogurts as they can
contain high amounts of sugar. A squeeze of honey on natural probiotic yogurt will sweeten it nicely.
Celery – This crunchy, water-rich vegetable can be used as a digestive aid to regulate your bowl movements and control gassiness.
It is detoxifying and water-rich which will flush your body of toxins and decrease fluid retention.