Bloating is the feeling of discomfort as our abdomen swells, which is often caused by us eating particular foods, eating substantial meals, suffering constipation, or if you are female you might suffer before or during your menstrual cycle, on occasion bloating can be a sign of a underlying ailment.
If bloating is something that regularly inflicts you or you need instant alleviation from irritation. An aid to help prevent bloating is the addition of fermented foods or Probiotics supplements into our diet and the reduction of salt we eat. If possible try to identify the foods our body struggles to digest.
Research shows that the self medication of going for a walk after eating or taking peppermint oil which helps to ease the irritation of bloating.
What are fermented/Probiotic Foods.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Kefir - Fermented Milk
Kimchi - Fermented Vegetables
Kombucha - Fermented Sweet Tea
Sauerkraut - Fermented Cabbage
Yogurt
Miso - Fermented Rice, Salt & Soyabeans
Some Cheese - Aged
Sourdough Bread
The live bacteria within Probiotic/Fermented Foods are seen by scientists to have health benefits for our Guts Health.
The introduction of Probiotics within I.B.S. Patients have been shown to be effective in the treatment of symptoms i.e. flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort.
Avoiding salt high foods i.e. Takeaways and Ready Meals, as Salt can increase water retention creating feelings of bloating.
Identifying other trigger foods such as Lentils, Broccoli, Oats etc... high in fibre and sugars that some of us find hard to digest, which then ferment within our Guts causing gas and bloating.
Blockage within our bowels i.e. constipation causes bloating due to the waste fermenting which builds up.
in conclusion if you experience bloating frequently, introduce Fermented/Probiotic food and eat less salt.
If you need swift aid to ease the discomfort of bloating take peppermint oil or try light movement i.e. going foe a walk or yoga.
To improve overall gut health increase your range of plants within your diet, remembering we are all unique and respond differently.
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