Food & recipes

Beat the bloat in just 7 days

There are many possible causes of an individual’s symptoms of uncomfortable bloating. With all things it may be that what works for one person may not work for another. However, in combination over the course of a week all the below tips may prove more effective than a single solution. So why not try and complete the 7 day program and see how you feel!

There are many possible causes of an individual’s symptoms of uncomfortable bloating. With all things it may be that what works for one person may not work for another. However, in combination over the course of a week all the below tips may prove more effective than a single solution. So why not try and complete the 7 day program and see how you feel!

Day 1

Start taking a multi-strain probiotic (we’re currently obsessing over the Bio-Kult range of supplements). Probiotics have been shown in some studies to rebalance the gut flora, support the efficient digestion of food and regular healthy bowel movements. Bloating is often due to an imbalance of gut microflora. Bacteria and yeasts ferment undigested food, producing gases which can lead to excessive bloating and flatulence. Beneficial bacteria, bifidobacteria in particular, do not produce much gas. In some people this may take 7 days some many more.

Day 2

Support digestive function – take some apple cider vinegar before each meal, chew your food well and start eating in a quite relaxed environment. Try to prepare fresh food – the thought and smell of food can illicit the secretion of 30 percent more stomach acid and 25 percent of digestive enzymes. Undigested food can lead to bloating so these natural techniques could be all you need! For a little extra help, why not pop a D’Mix sachet in your handbag. This fusion of seed and herbs helps to break down food and eliminate bloating.

Day 3

Reduce simple sugars and refined carbohydrates that could cause more gas by preferred pathogenic bacteria fermentation and encourage the growth of fungi such as Candida. Avoid processed products such as white pasta, breads and baked goods (cakes, biscuits, pastries).

Day 4

Start eating more fibre by trying to consume 7 different portions of vegetables and salad each day to keep bowel movements regular. The build-up of waste material in the colon can certainly cause bloating. Soluble fibre from rolled oats, linseeds, ripe fruits and non-starchy vegetables (carrots, celery, bok choy, lettuce) may be the easiest to tolerate for those susceptible to bloating from vegetables. Additionally the supplement psyllium husk fibre could be taken to help support healthy bowel movements, this type of fibre can be found in products such as Lepicol.

Day 5

Try drinking cups of homemade bone stock or including it in soups and stews. These are rich in the amino acid glutamine, essential to feed the cells lining our gut where final food digestion and absorption takes place. The gut lining takes 3-5 days to replenish so hopefully new cell growth will be nice and healthy by the time you go on holiday.

Day 6

Soak legumes – leaving legumes to soak well overnight will ease their digestion if they cause you bloating.

Day 7

Relax! Stress is known to reduce the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut and can occur in many ways such as a busy lifestyle or lack of sleep. Including some form of relaxation in the daily routine such as reading a book, yoga, meditation or taking a bath with lavender oil can only be of benefit!