This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
According to research by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, our diet plays a significant role in how we look, and bloating is mainly down to what we eat.
While bloating can be a sign of a serious medical condition, it's often caused by our diet. So, here are six easy ways to avoid a bloated stomach.
Firstly, avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum. Carbonated drinks contain gas, which can swell your belly, and chewing gum can make you swallow air, which gets more gas into your stomach.
Instead, try drinking fresh ginger tea, which is a powerful digestive aid and anti-inflammatory. To make it, slice or grate about one tablespoon of fresh ginger, add it to a cup, and steep in boiling water. You can add honey or lemon to taste if the spice is too much for your palate.
Another tip is to cook garlic and onions, as they contain Fodmaps, which can be tricky carbs that can cause bloating. Cooking them may reduce the impact on your digestive system and cut down the bloat.
It's also essential to rule out food allergies, as they can lead to painful gas and make your tummy balloon. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, and sesame, so make a food diary to see if there are any common triggers.
Lastly, try eating smaller meals. This is a simple tip but a highly effective one. Avoid stuffing yourself silly at mealtimes and switch from three large meals a day to five or six smaller portions. This regulates blood sugar and will leave you feeling lighter and brighter and with a flatter tum.
