10 Tips For Avoiding Belly Bloat

What is bloating?

Bloating is when your tummy feels larger and more uncomfortable than normal. It appears swollen, and it often happens quickly. It's caused by trapped gas, or constipation if your bowels aren't moving regularly. If you're bloated, you'll probably have: 

• Cramps
• Burps or flatulence
• Swelling
• Constipation or diarrhoea 

Common causes of bloating are: 

• Stress
• Hormones
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other conditions 
• Food intolerance
• Constipation 

So, if bloating is so common, and there are so many possible causes, what can you do about it?

10 ways to avoid bloating

Want to avoid bloating and look fabulous in your bikini this summer? Here are our top tips -- including what to eat, and what to avoid!

1: Eat capsicums

Capsicums aren't just tasty - they're easy to digest, which helps them pass through your digestive system without causing gas buildup. Add these to any lunchtime or evening salad for a refreshing, bloat-free snack.

2: Drink more water

Water helps flush toxins from your system, reduce inflammation, and support your body's vital functions. Staying hydrated minimises the buildup of gas and bloating around the tummy.  

3: Enjoy fresh fruit

Fresh fruit is easy to digest and very refreshing. Don't eat it all at once, though - too much fruit means a lot of fibre, which can cause bloating. Take a little fruit as a snack, and it'll satisfy your cravings without swelling up your belly. 

4: Add nuts to your meals 

Nuts are crunchy, filling, and nutritious, and they contain enough fibre to help your bowels move regularly. Constipation and fibre deficiencies cause bloating, so you want to ensure you're getting enough fibre to keep your tummy lean and bloat-free. 

5: Avoid salt 

Salt is a major contributor to bloating and a distended, swollen tummy. This is because salt encourages your body to hold onto water. Limit your salt intake before you head to the beach for a lean look.                                                  

6: Don't under eat

You might think it's best to fast before strutting in your bikini, but this is the worst thing you can do. Undereating stresses the body out, which causes discomfort, indigestion, and bloat. Eat regularly, but stick to foods you know you digest easily.  

7: Stay away from high-fat foods

High-fat and processed foods are hard for our bodies to digest. This results in excess gas and general bloat. Stick to clean, lean foods that are high in protein and fibre but low in saturated fat. 

8: Drink some peppermint tea