There's a particular devastation that comes with working hard toward your own body goals, preparing yourself physically and emotionally for stripping down to a bikini, and then bloating for seemingly no reason at all — right as the time comes to hit the beach or pool. You look at yourself and think, "This isn't my body! What the heck!" Not only is it physically quite uncomfortable (and sometimes painful), but it can also make you exceptionally self-conscious when you're supposed to be feeling your most confident.
Fortunately, there are some simple quick fixes that can help you debloat and feel better to give you a confidence boost. A lot of it comes down to your diet and making easy swaps, but there are some hidden causes to bloating that may surprise you. Use these 14 bloating hacks to banish the puffiness and distention quickly.
Sugar is what the bacteria in your gut feeds on; the more they feed, the more gas they create, and voila — you're on the express lane to bloat town. Avoid added sugar and curb your sweet tooth with fresh fruit, which is loaded with fiber to aid your digestion.
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. . . And Dairy
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Even if you're not lactose intolerant, dairy can be a trigger for bloating. Try swapping the cream in your coffee for almond (or cashew, coconut, or macadamia) milk, skip the cheese in your omelet, and opt for hearty salads, fresh fruit, and lean proteins with veggies.
This ayurvedic herb is anti-inflammatory and can soothe your possibly inflamed digestive tract. Add it to juice or make a small batch of golden milk.
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Drink Water
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Another quick way to flush your system and keep things regular: load up on H2O. Staying hydrated is key to making sure your body doesn't retain too much extra water (a hallmark of dehydration, and a surefire way to feel puffy).
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Whether it's ginger tea, ginger candy, or fresh ginger in your juice or smoothie, this potent root can help soothe stomach woes.
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Avoid Carbonation
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Yes, we love La Croix and bubbly cocktails on vacation, but these types of drinks add more air to your gut, exacerbating bloating issues. Skip these and sip water instead.
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Snack on Pineapple or Papaya
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A salty margarita might be the culprit for your bloating woes. Why? Sodium and alcohol can increase your water retention, making you feel puffy and uncomfortable.
Sip a fresh, frosty debloating smoothie with multiple ingredients that are known to fight bloat all in one sweet sip.
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Get Enough Sleep
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Your metabolism is regulated in your sleep, so even if you're partying it up on vacation, make sure you're getting enough zzz's for your body to reset and your belly to debloat.