Latest news with #bloating
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The 45-second trick to get a snatched waist for summer that Love Island star swears by as people hail it ‘new life hack'
WHETHER it's that time of the month or something you've eaten, bloating can affect many of us. It's a common condition that leaves your body feeling tight, stretched, and swollen - and your clothes feeling uncomfortable. 4 4 Fizzy drinks, eating certain foods and swallowing air when eating can all lead to bloating. Water retention, constipation, stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can all trigger it too. You might avoid triggers the best you can, but sometimes bloating can feel inescapable. However, there is a treatment celebrities absolutely swear by to reduce it - lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a non-invasive treatment that's particularly popular in Brazil. It's a lot like a gentle therapeutic massage and used to alleviate digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, and reduce cellulite. Lymphatic drainage involves massaging inflamed areas with the fingertips in a clockwise motion to stimulate the lymph nodes. And Love Island star Mal Nicol has revealed she swore by the technique on the show to look bikini-ready at all times. in a TikTok video demonstating the technique, she said: "I genuinely did this, but I didn't know this was lymphatic drainage. "I've always done it. Like, any time my belly's out, any time I've ever felt a bit bloated, I would put a bit of cream on so it's a bit glidy [and massage my stomach]. "I remember doing it in the villa when I was in my bikini. "It's really gross. I do it both ways. I always end it this way, clockwise. "It's very weird, but yeah, have a go this summer." Mal's clip - captioned "burping my way to a flat tummy hahahahahh" - went viral with more than 1.6million views. And social media users are loving her simple hack. "Ur so real for this babe", one gushed. A second insisted: "It acc helps so much." 4 A third echoed: "Crying, this is my new life hack now." "Brb, burping myself rn", joked a fourth. A fifth added: "Why is this so funny but such a good to know hack." Meanwhile, a sixth said: "Love thissss, my new routine." What are the after effects of lymphatic drainage? Lymphatic drainage has physical, and mental benefits. The treatment reduces swelling around the target area, but it can also leave you feeling calmer, energised and more focused. Physiotherapist and lymphatic drainage expert, Flavia Morellato, has worked her wonders on Maya Jama, as well as supermodel Lottie Moss, presenters Rochelle Humes, Vogue Williams, and singers Ellie Goulding and Anne-Marie. She explains: 'After treatment, reduced bloating or constipation are the main benefits, and it helps settle IBS flare-ups. 'You feel lighter, flatter and less bloated. 'But it also helps with brain fog, memory, and improves your mental health, as some feel more energised, with greater focus and concentration. "But, it depends on each individual.' When is the best time to have lymphatic drainage? 'There is no best treatment time,' says Flavia. 'Lymphatic treatments are recommended to flush out toxins and excess water retention from progesterone (PMS), but it is beneficial after a period to help with body detoxification.' While the effects of lymphatic drainage can be noticeable immediately, they can also last for up to ten days post treatment, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle, which is why Flavia recommends MLD every ten days.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
22 foods and beverages that help with bloating
Have you ever gotten dressed in a pair of pants that fit perfectly when you left the house, but are much too tight around the waist and uncomfortable by the time you got home from your meal? They didn't change size after dinner—but your belly certainly did! Chances are, you have experienced bloating at some point or another, whether after a big holiday meal or after ingesting a certain food trigger as simple as a carbonated beverage. Bloating is typically not something to worry about, as it will eventually go away, but you can avoid it—and the need to wear elastic waistbands—with certain eating practices, foods and supplements. Belly bloat is when the belly feels full and tight and may look slightly distended. Bloat is commonly caused by swallowing air while eating, occasional constipation, overeating, stress, lactose intolerance, or sometimes hard-to-digest foods. Additionally, a high-sodium diet can be a culprit of a belly bloat. You probably already know which foods are occasionally gas-inducing, either from personal experience or their reputation. (Ever heard the rhyme about beans being a musical fruit?) Common occasional gas-producing foods that may lead to bloating include cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cabbage, beans, dairy products containing lactose, sugar alcohols, sugar-free chewing gum, and carbonated drinks. Additionally, FODMAPs can be a culprit. FODMAPS are short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine absorbs poorly in some people, leading to bloating. Some people experience occasional gas and other digestive system discomfort after consuming them. Bloat-inducing, high-FODMAP foods include certain fruits, lactose-containing foods, wheat, onions and legumes. Following a low-FODMAP diet may help relieve occasional gas and bloating. