Natural ways to BEAT THE BLOAT

A SWOLLEN BELLY CAN BE UNCOMFORTABLE. TRY THESE STOMACH-SOOTHING THERAPIES TO HELP FLATTEN THAT MIDRIFF

You’re exercising and eating right, but you’re still bloated. So what next? Try one of these natural remedies to not only soothe that swollen tum, but to help get to the bottom of what’s going on. Note: Talk to your GP if bloating persists – it has a range of causes so it’s best to rule out anything that requires medical intervention.

BEAT BLOATING WITH SPICES

According to ancient Ayurvedic medicine, spices can work wonders for a bloated stomach. “Spices play an important role in preventing and controlling bloating,” says Dr Vishal Sharma from the Ayurvedic Wellness Centre. “Ginger, for example, helps break down hard-todigest foods, while fennel speeds up digestion.”

Try drinking a spicy lassi at lunchtime, advises Dr Sharma. This will act as a natural probiotic to increase the number of healthy gut bacteria. “Mix together 3-4 tbsp organic yoghurt, ½ tsp each of cumin and coriander powder, and a pinch each of ground ginger and Himalayan salt. Add to a glass of room temperature water, stir with a spoon and serve.”

SOOTHE THE STOMACH WITH MASSAGE

If you love having a massage, book yourself in for a lymphatic drainage treatment. It helps to reduce water retention and the effects can keep working for 24 to 48 hours afterwards.

“Manual lymphatic drainage is excellent for easing chronic inflammatory conditions as it removes excess fluid and toxins from the tissues,” explains massage therapist Gwen Davies.

The treatment involves being gently massaged for up to 75 minutes, while lying down. You may need to remove your clothes down to your underwear, as the lymphatic vessels are superficial and any compression can hinder the movement of the fluid.

‘Ginger helps break down hard-to-digest foods, while fennel speeds up digestion’

BALANCE THE BUGS WITH NATUROPATHY

A flat belly is within reach if you increase your digestive enzymes, says naturopath Mahes KaruppiahQuillen. “Low stomach acid prevents the breaking down of food, especially proteins,” she explains. This can affect the digestive process and lead to fermentation and altered gut flora, a key cause of bloating.

To counter this, she advises taking a probiotic supplement containing beneficial microorganisms. “Probiotics are best taken an hour before bed, as the body’s digestive system is in repairand-rest mode during sleep,” she says. “This is when supplements work best in colonising the gut to restore balance.”

REV UP YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM WITH REFLEXOLOGY

Fans of reflexology say it can help to soothe stomach problems. “Usually bloating is caused by a sluggish digestion,” explains Sonia Bailey, president of the Reflexology Association of Australia. “When you stimulate reflexes on the foot, the body responds as it needs to – such as speeding up digestive processes. Reflexes tell us exactly what’s going on in a body.”

During a reflexology session, your therapist will work all of the body’s reflexes by stimulating specific points on the feet, hands, ears and face. This encourages the body to trigger its own healing abilities, which help to restore balance.

PERFECT YOUR POSTURE WITH THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE

Poor posture could be having a negative effect on your midriff, says Alexander Technique practitioner Greg Holdaway. The two most common culprits are “leaning back” and “squishing down”.

Alexander Technique principles teach you how to change these habits.

“It teaches biomechanically efficient movement,” explains Greg. “It works from the principle that the body’s overall coordination starts with the responsive relationship between the head and spine. The interesting part is that this process engages your movement reflexes. You don’t need to push, pull or hold any bit of yourself in a shape or ‘good posture’ – with this process, good posture happens by itself!”

An Alexander Technique teacher can show you how to improve your posture in a range of activities.

TONING WITH AROMATHERAPY

Certain essential oils can help tone and tighten the stomach. “Essential oils that assist in toning and firming muscles are neroli, palmarosa and lemongrass,” explains aromatherapist Julie Nelson from Aromatique Essentials. “Use these oils in topical applications by diluting them into a base oil like coconut, jojoba or hazelnut, which has slight astringent properties.” Julie’s favourite tummy-toning blend is 15 drops of neroli with five drops each of palmarosa and lemongrass, added to 50ml of coconut oil. This can be massaged into the stomach area daily.