Feeling Bloated?

Bloating can be caused by various things. If you suffer from feeling bloated then you should ask yourself the following;

Do your ankles swell regularly, especially if you have drunk a lot of alcohol?

According to nutritional experts bloating may be a sign that your kidneys need help. If you answered yes to this question, your kidneys may be under stress, so speak to your doctor.

Bloating and your diet

Do you consume cola, fruit drinks or other sweet drinks every day?

Do you eat highly salted foods or add salt to food?

Do you eat more than 12oz of protein daily in the form of meat, fish or cheese?

Do you eat products made from white flour?

If you answered ’yes’ to any of the other questions, modifying your diet should help. In addition, try taking vitamin B6, which reduces the risk of kidney stones and helps stressed kidneys. Selenium supplements also help kidneys filter fluid more efficiently.

Bloating and wheat

Some people are of the belief that they feel better when they eat less wheat. Bloating seems to be the main side effect attributed to eating wheat. Wheat is found in white flour and bread but also pasta, pizza, biscuits, muffins, cakes, crumpets and sausages. (Not that you should be eating most of these anyway!)

Those who avoid wheat finds it also helps to combat lethargy, water retention and mood swings. The proteins in wheat, such as, gluten (also found in oats, rye and barley) are extremely sticky. They can be a burden on the digestive system, leaving you feeling bloated. Many people find that they generally feel less puffy when they don’t eat wheat.

If you feel you would like to give cutting out wheat from your diet a try, it may seem nearly impossible to start with, but by finding good alternatives and changing habits you will soon find it easier. Most of us could do with reducing our wheat intake. You may be surprised to see how much wheat you eat and how much better you feel when you cut back.

Good alternatives to wheat

Rye bread (make sure it is pure rye flour). Many health food shops sell breads made from other flours such as rice/soya. Also try rice cakes, oat cakes or Ryvita crisp breads.

Corn rice and vegetable pasta can be found in health food shops and now even in some supermarkets. Rice noodles are available in supermarkets by the chinese section.

Use other grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or polenta instead of pasta or as an accompaniment to a main meal such as a curry, stew, grilled fish, stir fry etc.

Baked or boiled potato is a filling starch base to any meal.