A bloated stomach can be uncomfortable, irritating and at times, down-right painful.
From the time of the month to IBS, there are a whole host of reasons why you might be feeling bloated. We’ve identified the top 5 causes of a swollen stomach and what you can do to beat the bloat.
1. You’re eating too fast
Busy job or home life means you rarely get 5 minutes for lunch never mind an hour? More and more of us are grabbing lunch on the go; in the car, at our desk whilst finishing a report or on our way to collect the kids. Research carried out in 2011 by Bupa showed that just 3 in 10 of us take a full lunch hour at work, with 54% not moving from our desks to take a break.
Eating in a hurry, whilst not solely concentrating on slowly consuming a meal, can mean that we eat too quickly, swallowing gas-producing air and leaving us still feeling hungry. Taking 20 minutes to sit and eat slowly, whilst really appreciating the food you are eating will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the tummy troubles.
2. You’re Chewing Too Much Gum
Many dieters use chewing gum as an appetite suppressant; keeping your cravings at bay whilst taking in minimum calories. But chewing on gum can mean that you are swallowing excess air, which could lead to a seriously swollen stomach.
Chewing gum also sends your body physical signals that you are about to consume food. The enzymes and acids that are activated when you chew gum are therefore released, but without the food they’re intended to digest, causing further bloating and irritation.
3. Soda Is Your Enemy
Whilst following a strict diet it can be tempting to rely heavily on low-calorie fizzy drinks to keep you feeling full. But the carbonated bubbles paired with difficult to digest artificial sweeteners can add to that bloated feeling.. Try instead exante Boost, our guilt-free energy drink.
Really can’t live without you fizz fix? Cut down on the carbonation by leaving it open for a few hours before drinking it or by pouring the drink into a cup with ice cubes.
4. You’re Hormonal
Before the start of your period, you may experience some pretty nasty bloating and even constipation. Add in a bout of period pain and you’ve got one unhappy tummy.
Although it might be the lest thing on your mind, light exercise can help make a really difference to your energy levels and really gets the body moving. Try a 20 minutes light jog or power walk, to work-out your way through the pain.
5. You Don’t Drink Enough Water
As crazy as it seems, drinking loads of water won’t bloat you. In fact, constantly sipping on H20 throughout the day will not only prevent dehydration, but will encourage healthy digestion by keeping food moving through your system.
Drinking eight glasses of fluid a day can help flush waste out of your system and significantly reduce water retention.