Ways to Debloat

Bloating is something a lot of people suffer from which can cause discomfort and make us feel way less confident, especially if going out and are giving the appearance of a couple months pregnant! Here are a couple of tips that we like to follow, in order to reduce how much you bloat.

First of all, ensure to drink a lot of water, this is important as even though you may be suffering from water retention which would give you the impression to drink less this is not the case. Your body holds onto the water to reduce dehydration, therefore by drinking more water your body releases it as it doesn’t need to hold onto every drop. Water is also key in the digestion process, which can be another factor when it comes down too bloating.

Bananas are a great fruit to eat to avoid bloating. They are really high in potassium, which helps to regulate your body's fluid balance and stops the effects of sodium from your diet. Sodium can lead to water retention and bananas help to avoid this, studies have also shown that bananas are good to eat before a meal to help tackle the effects of bloating after.

How about taking a relaxing bath while also tackling bloating? Try adding 2 cups of magnesium-rich Epsom salt. This helps with bloating, as the salt extracts excess water from your body, by the electrolytes found in magnesium. Clever, huh! However, do not take a salt bath more than once a week to avoid dehydration.

Poor digestion can lead to bloating and another way to help this along is by drinking ginger tea. You can make this with ginger at home or buy ginger tea bags. This assists your body's digestion which will also help improve your metabolic rate which could affect the appearance of bloating.

It is important to be wary of carbohydrates, they are of course crucial in our diets but a lot of white carbohydrates can lead to water retention and severe bloating. A great alternative is to eat whole grains instead, such as switching out white bread for whole grain bread, standard pasta to wholewheat or even brown rice pasta. And be sure to include a healthy serving of nuts, chia, and flax seed into your diet. These foods are all high in fibre unlike white carbs and can help your body to move smoothly and reduce bloating.

FODMAPS are a certain type of carbohydrate and sugar which is found within certain foods that can lead to bloating. They can be found in rye and wheat and even some fruit and vegetables (due to the sugar). Normally, we are told to consume more and more fruit and vegetables, but if your bloating is getting severe it may be time to research this. Garlic, onions, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus are notorious vegetables. Berries and apples are great low sugar options which are easier on your tummy, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, aubergines are better veggie options.

Last of all, here is a ‘Bloat reducing pink lemonade pop (Liz Moody, Goop). This quick and easy recipe contains raspberries and lemons. Raspberries are high in fibre which assists with bloating. While lemons support the liver and detoxify the body. This simple recipe which will be perfect for when the weather gets a bit warmer can be a great snack to help with bloating.

1. Firstly blend raspberries and lemons

2. Pour into pop moulds

3. Pop in the freezer for 1 hour and then insert the pop sticks

4. Freeze again for furthermore 4 hours to ensure they are solid.