Bloating? Here's how to get rid of it.

We’ve all been there. That feeling of being a balloon ready to pop. But if you’re ready to take control of your gut health and say goodbye to bloating, then you've come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to help you identify the triggers that cause your bloating, and give you the tools you need to reduce it. 

So, what causes bloating and gut issues, anyway?

Sometimes it's just a case of eating too fast, or indulging in a bit too much of your favorite gas-producing foods like beans and broccoli. Or maybe you just had a little too much fizzy drink. Sometimes medical conditions like IBS or IBD can be the root of the problem, but the good news is, there's always something you can do to feel better. And it's not just about what you eat, it's also about the little critters in your gut, called the microbiome, if they're not balanced, it can lead to bloating and other gut issues. A great way to start on your gut-boosting journey is to take note of your triggers.

Tips for identifying triggers (e.g. certain foods, stress, etc.)

1. Keep a food diary: It's like playing detective! Write down everything you eat and drink, and take note of when you start to feel bloated. This can help you identify any potential triggers, like that one food you just can't resist but always seems to make you puff up like a blowfish.
2. Experiment with different foods: Think of it like a science experiment! Try eliminating certain foods from your diet for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. Common culprits include beans, broccoli, onions, and carbonated drinks.
3. Pay attention to your body: Listen to your body and take note of what makes you feel good and what makes you feel like a balloon.
4. Stress less: It's like taking a chill pill! Stress can be a big trigger for bloating, so try to find ways to relax and de-stress, such as yoga, meditation, or even just taking a walk outside.
5. Get to know your gut: Make friends with your insides! Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to learn more about your gut health and how to keep it in tip-top shape.

Guess what? Your gut likes water. Alot.

Hydration is important for reducing bloating for a few reasons. First, when the body is dehydrated, it can cause the stomach to retain more gas and make bloating worse. Drinking enough water can help to flush out excess gas and reduce the symptoms of bloating.

Secondly, water helps to keep the digestive system moving smoothly. It helps to soften stools and prevent constipation which can cause bloating and discomfort. When your stool is harder and drier, it can be difficult to pass, and it can cause stretching of the intestinal walls which can cause bloating.

Lastly, staying hydrated can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to bloating. Adequate hydration can help to nourish the gut lining, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria which can help to reduce inflammation.

In short, drinking enough water is crucial to keep the gut healthy, prevent constipation, and reduce inflammation which are all can contribute to bloating.

Here are some tips for staying hydrated:

1. Drink water before and after meals: Drink a glass of water before you eat to help you feel full faster, and drink another glass after you eat to help your body digest your food more easily.
2. Make water more exciting: Try infusing your water with fruits, herbs, or spices to make it more interesting. Some popular options include lemon, cucumber, mint, and ginger.
3. Sip water throughout the day: Instead of chugging a lot of water at once, try sipping on water throughout the day. This can help you stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up.
4. Drink water through a straw: This can help you drink more water than you would if you were drinking it from a glass.
5. Drink water at different temperatures: Experiment with drinking water that's cold, room temperature, or warm to find out which temperature you prefer.
6. Use a water bottle with time markers: Some water bottles have time markers on them, so you can see how much water you've consumed throughout the day and make sure you're staying on track.
7. Drink water while you sleep: Leave a glass of water by your bed, and sip on it before you go to sleep, and when you wake up in the morning, you'll already be on your way to staying hydrated all day.

Ok. Ok. Water's important. But what about fiber?

Fiber is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut. It’s a type of carbohydrate that is not broken down by the body and passes through the digestive system mostly intact. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which slows down digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This can help to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. If you're feeling particularly backed up though, cleaning out quickly can be a great kickstart to getting your gut back on track.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not absorb water and adds bulk to the stool. This can also help to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Fiber also acts as a food source for the good bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome. These bacteria ferment the fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial for gut health and overall wellness.

Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Eating a diet high in fiber can help to promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

It’s super duper important to note that increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause some discomfort such as bloating and gas. Increase your fiber intake gradually to give your gut time to adjust.

In conclusion, fiber is an essential nutrient that is essential for maintaining a healthy gut, promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and feeding the good bacteria in the gut. Eating a diet rich in fiber can help support a healthy gut, so it's important to make sure you're getting enough.

 

 

Bonus tip: These 5 foods are some of the richest in fiber. Eat them up!

1. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are one of the most fiber-rich foods available. They contain around 10 grams of fiber per ounce, which is roughly 42% of the recommended daily intake. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals.
2. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are also high in fiber, providing around 8 grams of fiber per ounce, which is 32% of the recommended daily intake. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which are antioxidants.
3. Black Beans: One cup of black beans contains around 15 grams of fiber, which is 60% of the recommended daily intake. They are also a good source of protein, folate, and iron.
4. Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of fiber, providing around 15 grams of fiber per cup, which is 60% of the recommended daily intake. They are also a good source of protein, iron, and folate.
5. Artichokes: Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber, providing around 10 grams of fiber per medium-sized artichoke, which is 40% of the recommended daily intake. They are also a good source of vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.

It's worth noting that there are many other foods that are high in fiber, such as raspberries, pears, almonds, oats, and broccoli, to mention a few. To increase your fiber intake, it's important to eat a variety of fiber-rich foods and include them in your daily meals.

 

 

A perfect high-fiber day

 

Not sure where to start on your fiber journey? Here’s a snapshot of a perfect, fiber-fun-filled day.

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts: Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal made with rolled oats, topped with a cup of mixed berries, and a handful of chopped nuts. The oats provide a good source of soluble fiber, and the berries and nuts provide a good source of insoluble fiber.

Snack:

• Apple with almond butter: Enjoy a medium-sized apple with 2 tablespoons of almond butter. The apple provides a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, and the almond butter provides some additional protein and healthy fats.

Lunch:

• Lentil and Vegetable Soup: Enjoy a bowl of lentil and vegetable soup made with lentils, which are an excellent source of fiber, along with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, which also provide a good source of fiber.

Snack:

• Raw veggies with hummus: Enjoy some raw veggies such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers with 2 tablespoons of hummus. The vegetables provide a good source of fiber, and the hummus provides some additional protein and healthy fats.

Dinner:

• Black bean and sweet potato tacos: Enjoy some black bean and sweet potato tacos made with whole wheat tortillas, which provide a good source of fiber. Top with some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado for additional fiber and healthy fats.

Dessert:

• Fruit Salad: Enjoy a fruit salad made with mixed berries and kiwi for a delicious and fiber-rich dessert.

It's worth noting that this meal plan is just a suggestion, and you can always adjust it according to your preferences and dietary restrictions. Also, it is important to increase fiber intake gradually to give your gut time to adjust and to avoid discomfort such as bloating and gas.