5 ways I’ve found helpful to reduce bloating

You may have felt like you have tried everything under the sun to reduce bloating. I know I had thought this very thing. For me, this bloated feeling really became present in my life when I became pregnant. Its a dreaded discomfort I never really understood or knew before pregnancy.

While bloating can be from a variety of things (including medical conditions), most of the time it is due to poor dietary habits and lifestyle. An estimated 30% of the population experiences bloating regularly! Here are a few tips I’ve found to help me reduce that bloated feeling

1. Eat more leafy greens

I know, I know it seems like a broken record… but the truth is, its a must! An estimated 5% of the population gets enough veggies in their diet regularly…

Leafy greens provide beneficial fiber, magnesium and bloat-reducing nutrients in them that can help improve bowel frequency and decrease bloating once and for all!

2. Reduce your intake of artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners may help with reduced caloric intake, but they can also increase the likelihood of you feeling bloated. That’s because artificial sweeteners are difficult for your body to digest, which can affect the little tiny microbiomes found in your gut, leading to that bloated feeling.

3. Move your body

Moving your body regularly can stimulate blood flow through your intestines and reduce your bloated feeling. It can also promote regular bowel movements, which also reduce that bloated feeling. Whether its walking, yoga, strength training, HIIT or doing daily household chores, move your body and see if that helps with your bloated feeling.

4. Don’t eat after 7pm

Eating later at night can make you feel bloated because digestion slows down while you’re sleeping. Ensure that your last meal is before 7pm, or 2-3 hours before your bedtime so that your stomach can digest the food well before you fall asleep.

5. Try a massage

Massage promotes blood flow and improves circulation which can help “clear out” your body’s GI system and reduce your bloated feeling. If you’re particularly wanting to target your digestive track, try slowly massaging your abdomen in a circular motion. Begin on your lower right side of your abdomen and work your way up, across and back down. Repeat as necessary.

I know it sounds super silly–but it works!!