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly will reduce how much air you swallow and help relieve gas buildup. Additionally, eating small frequent meals throughout the day instead of eating fewer big meals may help relieve stomach bloat. Finally, avoiding food triggers can help. To identify whether certain foods are causing your digestive issues or if you have a food intolerance, consider tracking your food intake or taking a food sensitivity test. While no one food can avoid bloating, research suggests certain foods could have properties to fight bloating. 1. Turmeric: This spice is often used to brighten curries, sauces and side dishes like roasted cauliflower. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been studied for promoting a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin supports gut health and helps relieve occasional digestive discomfort, including occasional gas and bloating. 2. Green tea: Besides its high level of antioxidants, which help protect cells against free radicals, green tea contains caffeine. Caffeine stimulates digestive tract function and can help support regularity, thereby helping to relieve bloating. 3. Artichokes: Artichokes contain prebiotics, a type of fiber that helps selectively nourish the good bacteria in the gut, helping to create a balanced and healthy microbiome. Prebiotics produce short-chain fatty acids that promote gut health and function. 4. Asparagus: If you are looking for an easier-to-prepare vegetable that also packs a prebiotic punch, asparagus is another great option. 5. Ginger: Ginger is well-known for its ability to help soothe digestive discomfort. Some research suggests that ginger can help relieve bloating by speeding up stomach emptying. 6. Sauerkraut: Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria that have been associated with digestive health and helping to relieve bloating. 7. Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea is an herbal tea commonly consumed to ease occasional digestive discomfort. Peppermint oil in particular may help digestive discomfort including occasional constipation and bloating. 8. Cucumber: This water-rich vegetable is composed of about 95% water. Eating foods with a high-water content can help ensure you meet your daily hydration needs and may relieve water retention and help alleviate bloating caused by dehydration. Besides snacking on them, incorporate cucumbers into smoothies and juices to reap their hydrating benefits. 9. Watermelon: For a water-rich fruit option, grab watermelon. This summer produce is made up of more than 90% water. 10. Bananas: Bananas are potassium-rich. Potassium-rich foods help support healthy fluid balance and in turn help relieve bloating and water retention. 11. Avocados: Besides being a source of good-for-you fats, avocados, just like bananas, are an excellent source of potassium. 12. Extra virgin olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a nutritious cooking oil and mainstay of the Mediterranean diet that contains good-for-you monounsaturated fats. Intake of extra virgin olive oil may help support digestive health and help avoid bloating. Use it in homemade salad dressings, pasta dishes and even baked goods. 13. Kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk beverage. Some studies suggest that kefir consumption may help support healthy lactose digestion. Since lactose is a source of bloating for many people, kefir may be a beneficial bloat-fighting food to incorporate into your diet. 14. Yogurt: Some yogurts are a good food source of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that help promote digestive health and may help relieve bloating. Yogurt is a good ingredient to use in recipes to replace ingredients such as heavy creams that might contribute to a bloated belly. Just watch out for ones with added sugars and sugar alcohols. 15. Celery: This water-rich vegetable is considered a natural diuretic, meaning it helps increase urine production to remove excess water and sodium from the body, which can help relieve bloating. 16. Fennel: In additional to also acting as a diuretic, fennel has properties that can help the muscles in the GI tract relax. This may help relieve occasional gas and bloating. 17. Pineapple: This tropical fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been used to support digestive health. 18. Papaya: Another bloat-fighting tropical fruit to add to your grocery list is papaya. Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which helps the body break down amino acids to help encourage healthy digestion. 19. Rhubarb: This vibrant vegetable contains a compound called sennoside that promotes healthy bowel function and may help relieve occasional constipation. 20. Lemons: Fresh lemon juice in water not only makes water more fun to drink to help you meet your daily hydration needs, the citric acid found in lemon juice may help support digestion by boosting secretion of gastric acid, a digestive fluid. 