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Bloated no More: How to Get a Flat Stomach
Bloated no More: How to Get a Flat Stomach www.walkjogrun.net Flattening out your stomach can be quite a challenging task. It is something many people struggle with, especially as the warm weather approaches. Everyone wants to feel confident in a bathing suit during the summer. But that isn’t always easy if you have been battling with a little extra weight. Especially if the battle has gone on for what seems like forever.
The first thing you probably think you need to do is pack your gym bag, hit the gym and run for an hour. Maybe even throw some crunches in there for good measure. But none of that matters if you don’t commit to a lifestyle change as well. Because bloating is about more than fat. It’s about diet, hydration, and muscle tone.
Exercise
Yes, exercise and being active is important when you are trying to lose weight or battle bloat. But diet is probably the number one thing that will make a difference. It all comes down to what is causing your bloating. The steps you need to take to get rid of it will depend on the cause.
First things first, go for a walk and get everything moving. All of your bloating could simply be from excess gas or constipation. So simply getting your bowels moving might be the simple fix you need. If gas is to blame there are also a few different yoga poses that can help relieve your discomfort.
Try starting with child’s pose. Hold this position for a few minutes, rocking back and forth or side to side occasionally. Then move into cobra to relax your body.
Essential Oils
You probably have these lying around your house, ready to be added into your diffuser to make your house smell amazing. But did you know they also help minimize bloating? Peppermint is one of the best oils to help with an upset tummy and bloating. Simply put a few drops into a carrier oil, such as coconut, and gently massage it onto your belly.
If you don’t have any on hand, try a cup of peppermint tea. It will have the same effect. Chamomille and ginger oils will have similar benefits when used with a carrier oil.
There are a few drawbacks, however. Not all essential oils are safe to use around pets or babies. Evidence is also spotty on how effective topical applications are for bloating. Oils are a great option to have on hand, but they shouldn’t be your go-to option.
Hydration
Hydration equals water. Accept no substitutes! It is always best to try and avoid sugary or carbonated drinks. Our bodies easily turn sugar into fat. And carbonation introduces additional gas into your stomach. Water is what our body naturally craves and it will help to keep you glowing from the inside out.
If you don’t love the taste of plain water, there are options. You can try investing in a fruit-infusing water bottle. Or try making homemade ice tea by steeping tea bags in hot water, then putting it in the fridge. These are the same steps you would use to make sweet tea. But, as we already mentioned, you might want to skip the sugar.
If you choose tea, however, be aware the black tea contains caffeine and is a diuretic. This combination means you’ll be in the bathroom more than usual. And that won’t help your hydration as well as water would!
Relaxation
Stress has been linked to so many health issues. And this includes bloating and weight gain. Sometimes out clothes get tighter can’t figure out what the issue is. And then it all comes down to being way too overwhelmed in life.
True, stress is an inevitable part of life. But that doesn’t we shouldn’t combat it so that it doesn’t affect our bodies so negatively. Try a new yoga class after work to de-stress. Meet a friend for a glass of wine once a week to vent, and let some frustrations out. Try meditating or try starting a new hobby.
Doing any of these things will make a big difference in your mental health. Which, in turn, will help your body and battle bloat.
Salt Reduction
Salty foods can cause dehydration, which can lead to bloating. Which is why you should consume salt in moderation. Some may suggest cutting it out entirely. But this can backfire and lead to headaches and muscle cramps, especially if you’re active.
Condiments like soy sauce and pasta sauce are full of salt. So are snacks like nuts, or chips, so monitor your intake. While cooking, use herbs rather than your typical salt and pepper. And choose healthy snacks like fruit or vegetables and homemade hummus.
If you do accidentally go overboard on your salt intake, don’t panic. Follow it up with plenty of water to ensure you are well hydrated.
Nobody likes feeling bloated. It makes us feel sluggish and tired, no matter how much rest we get. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. But the tools listed here are a great place to start. And, since everyone’s bloating triggers are a little different, they’re excellent building blocks. You should try them and see which work for you. A symptom tracker may also help pinpoint why you’re bloating. Taken all together, these remedies and a tracker may help you kiss bloating goodbye for good.
