{"id":43291,"date":"2024-10-16T11:27:35","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T18:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/?p=43291"},"modified":"2024-10-23T10:17:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T17:17:14","slug":"dr-maritas-guide-to-banish-bloat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/articles\/health\/dr-maritas-guide-to-banish-bloat\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Marita\u2019s Guide to Banish Bloat"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/10\/bloating_banner_1000x480.png” alt=”Middle age woman smiling lifting weights” title_text=”bloating_banner_1000x480″ admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_code raw_content_tablet=”<\/p>\n

Parents face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, well-nourished children in a world where sugary temptations lurk around every corner.<\/p>\n

” raw_content_phone=”” raw_content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Text – Fullwidth Leader Text” module_id=”fullwidth-leader-text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Now that you\u2019ve reached your forties and beyond, do you ever feel like you\u2019ve swallowed a whole watermelon after a meal? You\u2019re not alone.<\/pee>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_code][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Body Content” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#509aa6″ header_font_size=”40px” header_line_height=”40px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_letter_spacing_last_edited=”off|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”” header_line_height_phone=”30px” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The dreaded \u201cfood baby bloat\u201d is a common occurrence, and while some stomach expansion after a meal is normal, bloating twice the\u202fsize of your stomach indicates issues with\u202fyour\u202fdigestive health.\u202fThankfully, there are ways to tame the bloating beast and reclaim your comfort and confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THE FLAT STOMACH MYTH<\/h5>\n

First, let\u2019s dispel the myth of a totally flat stomach. Many women will never have a completely flat stomach no matter what diet or exercise plan they follow simply because of the anatomy of their reproductive organs. The \u201cpouch\u201d at the bottom of your stomach serves the important purpose of protecting your womb and ovaries. Some individuals have an anatomy that supports washboard abs, but no one\u2019s stomach is flat 100% of the time.\u202fIt\u2019s 100% normal for the belly to expand after eating, simply because of the extra volume inside the body and the normal gasses produced during digestion.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RECOGNIZING ABNORMAL BLOATING<\/h5>\n

That being said, the \u201cfood baby bloat\u201d is a different story. This condition refers to excessive and uncomfortable bloating (gas production) after eating and can indicate gut health and digestion issues.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, which may warrant a visit to your health care practitioner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GUIDE TO BEATING THE BLOAT<\/h4>\n

GUT-SUPPORTIVE DIET<\/h5>\n

Certain foods, such as processed foods, excessive salt, and carbonated beverages, trigger bloating. Instead, opt for wholefoods like fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and whole grains.\u202fBe mindful of food sensitivities, such as dairy, eggs, soy, legumes, or gluten. Some people tolerate these foods well, and others do not. Keep a food diary, notice what foods trigger bloating, and try to avoid them.\u202fProbiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut are great additions to your diet to promote a healthy gut microbiome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

THE POWER OF PROBIOTICS<\/h5>\n

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that offer numerous gut health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced bloating. The probiotic foods listed above are great dietary additions, but many people also benefit from a good probiotic supplement to help their microbiome flourish.\u202fTravel Biotic\u2122 is my favourite blend, and it is convenient for busy lifestyles as it doesn\u2019t require refrigeration like other probiotic supplements. You can take it with you to work, school, or travel.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SOOTHING SOLUTIONS<\/h5>\n

When bloating strikes, it can be hard to know how to alleviate the discomfort. Ginger, papaya, and cinnamon are great allies in reducing bloating.\u202fTeas like peppermint and chamomile can help soothe the digestive tract and ease bloating. On the go, I love Natural Factors\u2019 ginger chews and papaya enzyme supplements. They are delicious and effective at reducing bloating while aiding good digestion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT ELSE CAN HELP?<\/h5>\n