21. Quinoa: Whole grains like quinoa are fiber-rich. Quinoa contains both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps support heart health, while insoluble fiber helps support healthy digestion and bowel function, helping to relieve bloating. Enjoy it in salads, soups or in a breakfast bowl. 22. Oats: Just like quinoa, this whole grain is rich in insoluble and soluble fiber, including beta-glucan fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and relieve occasional constipation. Artichokes and ginger work together to support digestion. Looking for a good way to incorporate these beneficial foods in your diet? We've got you! This high-fiber, low-calorie side dish is nutrient-dense and made with good-for-you ingredients. No grill? No problem! Simply use a grill pan to achieve grill marks on this summery, prebiotic-rich side dish. Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes 3 artichokes 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Minced fresh parsley for garnish Sliced lemons for serving Ginger Dressing 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger Salt and pepper to taste Fill a large pot with an inch of water at the bottom and place a steamer rack inside. Use scissors to snip away the pointy tips of the artichoke leaves. Trim the stems to 2 inches from the base of the artichoke. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and place artichoke halves in the steamer. Cover and steam until the artichoke bottoms pierce easily, 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size. While artichokes are steaming, whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Allow the artichokes to cool before cutting in half lengthwise and scraping out and discarding the fuzzy center. Brush the artichoke halves with the oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat the grill to medium. Place the artichokes halves cut-side-down on the grill. Cover and grill for 5 to 8 minutes or until grill marks appear. Place artichoke halves on a serving plate and drizzle dressing on top before serving. Top with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon slices. Nutritional value per serving Calories: 159 Carbohydrates: 8 grams Protein: 2 grams Fat: 15 grams Tips for success Make sure to cook the artichokes before grilling because they won't cook through on the grill alone. Grilling after cooking gives them a great flavor finish. Wait 20 minutes before serving to allow the artichokes to soak up the flavors of the dressing. This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Washington Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
I'm a gastroenterologist. Here's why I tell my patients to eat this one fruit.
Is there something I can eat to help with constipation? A lot of high-fiber foods and supplements make me bloated, but I don't want to take a laxative. I get this question often in my gastroenterology clinic. Gut symptoms like bloating and constipation are incredibly common, affecting up to a third of the population. Many people don't want to take medication if there are more natural ways to help. But I also know that simply recommending people increase their fiber intake is vague and not always useful.
Vogue
30-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
The Best Bloating Supplements for Smooth, Easy Digestion
The best supplement for bloating involves some trial and error. Again, you have to start with why you're bloated in the first place in order to find the best supplement to treat your symptoms. 'A supplement should be chosen based on a client's individual test results, symptom picture, and health history,' says Gildea. 'Functional medicine emphasizes personalization: what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.' However, there are some ingredients that are known to help soothe different types of bloating. Peppermint oil Peppermint oil relaxes gastrointestinal muscles which can ease cramping,' says Gildea. 'However, it may worsen acid reflux.' Leary adds that peppermint, along with fennel, is especially great for people who feel gassy, crampy, or tight after eating. Fennel Fennel is an herb that helps relax gastrointestinal muscles, reduce gas, and bloating. 'It helps soothe the digestive tract which in turn, minimizes bloating,' says Gildea. Fiber 'Foods containing soluble fiber like oats, chia seeds, ground linseed, and soft fruits (berries, bananas) can help decrease bloating,' says Diamandis. 'This type of fiber helps to keep bowel movements regular and hence reduces bloating.' However, it may worsen symptoms in some people with IBS so you should consult with a dietician first. Ginger 'Ginger helps stimulate stomach acid and digestive enzyme release,' says Leary. 'It can also improve motility and reduce nausea.' Magnesium citrate Magnesium is useful in cases of constipation. 'It draws water into the intestine to soften the stool and promote bowel movements,' says Diamandis. 'That can help reduce gas and constipation-related bloating.' Digestive enzymes Digestive enzymes are amazing to help break down otherwise hard-to-digest foods. 'Digestive enzymes aid in proper digestion, preventing fermentation and gas production,' says Gildea. Different types of enzymes are specific to different nutrients (for example, lactase helps break down lactose) so focus on a formula that helps your specific digestion issues or features full-spectrum support. Prebiotics 'Prebiotic soluble fiber supplements (containing psyllium husk or oats) feed your gut bugs which in turn produce SCFA (short-chain fatty acids) that improve digestion and reduce bloating,' says Diamandis. 'If you suffer from IBS related to high FODMAPs foods, be sure to choose a low-FODMAPs prebiotic.' Probiotics Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts (good gut bacteria) which help to balance the gut microbiome. 'They support digestion by reducing gas production,' says Diamandis.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I was so bloated I looked 5 months pregnant – then a sharp pain like cold metal scrapping my insides revealed the truth
