Easy Ways To Combat Bloating
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Easy Ways To Combat Bloating

Let's save that jeans button from popping, shall we?

65
Easy Ways To Combat Bloating
Pexels.com

Pregnant or food baby? If you've ever named your food baby after a love affair with your Chipotle burrito, you've probably experienced bloating. Remember, bloating is not bad and none of the foods that cause bloating are bad. The point of this list is to provide some explanations for why you may be experiencing bloating, and a few suggestions to remedy your discomfort. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor am I a nutritionist, these are just tips and tricks that I've personally researched and experienced firsthand. Depending on the severity of your irritation, you may want to moderate your consumption of bloat-causing foods, or eat them anyways and be prepared to whip out the stretchy pants.

Causes of Bloating

Fibrous veggies and beans: It may seem counter-intuitive that beans and fibrous, green vegetables cause bloating because they are extremely healthy. The higher fiber content bulks up stool to keep things moving in your digestive tract; however, too much fiber can cause bloating. Make sure to hit the middle and eat the suggested amount of 25-30 grams per day. Just because fibrous foods can cause bloating doesn't mean you should avoid them; just don't be shocked when your healthy green meal leaves you feeling bloated and full.

Carbonated beverages: While carbonated beverages are a great option to help keep you feeling full in between meals and satisfy that "sweet" craving fix, the bubbles in the beverage that cause that satiated feeling will also puff you up.

Whey protein/dairy: If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, whey protein may be what's causing that uncomfortable bloating feeling. Consider switching to a plant-based or soy protein powder or go off dairy for a while to see if there's any difference when you slowly add it back in to your diet.

Overeating: This one's a no-brainer. When you overeat, especially voluminous, large-portioned foods, your stomach will expand, causing (in my opinion) the most uncomfortable type of bloating. Think post-Thanksgiving couch coma.

Swallowing air: If you drink a lot of water or chew a lot of gum you're swallowing air along with the liquid (and spit). Try drinking with a straw so you only swallow the liquid and avoid gulping air down, causing your stomach to fill with excess air.

Sugar alcohols: Sugar alcohols, found in sugar substitutes like flavored gum and many low calorie and low sugar processed foods (even the fitspo cult-favorite low cal ice cream, Halo Top gasp!) can cause some people digestive issues

Remedies for Bloating

Peppermint: Peppermint tea, derived from peppermint oil, is a natural remedy for a host of health issues and a great digestive aid. Peppermint tea can instantly settle an uncomfortable stomach and is a calming, non-caffeinated drink, perfect for cozying up in bed after a large dinner.

Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which are great for reducing pain and combating nausea. Ginger has also been proven to help treat chronic indigestion by helping to speed up the emptying of the stomach. My favorite ways to have ginger include, Canada Dry Ginger Ale (the only ginger ale to contain real ginger) and lemon-ginger teas.

Yoga: Yoga, especially yoga twists from the navel, is amazing for getting things moving in your digestive tract. If you're feeling uncomfortably bloated and full, wait 30 minutes after eating and try a few yoga twists. You can search for some helpful videos on YouTube, my favorite guru is Yoga by Candace.

Water: There's nothing it can't do. Although it can sometimes can give you that full/slosh-y feeling, water is great for combating bloating. If you drink enough water, spaced throughout the day, your body will get used to the feeling of being full of water. Drinking water helps when eating a high-sodium meal, another common cause of bloat. It will pass through your urinary tract, flushing out your system, and keeping everything moving. Also, warm water with lemon is a classic way to detox and promote healthy digestion, especially in the morning before eating or drinking anything else.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

98431
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments