6 Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Belly Bloat
Typically, belly bloat is the result of eating something that causes an inflammatory response, leading to increased gas in your abdomen—which can be really uncomfortable!
So, what relieves bloating, and how can you prevent it? Instead of turning to gimmicky supplements and products, let’s dive into the proven lifestyle strategies that offer much-needed relief.
Here are our six best lifestyle tips to help get rid of and prevent belly bloat.
1. Stay Hydrated
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The amount of water you drink in a day is one of the most important aspects of your overall health. If you aren’t drinking enough water, it’s likely contributing to your belly bloat.
Water helps to flush out toxins and waste from your body through urination, so drinking more fluids will help with digestion. It helps to nix the effects of those salty foods, too.
If you’re wondering how to debloat fast, drinking water is a quick and easy way to do it. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
2. Pay Attention to How You Chew
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Yep, how you chew makes a difference! Instead of chatting while eating, make a conscious effort to eat slowly. Chewing your food will improve digestion (and satisfaction), so try to only talk in between bites.
Side note: Chewing gum also causes you to swallow a lot of air, which can lead to bloating.
3. Take it Easy on Carbs and Sodium
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When you’re trying to avoid bloating, there are several foods you may want to stay away from.
Carbs increase fluid retention in your body and can make you feel bloated. To debloat, you can reduce carbohydrates for about a day or two and make the basis of your diet greens and lean proteins.
The same goes for sodium! The recommended daily amount of sodium is 1,500 grams, but the average American consumes 3,400 grams. That’s more than double! Instead of flavoring your food with salt, use herbs, fresh ground pepper, cayenne pepper, or salsa.
4. Incorporate Yoga
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Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise because it is a low-impact, relaxing activity. It also helps aid in digestion and fights bloat!
During yoga, your body moves into shapes that help gas travel through the digestive system, which helps relieve all the pressure you feel in your belly.
5. Try an Epsom Salt Bath
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Taking an Epsom salt bath helps pull excess water from your body. Add two cups of Epsom salts (which you can find at your local drugstore) to your running bathwater.
Soak in the bath for 20 minutes to reduce bloating, relieve muscle tension, and improve your mood!
6. Take a Walk After Eating
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Instead of crashing on the couch after dinner, head outside for fresh air and healthy movement. No matter the weather, walking after you eat can help your body digest food and burn off a few calories.
By incorporating these six lifestyle tips into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce and prevent belly bloat, leading to improved digestive health and a more comfortable, flatter stomach!