BEAT THE BODY BLOAT

We all know that swollen feeling that comes from overeating.  But what about the sudden bloat that seems to strike without cause?
To curb inflation, all you've got to do is identify the cause....

PMT BLOAT

PMT bloating is caused by the temporary over production of a hormone called aldosterone which causes the body to retain salt and water before a period - in a few women.  Avoiding as much as possible salt in your diet really can help here.  Cutting out added salt all together for at least a week before your period is beneficial.  Changing to a low-sodium salt or even better using sea salt will also help.  Herb teas like camomile or raspberry can ease discomfort.  In cases where PMT really causes discomfort - vitamin B6, or Evening Primrose Oil tablets can often help.  Diuretic tablets from health food shops can be taken but preferably in accordance with medical advice - you can make yourself  quite ill by self-prescription with these tablets if you overdo them.

ALLERGY BLOAT

Milk and dairy produce, bread, refined white sugar (and foods that contain refined sugar such as cakes, biscuits and sweets) can all cause an allergic bloating reaction.  So can products that contain yeast - including some medicines, like antibiotics.  If you think an allergy might be your problem, spend a week or two logging everything you eat and your reaction to it.  Cut out anything that seems to promote the bloat and see if things improve.

ANXIETY BLOAT

Nervous people often unconsciously swallow air into their stomach, where it gets trapped.  Epsom salts, fizzy mineral water or a hot drink can bring relief, but the best cure is to practise a relaxation technique, like breathing exercises.

BLOW-OUT BLOAT

Well, you don't get these anymore do you?  But do you remember eating a large meal late at night and feeling bloated?  This is because our body's metabolic rate slows and food burns up more slowly.  Peppermint tea can aid digestion.

BLOW-UP BLOAT

Difficult to digest foods - like red meat, anything fatty, cucumber and if you're not used to it, a high-fibre diet - create wind.  As well as the well known, peas and beans reaction, there are other combinations of foods that cause wind, cheese and wine, brown rice and cabbage, for example.  Burnt toast or carbon biscuits (obtainable at the chemists) are good for deodorising and digesting.

ALCOHOL  BLOAT

That bloated feeling the day after a binge is caused by a build-up of toxins.  Flush out your system with lots of water and fresh lemon juice.