BEAT THE BLOAT
With all the craziness of recent months, I’ve found myself bloated and puffy. Can stress really a ect me this way?
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE have been experiencing intense stress and anxiety these past months, and stress definitely wreaks havoc on both mind and body. The nervous and digestive systems are in constant communication, thus syncing your brain and your GI tract. Stress and anxiety trigger thoughts and emotions, which then affect your entire gut - triggering stomach discomfort, including bloating. Some good news? There’s help! Follow these tips to help banish the bloat, in all seasons of life!
DRINK WATER
Staying hydrated is vital for your health and well-being. Our digestive system depends on water to function properly. It’s especially important to drink enough water if you are increasing your fibre intake – both of which we highly recommend!
GET MOVING
Becoming more physically active can get your bowels moving, which helps your body eliminate stools and release built-up gas. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week. Even a quick walk outside can help relieve painful gas and bloating.
LIMIT SODIUM
Eating high-sodium foods triggers water retention, which can cause bloating. Limit or avoid adding salt during cooking, limit your intake of processed and packaged foods, curb salty snacks and fast foods, keep the salt shaker off the table and choose “low-sodium” and “sodium-free” foods at the grocery store.
UP YOUR FIBRE INTAKE
Many of us experience constipation (fewer than three bowel movements a week) at some point in our lives. Constipation and slow-moving stools through the large bowel can increase intestinal gas and result in bloating, pain and discomfort. Try increasing your fibre slowly at first, aiming for 25 grams daily for women and 38 grams daily for men. Again, the key is to gradually increase your intake of fibre, especially soluble fibre. Spread out your fibre portions throughout the day to help your body adjust, starting with two or three grams of fibre per meal. Fibre also feeds your “good” gut bacteria (called probiotics), which is key for a healthy gut. Chia seeds, citrus fruits, figs, flaxseed, oats and psyllium are great sources of soluble fibre. Other high-fibre sources that can help banish bloating include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. can help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, which is very important for preventing and reducing gas. Also, this vegetable helps promote overall digestive health because it contains both soluble and insoluble fibre.
BANANAS
Rich in potassium, bananas (and other potassium-rich foods like avocados, kiwi fruit, oranges and pistachios) regulate sodium levels in your body and reduce saltinduced bloating by preventing water retention. Also rich in soluble fibre, bananas can relieve and prevent constipation.
CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers contain quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant that helps reduce swelling. In addition, they inhibit the activity of pro-inf lammatory enzymes. Enjoy them daily, freshly sliced, or sip on a glass of cucumber water.
FENNEL SEEDS
These amazing little seeds contain a compound that relaxes gastrointestinal spasms and relieves bloating by allowing the body to pass gas. Chew on fennel seeds directly, sip on fennel tea after a meal or enjoy baked goods and meat dishes with fennel in them.
GINGER
This root contains zingibain, a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down protein and allows the food you eat to pass more easily through your gut. This helps reduce gas, bloating and constipation. If you’re already feeling puffy, sip a cup of homemade ginger tea (steep a few slices of ginger in a mug of hot water for five to 10 minutes) and enjoy the benefits.
PAPAYAS
Digestion is made easier by papain, an enzyme found in papayas that helps your digestive tract break down protein. Papayas (and other tropical fruits) also contain fibre and have anti-inflammatory properties – both of which are essential to support a strong digestive tract.
YOGURT WITH PROBIOTICS
Probiotics help regulate digestion and are key for the overall health of your digestive tract and microbiome. Enjoy a variety of probiotic yogurts that contain active cultures or take probiotics in supplement form – either way, you’ll help your body beat the bloat.