Why We Bloat and What To Do About It

You wake up fine, then find yourself feeling and looking like you ate a balloon after a meal or at the end of the day. What’s the deal?

Bloating can be a result of several different things: eating too fast, inhaling an excess of air while eating or drinking (using a straw), soda, high intake of sodium, artificial ingredients– such as aspartame and sugar alcohols, which are commonly found in “healthier” alternatives, such as Diet Coke and protein bars. Bloating can even be an indication of a food allergy, like celiac disease.

Now this is not a conclusive listing of bloat triggers by any means; but for many, it’s pretty applicable.

Have you noticed somewhat of a common theme here? Bloating can often be a negative result from eating processed foods. When we eat fake foods regularly, our body doesn’t know what to do with them, or how to break them down. With whole-foods, this is hardly the case, because you’re getting real food with real nutrients from produce of the earth- as our bodies were designed to consume.

So what to do about the bloat?

Eat less processed garbage and more wholesome, nutrient rich meals! At first, it may seem bland and boring, but over time you will learn to make your fresh meals more exciting when you get more confident cooking with them. Eventually, your body and taste buds will begin to crave them. Making the jump to eat better can be really hard at first; but like anything else, we as humans are adaptable. Give yourself some discipline and patience, and you will see within time.

Within the past couple of years, the fitness industry has exploded, and marketers have taken advantage of it, such as with “fit” and detox teas. While some of these teas are more credible than others, there is no tea that will make you lose fat. The job of detox teas are to get things moving along your intestines, and therefore lessen your bloat, which results in the “appearance” of weight loss.

One could argue, a cup of black coffee and some fiber, such as chia seeds, could achieve the same results. Pick your poison.

If you are interested in learning more about bloating, check out the links below!

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. This post was written from my experience with health and fitness, in addition to research.

 

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20872171,00.html

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2012/11/21/a-taxonomy-of-tummy-bloating

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/3-causes-toxic-bloating

http://bodyecology.com/articles/4-steps-to-naturally-eliminate-gas-and-bloating

feat. image: @itsdougthepug

 

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