5 Tips To Beat Bloat This Holiday Weekend

If you’ve ever felt bloated after a meal then you know how unbelievably uncomfortable it is! Your pants may suddenly feel tighter, you may feel restricted in your shirt, you might feel heavier, slower and like you need to hit the couch for a snooze.
The reason for bloating varies from person to person but keeping these 5 helpful tips in mind may help to beat bloat this holiday weekend!

1. Chew your food! Digestion starts in the mouth and chewing signals your glands to produce saliva, which contains enzymes that start breaking down food before it reaches your stomach. Food entering the stomach prematurely can contribute to that unwanted overly-full feeling (some might say “stuffed”) and put unnecessary stress on your digestive system.

2. Stay hydrated. Water, along with ‘digestive juices’ in the stomach (stomach acid and digestive enzymes) help to break food down further. When your digestive system has all the tools that it needs to work optimally, you’ll feel satisfied and comfortable after a meal.

3. Pay attention to hunger cues. Are you hungry? Or, are you bored? Eating out of boredom and/or mindless snacking can cause bloating, unwanted weight gain and contribute to unbalanced blood sugar which can lead to excessive cravings.

4. Avoid possible allergens or intolerances. Food allergens or intolerances can really disrupt digestion and cause many symptoms like: bloating, cramping, brain fog, headache, irregular bowel movements and more. If you suspect that you may have a food allergy or intolerance, it’s best to contact a Nutritionist to investigate further.

5. Make sure you’re pooping! Poop is a normal part of everyday life. Yes, that’s right – every single day! Poop is a great indicator of overall health and ideally, your body should be excreting waste once a day. If you aren’t pooping regularly, it’s essential to find out why.

While it might seem like bloating is just a side effect of eating too much, it can actually be a sign of digestive distress and it’s best to seek guidance from a Nutritionist to find out more!