Bloating is that feeling of being full, as if your abdomen is about to burst. And it is quite common in Australia according to the Health Direct page on bloating. This condition is oftentimes accompanied by burping and cramping, and is usually caused by something you’ve eaten, constipation, weight gain, and even stress. But while it goes away on its own more often than not, you can take simple steps to either remedy it or lower your chances of getting bloated. You can start with the four tips below.
Exercise
Yoga is an excellent antidote to bloating, as it has poses that improve blood flow and circulation. Aside from that, James Gonzales in his article on 5 reasons to start yoga details how the exercise works on both increasing the elasticity of connective tissues, and addressing the nervous system's 'stretch reflex'. This stretch reflex contributes to abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia — a condition in which abdominal muscles actively redistribute gas in the digestive tract, in turn causing bloating. With that in mind, personal trainer Nicole Davis in her list of 5-minute anti-bloating workouts recommends the cat-cow and torso twist as among the most effective poses to reduce bloating.
Look to include more exercise (including yoga) into your weekly routine. That's because aside from promoting circulation and blood flow, it also releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that combats stress and boosts mood (you'll find out later why this is vital). As you fully integrate exercise into your lifestyle, look to maximise every session by taking the SLIMTOX Vanilla Cream protein powder or the SLIMTOX Salted Caramel protein powder so you can build lean muscles and recover faster from your workouts. In this way, you'll get in great shape, feel good about yourself, and keep bloating at bay.
A healthy diet
Eating healthy is a long-term solution to bloating, and that means eating at regular intervals, adding more fibre to your diet (to promote better digestion and prevent constipation), drinking more water than soda (as carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in your stomach), and cutting down on salt (as it causes the body to retain too much water). You must avoid binge-eating, too, as it overloads your digestive system with calories, sugar, fat, and carbs. Fortunately, you can do that easily by using Crave Control by SLIMTOX™, our safe, homeopathic appetite suppressant. Through this tip, you'll not only reduce bloating, but also make yourself healthier.
Unwind and de-stress
Stress can either cause bloating, or exacerbate it. Dietician Angela Lemond explains how people who are often nervous tend to 'develop gas, diarrhoea, or constipation'. And it isn't surprising given the nerves that line the gastrointestinal tract — all of which can be adversely affected by the nervous system's response to stress and anxieties. A good way to avoid this is to meditate a few times in a day to calm yourself down or exercise to release those feel-good hormones (see first subheading). By actively de-stressing, you'll be able to improve your mental health, and reduce your risk of getting bloated.
Rule out underlying medical conditions
Sometimes, none of the above suggestions will work because there is an underlying medical condition. ABC News reports that 3 in 4 people who experience bloating have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that, like dyspepsia (indigestion), traps gas in the different parts of the bowel, causing bloating. Other abdominal conditions that increases the chance of bloating include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, while gynecological conditions, such as ovarian cysts and endometriosis can also result in bloating, as well as pain and swelling in the abdominal area. So, if you frequently get bloated, consult with your doctor immediately. In this way, the root cause of your frequent bloating will be uncovered, and duly treated.
Bloating isn't just uncomfortable and painful. It can also be a sign that something's amiss in your digestive system. Following the tips above will cover both, and help you better deal with bloating.
Exclusively written for slimtox.com.au by Honey Rowse
