Beat the Bloat

A few simple lifestyle changes may be all it takes to flatten your tum.

Think summer, think holidays, think baring all on the beach. But what if you suffer from bloating and even the thought of stripping off is sending you into a mental panic.  Don’t despair  - you are not alone! Bloating is one of the most common problems that affects women but the cause can be difficult to pinpoint.

Poor eating habits, stress, PMT and constipation are all common triggers and the good news is making a few changes to your lifestyle and trying some herbal remedies can help to flatten your tum. Read on for why you may be feeling bloated and what you can do about it. 

EATING TOO FAST

Gulping down your food and drink can all lead to bad digestion, which in turn can result in bloating. The secret is to eat and drink slowly to give your system a better chance of good digestion. The herbal remedy artichoke is also worth a try. The active ingredients cynarin and scolymoside have been shown to stimulate bile secretion, which may explain why it has been traditionally used to treat sluggish livers and poor digestive systems.

PMT

Premenstrual bloating is a familiar symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The rise in the hormone progesterone, which occurs just before menstruation is thought to be responsible as, is fluid retention.

Drinking plenty of water to encourage the excretion of excess fluid, cutting back on salt and following a simple diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables will help as will the herbal supplement agnus castus. It is thought to help re-balance hormones and many women find it brings relief to PMS symptoms such as bloating.

STRESS OVERLOAD

To much stress in your life can turn your digestive system up side down as the fight or flight response comes into play. Blood is diverted away from the non –essential organs including the digestive system and directed to the heart and lungs to cope with stress. Common symptoms are a distended stomach as well as pain and nausea.

Relaxation exercises especially yoga, which massages the abdomen, helping to release trapped wind, can be very beneficial. The herbal remedy rhodiola rosea can also be invaluable if stress is starting to play too big a part in your life.

 

TRY THESE….

Follow our bloat-free tummy tips and step out on the beach in confidence

•  Drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning will help clean out bowel mucus.
•  Your tummy needs fluids to digest food properly. Drink liquids around half an hour before eating or one hour after.
•  Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
•  Try to eat fruits by themselves, as they tend to digest faster than other foods. Eating them with protein foods such as meat or carbohydrates such as potatoes or pasta, causes fermentation in your gut, which can lead to bloating.
•  Avoid alcohol. It can make bloating worse especially on hot days.
•  Reduce salt intake. Instead, flavour food with lemon juice, herbs and spices.
•  Cut down on dairy products, nuts and spicy foods that can cause intestinal wind.