Ah, that post-meal bloating… You feel uncomfortable, digestion is a struggle, and on top of that, it shows. So what are the reasons your meal is making your stomach swell? And how can you avoid it? Several everyday habits could be behind that bloated belly. Here’s everything you need to know!
Sommaire
Your meal is bloating you because you’re stressed
Yes, stress is one of the very first culprits behind post-meal bloating! It disrupts the functioning and blood flow of the digestive system. And the bad habits that come with it can make things worse. For example, reaching for sweets or chewing gum to manage stress only overloads your digestive system further. The same goes for fizzy drinks and sodas — they add even more air to your stomach (and make cellulite worse while they’re at it…). So take a breath and relax!
Your meal is bloating you because of what you’re eating
We know that certain foods — like cabbage, kale, broccoli, apples and avocado — can cause bloating. To minimise this, eat them at the start of your meal to reduce the swelling caused by fibre. And make sure to cook these vegetables well to limit the discomfort.
Your meal is bloating you because you ate too much
Simply overeating can explain that heavy, congested feeling in your stomach. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that overindulging puts you at greater risk of bloating. A simple trick to cut down on portions: eat from smaller plates and don’t go back for seconds! As a bonus, it’ll help you slim down and reduce the fat storage that contributes to cellulite — not bad, right?
Your meal is bloating you because you forgot to chew
Stop rushing through your meals. Take the time to enjoy what you’re eating! Eating too fast — just like drinking too fast — can cause you to swallow air along with your food. What’s more, chewing your food thoroughly helps your body digest complex carbohydrates more efficiently and reach that feeling of fullness sooner. So whatever the circumstances, slow down and chew properly.
Your meal is bloating you because you’re dehydrated
It might seem surprising, but your body can react this way when it’s dehydrated. If you think you’re retaining water, it’s probably a good idea to drink a little more. Skip the fizzy drinks, which will only make bloating worse, and opt for a large glass of water or detox and anti-cellulite herbal teas.
Your meal is bloating you because you had tea right after eating
Tea is a wonderful ally for your wellbeing and skin — that’s no secret! However, to make the most of its benefits, it’s best to drink it at least 1 hour before or after a meal. Tea contains tannins, which can reduce the activity of our digestive enzymes. In practice, this slows down digestion and may leave you feeling heavy and bloated. On top of that, tannins can prevent our bodies from fully absorbing the iron found in our food — and iron is essential for feeling your best. In short, tea is great for us, but it’s better to wait an hour after eating before enjoying a cup, to avoid that uncomfortable bloated feeling.
Your meal is bloating you because you lay down for a nap
While a short nap after lunch can do wonders for your productivity, the same can’t be said for your digestion. Lying down disrupts the journey of the food you’ve just eaten — it sits in your stomach, produces gas and slows everything down. This can lead to acid reflux and bloating… not exactly pleasant! To avoid this, it’s best not to lie down within the hour following a meal.
Your meal is bloating you because you finished with a piece of fruit
When we’re still a little peckish after a meal, fruit seems like the perfect light option. However, eating fruit as a dessert could trigger acid reflux. On its own, fruit digests very quickly — in around 30 minutes. But if you eat it when your stomach is already partly full, it has to wait while your body processes everything else. While it waits, the fruit may ferment and cause digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach. This theory hasn’t been scientifically proven yet, but when in doubt, it’s better to eat fruit away from main meals!
Start putting these tips into practice today to finally say goodbye to that uncomfortable bloated feeling. And what about you — what are your go-to tricks? Come and share your best tips with the CelluBlue Community!