Some simple tips to a flatter stomach
Nothing kills your confidence more than annoying belly bloat when wearing your favourite bikini or workout gear, especially when you have been training so hard.
Everything from your emotions and eating habits to the bacteria that call your gut home can balloon your waistline. Luckily there are some foods that you can eat and some tips to follow to help you avoid it!
Water, water, water!! – Keep a bottle with you at all times in order to flush out the toxins from your body and eliminate the extra salt from your system, which is a major contributor to bloat. You can also add lemon to your water for even more debloating properties, since lemons are a natural diuretic and will help reduce the amount of salt retained in the body.
Herbal teas – Teas such as peppermint or chamomile soothe inflammation and help relax the digestive tract.
Yoghurt – The probiotics found in yoghurt are good bacteria that regulate the health of your entire digestive tract.
The active cultures lactobacillus and acidophilus improve symptoms of bloating. Make sure to choose a yoghurt that is not highly processed or containing artificial sweeteners.
Pineapple and papaya – Both pineapple and papaya are rich in an enzyme called Papain which breaks down protein, easing the digestion process.
Asparagus – This anti bloating superfood flushes out any excess water from your system, alleviating any discomfort or puffiness.
Probiotics – Probiotics are helpful organisms that help to replace the good bacteria in your intestinal tract.
These good bacteria inhibit the growth of yeasts, parasites and bad bacteria, as well as restoring normal bowel function and promoting regularity which helps to eliminate some of the causes of bloating.
Get moving – Don’t skip your workout, exercise can help gas pass through the digestive tract faster, easing the bloated feeling.
Things to avoid:
Gum – Chewing gum causes you to swallow more air which
can result in a bloated stomach.
Straws – Choose to drink straight from the glass if you want to avoid consuming extra air.
Alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration, which results in bloat and puffiness from your body holding onto any fluid that it can.
Don’t stress – As if stress wasn’t bad enough on its own, it can also make you bloat. When you are anxious, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that stimulate your digestive system causing gas and bloating.