Say Bye-Bye To Bloating

Suffering from a ballooning stomach? Heres what you can do about it

- Faye M Smith, Natalia Lubomirski

Ever look down only to see a tummy resembling that of a pregnant woman seven months in? You’re not alone. Most of us suffer from belly woes at one time or another, and 11% of people worldwide suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). A bloated tum is seriously uncomfortable and, let’s face it, who wants to be asked when they’re expecting after eating a bowl of spaghetti? Experts reveal the reasons behind the bloat and how to deflate asap…

WHAT’S CAUSING IT?

YOU HAVE AN INTOLERANCE

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert says, ‘People can be intolerant to foods, be it gluten or lactose.’ Foods that can cause ballooning include apples, onions, beans and cruciferous veg, such as cabbage.

YOU’RE WEARING TIGHT CLOTHING

Love your high-waisted, slim-fit jeans? They may be causing you to balloon at dinner time. ‘Tight clothing will put pressure on your abdomen and also restricts digestion,’ explains Rhiannon. This means gas becomes trapped and inflates your stomach. Wear elasticated pants or a loose-fitting dress the next time you eat.