Here are some very timely tips for minimizing your middle when you’re in a pinch and can’t devote two weeks to ab exercises. These were found at Yahoo Health and written by Joy Bauer. Hopefully these will help you with your healthy, deep breathing as you won’t have to suck it in as much with these tips in mind.

Everyday bloat is downright uncomfortable! It’s commonly caused by water retention or gas — a build-up of air in the intestines and stomach that can give you the feeling of a distended abdomen.

If your condition is chronic, speak with your doctor to make sure it’s not a serious GI concern such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Other less serious issues to investigate include lactose intolerance, constipation, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.

If you’re certain it’s everyday bloat, these 7 tips can help you feel significantly better:

1 Avoid carbonated beverages — drink plenty of flat water instead.

2 Avoid salty foods, since excessive salt retains water.

3 Limit sugar alcohols. Sorbitol and maltitol, frequently found in sugar-free foods and sugarless gum, can exacerbate gas and discomfort in people who are super sensitive.

4 Limit gas-producing foods, specifically broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beans and cabbage. When you do eat them, try taking Beano, an over-the-counter supplement which can help your body digest them. Shelley’s note: Of course daily supplements of probiotics and digestive enzymes can assist your digestive system in breaking these, as well as fiber and some proteins, down.

5 Don’t overdo the amount of fiber in your diet. Fiber is incredibly important, but too much can exacerbate bloat in people who are sensitive. Thus, be sure to increase the amount in your diet gradually and drink plenty of water to help wash it down.

6 Avoid large meals heavy in carbohydrates and fat. Instead, eat low-volume meals throughout the day (and eat every four to five hours).

7 Be sure to incorporate some type of protein with each meal and snack. Protein acts as a natural diuretic and helps your body get rid of extra water.


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