Let’s face it. We all get bloated. And although no one should feel ashamed of sporting a tummy when they are having a bloated day, being bloated, in general, totally sucks. It’s uncomfortable, distracting and a whole host of other words that describe yucky feels.
Thankfully, there are plethora things a person can do to help their body quickly get rid of unwanted bloat.
Have a drink with one of the following things
First, consider making a beverage that’s full of spices that promote the de-bloating process the morning before you go on cam. (These remedies also could help in a pinch when you’re on cam or in-between takes.)
Spices such as cayenne, turmeric and black pepper are ideal. Here’s why:
Cayenne: Cayenne pepper can help stimulate digestion, ease gas and relieve pressure and cramping, reported Byrdie. Apparently, ingesting a teaspoon of the spice in a drink — such as plain water — can quickly relieve bloating symptoms.
Turmeric: This spice is known for its ability to detoxify. “Turmeric is highly anti-inflammatory and can help mediate the immune system,” Caitlin Sullivan, co-founder of Honey Hi, told Byrdie. Another suggestion is adding a teaspoon of it to water, tea, juice or a smoothie.
Ginger: Ginger can help de-bloat your gut. Consider combining it with turmeric and lemon in a smoothie.
Next, try one of my favorite health tonics and de-bloating remedies: apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar helps increase stomach acid, which improves digestion, and “aids your body’s absorption of key nutrients from food,” reported Byrdie.
“This supertonic balances healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting better digestion, balancing pH levels in the body, and killing any viruses and unwanted bacteria,” Nicole Granato, a women’s health specialist, added (per Byrdie).
To enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar, simply add a teaspoon to eight ounces of water. Byrdie suggested added some cinnamon or Stevia for taste. I prefer a bit of lemon juice.
Think before you eat
If you have a tendency to eat while binging Netflix, reading news on your phone, tweeting about said news, etc., you may experience poor digestion, which could lead to bloating.
Next time you’re eating before going on cam, try to slowly enjoy the food you prepared. Chew the food slowly, eat with intention and try to eat without distractions.
Also, fermented food, such as sauerkraut or kimchi, can keep bloating under control. Zesty!
“Fermentation allows us to preserve foods safely and effectively, oftentimes making those foods exponentially more nutritious than in their freshest state,” Sullivan added.
“You can add sauerkraut or kimchi to a meal to easily add a lot more vegetables and a wide variety of nutrients. The relationship between your brain and your gut is very real and the naturally occurring probiotics in fermented foods are an easy way to add probiotics to your diet without expensive supplementation.”
Keep moving
If you haven’t added exercise to your daily pre-cam routine, consider it! According to a study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, exercise can actually help ease gas retention.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to eat, drink and move your way to a less bloated body. Interested in other ways that promote less bloat? Visit the original Byrdie article for more information.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Image via Patrick Nijhuis.