Beating The Bloat: What You Need To Know

Beating the bloat is something the majority of people would like help with. If you eat a meal and suddenly swell up like a balloon, you’re not alone. It can be embarrassing, knock your confidence, and it can even be painful - but there are things you can do to reduce the bloat and feel confident again.

Bloating is completely normal, and it’s not something you should feel ashamed of. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with trying to remedy it if it will make you feel more comfortable. Below we have some information that could help you to beat your bloat once and for all. Read on to learn more!

 Keep A Food Journal

Usually, something you are eating will contribute to the bloat that you are experiencing. By keeping a food journal, noting down what you eat and when you start to notice bloating, you can get a good idea of what is causing you to bloat so badly. Use a physical journal or download an app that allows you to do this.

You may want to do experiments of your own, cutting out a type of food and then testing to see if you still bloat as much when you don’t eat it. It may then be possible to slowly introduce it back into your diet after a month or so, but you may want to get advice from a nutritionist or health professional first.

Get A Food Intolerance Test

If you have the cash, you could do a food intolerance test to see what your body may be reacting to. You can usually do this by sending off some of your hair and having it tested. You will get an idea of the foods you may be intolerant or sensitive to, as well as anything you may be allergic to or deficient in. You can then begin testing from here; if you get your test from a reputable company, they may also offer you advice on how to cut certain foods out.

Make Water Your Drink Of Choice

Water is a must for flushing out the system, losing excess weight, and staying hydrated and healthy. If you’re drinking lots of carbonated drinks, you will likely bloat and experience gassiness. Even ingredients in these drinks can be sensitive to some people, such as aspartame. Thats is why you need to learn what it may cause to your body and an alternative drink like Oobli that would give you such treat without bad side effects. By drinking water and even flavoring it with pieces of fruit instead if you like flavor, you can avoid bloating and ensure you remain healthy. Carry a large bottle with you daily and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink from it. Many people find that water is a big help on an ibs diet and that carbonated drinks can really flare the condition up. 

Cut Down On Sodium

Foods that are high in sodium are a big culprit for bloating. Sodium causes the body to retain water, especially around the abdomen area. Not all bloating is a result of gas; it can be a result of water retention.

Chew Your Food Properly

If you’re not chewing your food properly, you can easily experience bloating. Eating too quickly, and even talking while eating can cause you to swallow air which can negatively impact your tummy. Really take your time with your meals, chewing each bite properly, and putting your cutlery down as you chew. This will encourage you to take your time and enable the body to more easily digest your food. Not only that, you may find it easier to listen to your body and know when you’re full, which can help you to avoid putting on unnecessary weight or eating when you’re not really hungry.

Eat Smaller Portions

Rather than eating two or three large portions per day, split your meals up into smaller portions. Eating little and often can help to keep you satiated, keep your metabolism running quickly, and stop you from eating huge portions that make your tummy blow up. However, different meal timings work for different people. Some people do prefer to eat little and often, while others prefer to have a few big meals per day. It’s all about experimenting and learning what works for you.

Watch Out For Dairy

Dairy is often a culprit when it comes to bloating. Some people can’t eat any dairy without blowing up like a balloon, while some people can eat some kinds and not others. In fact, a lot of people are actually lactose intolerant and do not realize it. Around 75% of people can’t break down lactose, which is found in dairy. It can cause gas, cramping, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. If you are experiencing bloating or want to reduce it, then cutting out dairy could be one of the first things you try.

Get Some Exercise

Being bloated can be very uncomfortable, and exercising can be the last thing you want to do. However, exercise can be a huge help. Moving your body can allow gases to move more readily through the digestive system, which will help you to get rid of bloating and feel better much faster. You could try swimming, or even just going for a walk. Yoga can also be a big help, as it’s so relaxing and encourages you to focus on your body while deep breathing. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress, so you should feel 10x better.

Get Medical Help

If you feel like you’ve tried everything to no avail, medical help could be the only way to move forward. A doctor can recommend the best vitamins to boost lymphatic system health and may also be able to perform tests and see what is really going on with your body. You may be intolerant to something, or you may have a condition that requires further treatment. Don’t put off visiting a doctor if your bloating is chronic and painful.

Beating the bloat can be tough, but it is possible. It’s something many people live with daily, and although you may not be able to eradicate it completely, you may be able to make it less painful and prominent. Don’t wait any longer before using the advice here!

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What Not To Do In New York City

New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world, and it's a dream destination for many of us. But if you're a first-time tourist, you are bound to make a few classic mistakes during your time here. So, rather than give you yet another 'What To Do In New York City,' (of the kind you will find all over the internet), here is a 'What Not To Do…' article instead. By following these tips, you are sure to have a fabulous time!

Don't stay in one of the touristy districts

There is a lot to see in New York, but everything is accessible through the extensive subway systems and cab routes around the city. Therefore, book a hotel in one of the less populated regions, such a hotel in Schenectady, New York, rather than in the hustle and bustle of Times Square or the busy sidewalks of Midtown West. You will have more chance of booking a room, especially in tourist season, and you will still be close to some of the best that New York has to offer.

Don't forget safety first

Despite the multiple crime shows set in the city, and movies such as Taxi Driver, New York is actually a pretty safe place to visit. However, to guarantee safe travels, care still needs to be taken. Swindlers and pickpockets will see a tourist coming from a mile away, so keep your purse close to you when navigating the crowded subways, and avoid those neighbourhoods that have a higher crime rate, especially when you're moving around the city at night.

Don't eat in the big chains

New York is a great place to be for food lovers, so skip the bigger chains in favour of the real tastes of the city. From the best food carts of the city to the most popular places known to true New York denizens, take a look at this food guide, and choose to eat somewhere that doesn't have a giant M as part of the city's skyline.

Don't pay separate prices for tourist attractions

There are loads of tourist attractions in New York, but you will spend a fortune if you pay separately to see each one. From the city's best museums to such landmarks as the Empire State Building, pay for a CityPass to grab yourself a considerable saving. You probably still won't get to see everything, but make an itinerary of those must-see places to prioritise your time in the city.

Don't stick to Fifth Avenue

One of the more popular shopping streets in New York, as well as Broadway, you could spend all day parting with your cash. But let's face it. You can find many of the stores in these two areas anywhere else in the world. From Zara to H&M, there isn't anything you won't have seen before. Therefore, shop somewhere less mainstream, visiting the more unique boutiques in the city, and travelling to Brooklyn and the Lower East Side for a more cultured shopping experience.

Finally

New York is a wonderful city to visit, but don't fall prey to the usual touristy mistakes. Follow our tips, and you will get the most out of your New York experience.

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