As someone who has suffered for many years from irritable bowel syndrome, I can understand how uncomfortable bloating can be. Not only that but it can be aggravated at the worst time ruining special events and occasions. Therefore, in this blog post I wanted to give you all some tips to relieve bloating and prevent it from interfering with those special events where you want to feel and look your best.
What is bloating?
Bloating is a feeling of your tummy being larger, fuller or stretched more than normal. It happens when the digestive system organs such as the intestines are stretched from gas, liquid or solids pooling in the gut. Accompanying symptoms may include:
Cramping or abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Burping
Constipation
Wind
Causes of bloating:
I want to stress here that it is so important to treat the cause in order to gain proper relief from bloating. Therefore, if you're unsure of the cause it is important to see a health practitioner and find out what is happening in your body.
Coeliac disease
Constipation
Food intolerance or allergy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Weight gain
Stress
Hormonal (before a period or during menopause)
Some medicines
Treatments for bloating:
Practice mindful eating (chew food thoroughly, eat away from work/distractions and only when calm), this will also help prevent overeating (another cause of bloating) as you will tune into hunger and satiety cues
Treat any stress that may be aggravating symptoms with meditation or herbal medicine
Avoid foods that cause gas such as cabbage, lentils, or beans (if you notice a connection between consumption and bloating)
Avoid consuming foods that cause intolerance or allergy symptoms (keeping a food diary can help you monitor what you were eating at the time)
Take a multi strain probiotic or consume probiotic containing foods such as yogurt or kefir
Adding spices (such as turmeric, caraway, cumin, asafoetida or fennel) to foods that cause gas can help relief gas
Some herbal teas can relief bloating such as chamomile, lemon balm, fennel or peppermint (avoid peppermint if you experience reflux as can worsen)
I hope this helps you all to beat the bloat this spring and be at your best at those special occasions.
If you're struggling with bloating and wish to connect I have free 15 minute appointments via my website. Why not book in and see what I can do for you.
Love and light,
Branwen
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