WHAT IS BLOATING?
Bloating is pain and/or swelling in the stomach, and is the result of a buildup of gas in the digestive system. The buildup can occur in the stomach, small intestine, or colon. It is usually accompanied by belching (or burping), gas, and more. Let's take a look at the DOs and DON'Ts to say goodbye to this discomfort this summer and feel better about yourself.
OF WHICH
# CONSUME CARBONATED DRINKS, such as sodas and certain alcohols, consumed in quantity during the summer! Indeed, the small bubbles are gas, which gets trapped in your stomach once swallowed. It's therefore not surprising to see your stomach swell afterwards.
# BET IT ALL ON RAW VEGETABLES. In the summer, we often crave freshness and lightness, so it's no surprise that we reach for raw vegetables. Unfortunately, too many raw vegetables can cause bloating, especially if you don't chew them thoroughly. In fact, raw vegetables are very high in fiber, which can make digestion difficult, cause a little too much fermentation, and create that dreaded bloating.
So, prefer to combine your raw vegetables with some cooked vegetables to avoid bloating.
# DRINKING TOO MUCH WATER WITH MEALS. It's true that summer is hot, and you need to increase your daily water intake. But it's best to drink it spread out throughout the day, rather than half a liter with a meal. This could drown your food and prevent access to the digestive enzymes that break it down.
# EAT FRUIT AFTER MEALS! Also very popular in summer, they are best eaten outside of meals, as a snack, because fruit is digested very quickly (around 30 minutes) unlike meat and starchy foods which need more time. However, if eaten after a meal, they will stagnate in the stomach, begin to ferment and create bloating.
# SWIMMING TOO SOON AFTER EATING. As children, our mothers always told us... No swimming right after lunch! The main reason given is the risk of hydrocution, caused by a thermal shock between the low temperature of the water and the body temperature increased by the digestive process. Even if this case remains the most serious risk, it is not surprising to feel bloated by swimming too soon after a meal, because the difference in temperature can disrupt the digestive process.
DO
# TAKE A DIGESTIVE WALK. We often want a little nap after meals . Unfortunately, when lying down, the digestion process is slowed down, which creates discomfort, bloating, and drowsiness.
The sun is back, so no more excuses! In summer, the nice weather can motivate you to take a digestive walk, especially since we have more time, especially on vacation. Physical activity plays a real role in stimulating digestion and moving food forward.
# FAVOR CARMINATIVE SPICES (which absorb gas) such as cumin, fennel, anise, tarragon, caraway, basil, cardamom… Ideal for seasoning your dishes! Don't hesitate to add them to your salad dressings all summer long!
# STRENGTHEN YOUR INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA. To do this, eat foods rich in probiotics, such as pickles, which are lacto-fermented and therefore perfect to add to your dishes. You can also rely on fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha, ideal for aperitifs! Traditional dairy products also contain a good amount.
# PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ACID-BASE BALANCE by eating alkalizing foods (fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, tea, spices, herbs, garlic, onions, potassium-rich foods, etc.). Indeed, many risk factors in our environment increase the acidity of our body. This phenomenon promotes the proliferation of bad bacteria and increases gas formation.
# ADOPT PHYTOTHERAPY: Several plants have beneficial effects on the functioning of the digestive system. Consuming an herbal tea of anise, thyme, lemon balm, peppermint, or rosemary after meals is a very good anti-bloating tip. To cool off in summer, nothing is more pleasant than the iced version!
