Holistic healing

9 Ways To Beat The Bloat

Banish that uncomfy belly and enjoy a slinky silhouette with these experts tips from fitness guru Rick Hay

Overindulged recently? Fear not – these simple tips might be all you need to ease the discomfort and get that flat tum back.

1 TAKE PROBIOTICS

These aid digestion and mood and boost immunity, but most importantly they reduce gas-producing bacterial imbalances which will help to keep your tummy nice and flat.

2 RELAX

Stress causes a build up of cortisol and adrenaline which can overstimulate your digestive system, leading to flatulence and bloating – unwind with yoga or even a candle-lit bath with some magnesium-rich Epsom salts or relaxing essential oils.

3 EAT BANANAS, KIWIS AND STRAWBERRIES

These are high in potassium which makes you wee more regularly and decreases the amount of salt in your urine – that’s good news as an excess can cause water retention in the small intestine.

4 STOP TALKING WHEN EATING

Tough we know, but swallowing air causes bloating. Keep it zipped!

5 SKIP THE GUM

Chewing gum that contains xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol can increase the production of gas in the digestive tract.

6 EAT RIGHT

Cut down on your consumption of beans, onions, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts and cauliflower as these are known gas-producing foods. Instead, eat apples, pears and melon as they are rich in pectin, a calming substitute that will keep your fibre levels up.

7 TAKE VEGETABLE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

These help to break down food, balance the stomach and relieve any symptoms, including heartburn and indigestion.

8 TRY ALOE VERA JUICE

This is my top gut soother – it detoxifies and is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. This plant is wonderful because it reduces internal inflammation and can also help to improve skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

9 GET CHECKED FOR COELIAC DISEASE

See your GP for a blood test if you suspect that gluten may be the cause of your discomfort. If this proves negative, it may be worth having a food intolerance test. The York Test is one you can do by mail that identifies things you might be intolerant to, which could be causing bloating, wind and cramping (yorktest.com).

Adapted from The Anti-ageing Food & Fitness Plan by Rick Hay (Clink Street, £12.99)

Article by

Emily McMullin

Article by

Emily McMullin