4 tips to reduce tummy bloat

While I might be pregnant in that pic, I know you’ve heard me go on about how sensitive my tummy gets with certain foods! I can control it by maintaining a good diet and restricting what I eat most of the time, but there are other times where I don’t have the time or means to eat well. I travel quite a bit for work, so during these times it can be hard to have control over what I’m eating, as I am either on the run, in a new place with not many options, or the menu is different and affects me more than usual.

Digestive issues are very common and can have many causes such as food intolerances, IBS or over-indulging in rich hard to digest foods. It is always best to consult a health care professional if you suffer from discomfort or other problems, but there are ways to help ease the symptoms of digestive issues, and I have listed them here for you. These are things that I do regularly to help with my sensitive gut!

1. Ginger

Ginger prevents bloating, reduces gas, and stimulates your digestive juices to better break down food. It’s great for calming nausea, and is also a mild muscle relaxant helping to calm stomach cramps. Another hot drink including fresh ginger, lemon and honey if desired, one of my go-to remedies, and great for beating colds!

2. Probiotics

Sometimes bloating can come from an imbalance of good or bad bacteria in your gut, especially if you have been on antibiotics which reduces the good bacteria normally present in your system. When the gut bacteria are imbalanced, this can lead to further digestive issues. A good quality probiotic can help restore the balance and get rid of any bloating and tummy problems. Yogurt is a great source of natural probiotics – just make sure it is one that is natural and contains acidophilus bifidus live cultures.

3. Get moving

When your tummy hurts, and you feel bloated, the last thing you feel like doing is getting up and moving. But the pain can actually get worse if you curl up and huddle over into a ball. Your tummy is better stretched out and not restricted by bad posture. Some light movement will help the body and the digestive process get going. A leisurely walk after dinner could help the process along.  

4. Take an Epsom salt bath

Epsom salts are a great source of magnesium sulfate, which reduces inflammation in the body and plays an important role in the digestive tract. It’s best and quickest absorbed through the skin, which is why having it as a bath is most effective. Baths also help you to destress, which also helps your digestion!