Do we speak for everyone when we say that bloating is a major annoyance? You feel swollen and lethargic, you’re in pain and your stomach resembles a balloon that’s been blown up too tightly – we’ve all been there, and it’s no picnic. Here are a few handy and helpful tips to help you out!

Rule out allergies and intolerances

If you find that you get bloated every time you eat or drink a particular food group or that you’re in a lot of pain, it may be due to an intolerance or allergy. For example, those with the common digestive issue of lactose intolerance experience painful distension of the stomach, nausea, wind and stomach cramps as their body is unable to digest a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Similarly, some individuals have the same problem with fructose and experience symptoms of the same kind. If you suspect you may have a food allergy or intolerance, it’s very important that you speak to your GP as it’s easy to misdiagnose yourself and unnecessarily remove healthy foods from your diet.

Eat slowly, don’t talk with your mouth full and avoid chewing gum

All three tips relate to swallowing air, which often leads to bloating and excess gas. To avoid swallowing air, ensure that you’re taking the time to properly chew and swallow your food – it may sound simple, but many people have the habit of finishing meals too quickly – which not only lends your stomach a hand as digestion begins in the mouth, but can also aid weight loss as you’re more likely to feel full after meals and are therefore less likely to overeat or snack. A helpful rule is to put your knife and fork down between bites and focus on enjoying the taste of your food, instead of loading your cutlery with the next bite of your meal. The second tip isn’t just to do with manners, as not talking with your mouth full also means you won’t swallow as much air whilst eating. Chewing gum is one of the biggest culprits for swallowing air so opt for a sugar-free mint or chew on mint leaves, instead.

Cut down on fizzy drinks

Carbonated drinks such as cola, lemonade and beer not only pile on the calories and fill you with sugar, they also contribute towards bloating by releasing carbon dioxide gas. Alternatively, sip on flavoured or sparkling water or go for something that’s going to aid digestion and soothe upset stomachs, such as peppermint tea – we love Birt & Tang’s Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea.

Incorporate baobab into your diet

Our Baobab Superfruit Powder is 100% naturally antibacterial and high in dietary fibre which reduces constipation – one of the leading causes of bloating – which can also leave you feeling uncomfortably full and ‘heavy’. Gradually increasing your fibre intake contributes towards a healthier digestive system and leaves you feeling fuller for longer, which can help with weight loss. It’s important to drink enough water when increasing your fibre intake, so keep a water bottle handy and ensure that you’re drinking the equivalent of six to eight glasses daily.

Try the healing power of moringa

Traditionally used to treat abdominal bloating and stomach upset, nutritionists recommend a cup of hot moringa tea to help your system slowly expel any painful excess gas that may be causing uncomfortable bloating. Our Moringa Superfood Powder can be stirred into tea and contains countless other health benefits due to its high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, calcium, potassium and iron. To cleanse and detoxify your digestive system of toxins, a spoonful of our Acai Berry Superfood Powder is another wise option.

We hope you find our handy hints helpful and that they contribute towards a healthier and happier you – do get in touch on Facebook or Twitter to let us know if you’ve got any tips of your own, we’d love to hear them!