WHEN Tamsyn Gerrits woke up one morning with a swollen belly, she assumed it was just bloating. But what started as mild discomfort quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal that would change the 28-year-old's life forever. 7 7 At first, Tamsyn looked like she was about four of five months pregnant - but she wasn't. She also thought it didn't feel like regular bloating. 'Every morning, my stomach looked round and hard. Not soft or squishy like normal bloating. I just knew something wasn't right,' she said. Tamsyn, whose son Elan is only a year old, had ultrasounds but doctors struggled to pinpoint the problem. 'All they could see was a large fluid-filled mass pressing on my bladder,' she said. 'They weren't sure if it was a cyst, a hernia, or something else entirely.' They also made her take five pregnancy tests - all of which came back negative. 'I knew it wasn't a baby, but it was frustrating having to constantly prove it,' she added. Then, over Easter weekend, Tamsyn's condition took a dramatic turn for the worse. At 4am she was woken by a sharp, shooting pain in her lower back and left abdomen. I was on the brink of death with litre of blood in my stomach after sex - if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone 'It felt like cold metal scraping the inside of my body. I was nauseous and scared,' she said. 'It was a public holiday and my medical aid wouldn't approve a scan or surgery. No one answered their phones. I was lying there in pain, knowing something was growing inside me, and I couldn't do a thing about it.' Eventually a gynaecologist examined her and made a chilling discovery, an ovarian tumour growing very rapidly. 'I went in on Friday, and the mass was 12cm. By Monday, it was 17cm. That's how fast it grew,' Tamsyn, from Cape Town, South Africa, said. 'The doctor said we had to operate immediately or I could lose my ovary.' 'Extremely lucky' Surgeons found a massive dermoid cyst - a type of tumour that can contain tissue like hair, skin, and even teeth. 'It was right on the verge of bursting,' Tamsyn said. 'In fact, it did burst the moment they removed it. 'This was extremely lucky, because if it had burst inside my body, I likely would have progressed straight to Stage 3 or 4 cancer. The fact that it was intact when removed played a crucial role in catching it early.' Doctors were able to save her ovary and used her C-section scar to minimise additional scarring. But the real shock came days later, when her biopsy results confirmed the tumour was Grade 2 – high-grade and cancerous. 'I went numb,' Tamsyn admitted. 'You never think it's going to be you. Especially when your blood work was all clear. 'Especially when you're young and healthy, and have a child to raise.' Tamsyn has had aggressive chemotherapy, which has left her physically and emotionally drained. 'I gained 1st 8lbs (10 kilos) in just five days from all the steroids, fluids, and hormones they pumped into me,' she said. 'Then I dropped 1st 12lbs (12kg) in a weekend. My body didn't recognise itself. I didn't recognise myself. 'My hair started falling out in clumps by day 16. So I decided to take back some control and shaved it all off. A bold chop. My way of saying: 'You don't get to take this from me too.'' 'This is a rollercoaster' Just as Tamsyn began to find a rhythm in her treatment regime, she was rushed to hospital with an infected chemo port and dangerously low white blood cells. 'My body was shaking uncontrollably. I was freezing, nauseous, and scared. The infection was winning because my immune system was too weak to fight it," she said. Doctors paused her chemo and began IV antibiotics, plus painful injections to stimulate her bone marrow. 'I've been told I'll probably be in hospital for another 10 days,' she says. 'It feels excessive, but they want to be sure I'm strong enough to continue treatment.' Despite it all, Tamsyn remains defiant. 'This is a rollercoaster, but I'm holding on,' she said. 'I'm grateful we caught it early. I'm grateful for my support system - my husband, Jaco, who's my best friend, and our beautiful one-year-old son, Elan, who gives me a reason to keep going.' 7 7 7 She hopes her story will encourage other women to trust their instincts. 'We're told we're overreacting, being dramatic, or hormonal. But if your body is screaming that something is wrong, listen. There are no medals for being tough,' she said. Tamsyn, an entrepreneur and beauty queen who is a former Miss South Africa Top 5 finalist, shares her experiences on social media @tamsyn_gerrits and through her own marketing agency Jane Doe Media. 'I've been discharged from hospital, and my body has miraculously and thankfully managed to overcome the infection,' she said. 'I'm scheduled to resume chemotherapy – just two more rounds to go. 'I'm not hiding. This is part of my life now. And if I can help one woman avoid being dismissed, if I can make one mum feel seen – then it's worth every post, every chemo drip, every tear.'
