4 ways to prevent bloating
One of the questions I’m often asked is how to prevent bloating?…I used to feel bloated after almost every meal and let me tell you living a bloat-free life is where its at! its such a relief knowing you can eat your meals without the aftermath bloat to follow or having to loosen your jeans to alleviate the pain.
Occasional bloating is normal though, especially if you are increasing the amount of fibre in your diet so if this applies to you gradually increase fibre & eat meals slowly this should help minimise the bloat.
Bloating is the build-up of gas in the stomach or intestines and is usually caused by multiple factors, with stress being one of the underestimated triggers (which explains why the gut / brain connection is a real thing- when we’re stressed our gut is almost always impacted). But aside from stress management (which I know is easier said than done) here are a few to prevent bloating….
➡️AVOID DRINKING DURING MEALTIMES drinking during a meal dilutes digestive enzymes which can lead to bloating
➡️CHEW FOOD VERY WELL + WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED digestion starts in your mouth so chew your food well, the mushier it is inside your mouth before swallowing the easier you are making it for your body to digest and eliminate effectively. When food isn’t chewed properly larger particles enter the digestive tract which can cause common digestive problems such as gas, bloating and sometimes constipation too. As you chew your food more digestive enzymes are produced which help to breakdown food further to assist digestion.
➡️DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING massages your internal system helping you digest food more effectively, helps get things moving and also helps minimise bloating and abdominal pain if it does occur.
TOP TIP➡️If bloating persists try adding half a tsp of apple cider vinegar with some water and drink as a shot approx 10 mins before meals. ACV is naturally acidic, and therefore in people with low stomach acidity which is often the case for people who suffer with regular bloating, ACV may help to raise stomach acid levels and therefore aid digestion.