Every inch counts when it comes to belly size, and there are simple habits you can eliminate to achieve a flatter stomach.
A bloated stomach can be caused by excess air trapped in the digestive tract, overindulging in alcohol, or that favorite steak your grandmother keeps serving you. Whatever the cause, reducing your belly or at least eliminating that bloated feeling can offer you many benefits.
Eating too fast
We’re all busy, rushing to different destinations, and carrying out our regular activities under pressure. However, there are some things you should always do in moderation, like eating.
Eating too fast causes you to swallow air, which produces gas and increases your belly size. You feel bloated when you eat too fast. It also slows down digestion. When you eat in a hurry, you don’t chew thoroughly, and larger pieces of food remain in your intestine during the digestion process.
Digestive enzymes weren’t able to perform their functions properly. In addition, your body didn’t have time to process the amount you ingested, and ultimately, you put more food into your body than it needed.
The solution? Eat slowly and take your time.
Soda addiction
It’s sweet and refreshing, and it completes your life. But those little bubbles that give you a fizzy feeling can bloat your stomach, according to Middleberg.
And if you think diet sodas might be different because they have artificial sweeteners, you’re wrong. Diet sodas are even worse. Artificial sweeteners can’t be digested and they make your stomach bloat, in addition to making your body acidic.
The solution? Stop drinking soda and switch to freshly made juices and smoothies, purified water, lemon water, and flavored water.
Packaged foods
Sodium, when consumed in excess, is bad for your health and your stomach. Packaged foods contain a lot of it. It’s one of the main preservatives in processed foods, and it also serves to cause addiction to these foods.
This includes your favorite chips. Foods disguised as healthy options like cereals, soups, and salad dressings can also contain high amounts of salt.
The solution? Cut down on processed foods and go natural. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds naturally contain little or no salt.
Eat before going to bed
When do you eat dinner? If you’re like many people, you eat it just an hour or two before bed. In that case, there’s a good chance you’ll wake up with a bloated stomach.
Digestion also requires energy, and sleep is less restorative if you force your body to mobilize for this task.
The solution? Eat at least 3 or 4 hours before going to bed, or just eat light foods like fruit or nuts if you have no choice. You can eat more in the morning. The important thing is to give your body enough “fasting” time between these two meals to respect your body’s physiological rhythms.
It’s just a small food allergy
Food allergies shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you think you’re immune, then consider the following. Some allergies and sensitivities are linked to bloating and swelling.
People with a wheat allergy generally can’t digest gluten and will experience digestive issues, including bloating and swelling. The same thing happens to people with lactose intolerance.
The solution? Consult your doctor and request a food allergy and sensitivity test. Once you’ve determined your allergy, avoid those foods at all costs.
