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The good news is bloating is temporary — and it's about to be even more so.
By PopSugar — Written on Oct 19, 2018
It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what's causing your bloating. It could be a food intolerance (like dairy) or too many cans of LaCroix, or maybe it's just that time of the month. One thing is for sure: whatever the cause, it can be really uncomfortable.
The good news is bloating is temporary — and it's about to be even more so. We asked Amanda Nighbert, RD, a registered dietitian who specializes in weight loss, for five shortcuts that'll put you on the fast track to getting back into your skinny jeans. Follow her advice every day, and you may just stop bloating before it starts.
1. Ditch the Salt
If you're feeling bloated — or want to avoid it in the first place — you need to seriously cut back on salt. "A high-sodium diet can lead to fluid retention, which can leave you feeling very bloated," Nighbert told POPSUGAR. Choose low-sodium foods (more veggies, fewer fries) and avoid adding extra salt to your meals.
2. Eat More of These
At least until you're feeling better, pull back on other ingredients that contribute to bloating, like dairy, gluten, and sugar. Instead, load up on belly-flattening foods like bananas, pineapple, ginger, and watermelon. And if this happens often? "Try eliminating gluten and dairy for two full weeks to see if they could be the cause of your bloated belly," Nighbert said.
3. Drink Lots of Water
It may seem like drinking water would further bloat your belly, but the opposite is true. Staying hydrated helps your digestive system run smoothly, moving the culprit of your bloating through your body more quickly.
"Getting plenty of water daily is a great, all-natural way to treat and prevent constipation," Nighbert said — another source of bothersome bloating. If your bloating is chronic, she suggests speaking with your doctor or an RD about whether you may need more fiber or a magnesium citrate supplement.
4. Sneak In a Workout
Moving your body gets other things moving, too . . . like gas. Research shows that mild physical activity can alleviate symptoms of abdominal bloating. Get on your mat for this gentle yoga sequence, or lace up your shoes and head out for a long walk. You'll be feeling more comfortable in no time.
5. Break These Bad Habits
Some final bits of wisdom from Nighbert: "Slow down when eating, don't drink through a straw, and decrease your intake of carbonated beverages. All of these things increase the likelihood of excess gas or air in your stomach and can make you feel bloated."
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This article was originally published at PopSugar. Reprinted with permission from the author.