We all overindulge from time to time, but we don’t always consider that what we do to our bodies on the outside can affect us on the inside. Fizzy drinks, chewing gum and eating certain types of food can contribute to bloating, stretching the stomach and causing it to swell. For most sufferers, the unpleasant sensation of trapped wind and bloating are more than an occasional inconvenience.
1 Relax! Media medic and GP Dr Pixie McKenna says, “Stress, tiredness and feeling anxious can contribute to stomach problems as it can cause an abnormality in the digestive tract or excess acid to be made by the stomach.”
2 Avoid high-sodium and processed foods 24 hours before a big event and eat natural diuretics such as green tea and ginger to stimulate the kidneys to let go of extra water in your body
3 Grab an antacid, Maalox Plus 10 tablet pack (from Boots priced £1.79) is a lemon flavoured relief remedy, offering a triple action formula to aid recovery from trapped wind and bloating, indigestion and heartburn
4 Protect your liver Milk Thistle contains an active ingredient called silymarin, which has been shown to protect the liver from alcohol damage and premature ageing by helping to regenerate liver cells. Traditionally, Milk Thistle is used to relieve symptoms associated with over-indulgence, such as an upset stomach and indigestion. Try Thisilyn Milk Thistle Maximum Strength (£12.99 for 30 capsules from www.schwabepharma.co.uk)
5 Ditch the spanx According to a survey by Maalox Plus, over a third of women blame tight underwear on the cause of bloating and trapped wind
6 Sip tea Try a ‘teatox’ with Bootea (£19.99 for a 14 day supply, Holland & Barrett). Bootea has attracted celebrity fans including Mark Wright & Michelle Keegan and ex-Made in Chelsea beauty Caggie Dunlop. “Many people use tea to help with weight loss, but what Bootea does, is combine several different herbs and spices in two distinct blends to help maximise this effect” said Alex Thompson, Nutritionist for Holland & Barrett. “Ingredients such as Chinese oolong tea and ginger root are known for their health benefits.”
7 Stock up on supplements Introducing more fibre is an easy way to flush the digestive system and reduce bloating. Fructo-oligosacchride (FOS) is a soluble plant fibre found naturally in vegetables which works by gently stimulating the bowel wall so that waste matter is moved through more efficiently
8 Don’t eat late Dr McKenna says, “Avoid late night meals or snacks if you can help it. Lying down too soon after eating will make it harder for your stomach to digest food properly and can cause acid reflux.”
9 Eat wisely Limit your consumption of foods known to cause wind and bloating - potatoes, rice, beans, citrus fruits and yoghurt are all high in unabsorbable carbohydrates which can lead to excess and trapped wind and contribute to a puffy, uncomfortable tummy. Chewing gum can also lead to increased swallowing of air
10. Contour If you are worried the bloat has reached your face, contouring with makeup can take off the pounds. Make-up artist Francesca Neill says, “Contouring is about light and shade. Defining the areas of the face that you want to recede and highlighting the areas that you want to bring forward and reflect light. You want it to look like natural shadows and highlights rather than obvious makeup trickery. The key to this is using the correct colour for your skin tone and blending the product correctly.”
