Many people suffer bloating after they've eaten, but for some its a daily recurrence that can cause ongoing problems. While many reasons have been found to cause the health issue, diet - especially carb-heavy food such as bread and pasta - and stress are considered leading factors.
And although there are myriad medical solutions, Sydney-based natural health expert Amie Skilton told Woman's Day there are also some natural alternatives that can help.
Activated Charcoal: It might sound like a less conventional cure, but charcoal has been found to ease pain caused by gut gasses.
The 'black stuff' works by 'soaking' up less harmful, but uncomfortable, acids and gasses that can accumulate in the stomach. It's these substances that are often responsible for indigestion and acid reflux
Wellness practitioners, including Ms Skilton, are of the opinion charcoal tablets can be effective in relieving some symptoms some associated with bad bloating.
'If someone is really gassy, this can absorb any biotoxins that are sitting in the gut. It only provides symptomatic relief though, but do see a practitioner to fix any gut imbalances,' said Ms Skilton.
Bitter Greens: Eating plenty of green, leafy vegetables is not only good for your health, it's also been found to be great for your gut.
According to Jeannette Hyde, author of The Gut Makeover, starting a meal with a handful of rocket leaves, chicory, or radicchio severed with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can help with digestion.
'Bitter leaves can help you digest your food better, leading to less bloating down the digestive tract,' said Ms Hyde.
Ms Skilton also believes that eating more greens – especially those that are denser – can help relieve bloat caused by constipation. 'Bloat from constipation can be addressed by kale, spinach, watercress, broccoli, rocket, charred silverbeet, leafy greens from the top of beetroot, dandelion greens and endive,' the nutritionist said.
Celery: Nutritionists agree: celery is a super-food, especially when if you are retaining fluid and feeling really puffy. This is because it's naturally full of water which means it helps gets the system moving by flushing excess fluid.
Digestive health expert Linda Booth believes it's also great for women who suffer from uncomfortable bloating before their period. 'It's good for hydration and getting your digestive system moving, helping to combat that unwanted bloat during your period,' said Ms Booth.
Ms Skilton said that while celery juice is one of the easier ways to take the vegetable, she adds that sprinkling of celery seeds over your salad also does the trick.
'Celery is a natural diuretic,' she said, 'that assists the kidneys in shifting excess fluid.'
