Beat the Bloat, NOW!
We all have experienced bloating at some point of the time. Especially after a celebration or festival, bloating is more common. But one can experience bloating in a normal course of life too.
Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. Most people describe bloating as feeling full, tight, or swollen in the abdomen. Your abdomen may also be swollen (distended), hard, and painful. Bloating is an uncomfortable situation to be in and it makes you feel heavy.
Here are a few foods and ways to beat the bloat, NOW!
- Increase your water intake: Sipping on water keeps you hydrated and keeps the digestive tract healthy. It prevents and relieves constipation. Drinking enough water also relieves water retention thus making you feel lighter.
- Have potassium-rich foods: Excess sodium causes water retention and bloating. Potassium offsets the effects of sodium. Hence consuming potassium-rich foods is a remedy for getting rid of bloating. These foods also flush out excess water from your body. Consume potassium-rich fruits and vegetables like sweet lime, guava, amla, tomatoes, spinach, mango, banana, muskmelon to beat the bloat.
- Go bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and hence are very effective against bloating. Bananas are also rich in prebiotic fibre, which feeds your gut with good bacteria, thus improving digestion.
- Ginger: For centuries ginger has been used to cure tummy aches. This age-old medicine is still very much relevant. Ginger acts as a muscle relaxant thus reducing the bloating. Fresh ginger is the best and can be had as ginger juice or ginger tea.
- Avoid processed foods: Foods made from refined flour add to the bloating. These foods hamper the digestion and worsen the condition. Also, avoid processed foods like sausages and salami as they are full of sodium.
- Stay away from excess salt: Salty foods like chips add to the water retention due to their high sodium content. Instead, munch on salads or fruits.
- Fennel: Fennel or saunf has been traditionally eaten post meals in India. It is because our ancestors knew its amazing digestive benefits. Chew on fennel seeds or consume a fennel and ginger tea for relief from bloating.
- Avoid dairy: Dairy products like milk and cheese can aggravate bloating, hence avoid them.
- Have curd: Curds are full of good bacteria which help the digestive flora. Have plain curds or greek yoghurt.
- Walk: Physical movement in the form of any exercise is beneficial in the fight with bloat. A simple walk for 10-15 minutes will help you feel lighter. Walking helps the air bubbles to pass through the digestive tract thus reducing bloating. Walking has also been proven to have a feel-good effect. So there is no reason to not walk!
With so many remedies, I am sure bloating is no more an option!!
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy:)
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Thanks for enlightening with easiest solutions. So nice of you to spare time from your busy day and help thousands with your various posts here. Be blessed always.
Thanks for your kind words. I am glad you find it useful:)