Ah bloating… No one likes this uncomfortable feeling but unfortunately we’ve all been there before, one time or another. What is bloating exactly? Bloating is the temporary feeling of a full, swollen stomach due to excess air or gas, which can come from…
- overeating
- eating too quickly
- consuming a lot of rich, fatty foods
- constipation
- gut sensitivity
- food intolerances or allergies
- bacterial overgrowth
- medical conditions (gastroparesis)
Bloating is very common and while uncomfortable, it is nothing to be embarrassed about. To keep bloating at bay (with the hope to banishing it), it typically requires a change to your diet. There are a number of foods to avoid and also foods that will help improve digestion. There are common things you can do from chewing gum, keeping hydrated, cutting back your portion size, reducing alcohol and fizzy drink intake, and taking your time to eat. To help you make the right choices we’ve put together this handy guide to some of the best foods and drinks for beating the bloat…
- Pineapple
- Fennel seeds
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Almonds
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Banana
- Melon
- Asparagus
- Papaya
While these may aid in reducing your bloated stomach, things such as beer, salty food, dairy, and some cruciferous vegetables (i.e. broccolini, cabbage, brussel sprouts) while high in fibre/nutrients should for some, be eaten in small amounts.
Drinking Tea Has Its Benefits…There is nothing better than sitting in relaxing in front of the fire, rugged up with a hot cup of tea in hand. Tea is delicious but it is also so good for you! Black has been time and time again been described as the longevity beverage. With over 1,500 varieties, not including all the different herbal blends, it is full of many health effects. Some say when consumed regularly, it is healthier than water…Tea leaves contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and some other chronic problems. Polyphenols are normally found in large amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and wine (yes wine!). The specific polyphenols in tea are called catechins or EGCG, which are more powerful than the polyphenols contained anywhere else in nature.
- Tea is also wonderful at decreasing stress by increasing relaxation level and concentration. Fun fact, the amino acid, L-theanine, counteracts any caffeine in the tea. Tea is the only way you can get this supplement in your diet without taking a manufactured supplement.
- Amino acids increase the activity in the brain to achieve a state of relaxed concentration. The highest concentrations of L-theanine are in green and white tea varieties. Its been shown to help lower Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol, fight body fat accumulation, inhibit viral illnesses such as the cold or the flu and reduce the buildup of plaque on the teeth- who knew!
- Hot, cold, iced or spiced, tea can be enjoyed in various ways. So do yourself a favour and boil the kettle and enjoy a cup of tea or two a day. Your body and mind will thank you for it.