By Sheri McIntosh, Sunday at 5:59 pm

Have you ever tried buttoning your pants and felt like it was a struggle? Not a struggle because of weight gain but a struggle because your belly seems larger than usual. Your belly feels swollen and full. You may be bloated. I think of bloating as being like a balloon full of air and you want to let the air out. Sometimes it can be painful and make you irritable.

The most common cause for bloating is gas. Although, the causes for bloating may vary. The root cause for most bloating usually involves the food you consume. Eating too much fatty food can lead to it. Even consuming some healthy food including beans, vegetables, and high fiber foods can cause it. If you are Lactose intolerant consuming dairy can lead to bloating. Eating too fast, drinking a lot of soda, or being dehydrated can cause it. Consuming artificial sweeteners and processed foods can lead to bloating because your body may have a difficult time digesting them.

If you are bloated there are things you can do to reduce it. Exercise by doing light cardio for 30 minutes. Try stretches including knees-to-chest, childs pose, seated forward bend pose, and legs-up-the-wall pose. Legs-up-the-wall pose works great for me. Attached is a link with instructions on how to do it. Legs-Up-the-Wall: How to Do This Yoga Pose (healthline.com)

Also, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eat food with probiotics and avoid salty and fatty foods. Food with probiotics include apple cider vinegar, cottage cheese, yogurt, Miso soup, and kefir. Eat your food slowly and do not overeat. Ginger helps to reduce bloating. There are over-the-counter products that treat it.

Occasional bloating is not something you should be concerned about; however, if you have consistent bloating you should speak with a healthcare professional. Persistent bloating can be an indication of a serious health condition.

More here:

Are You Experiencing Bloating? | Spiritual and Physical Wellness - ChicagoNow