Bloating and swelling within your body are nature’s way of self-protection. It aids and begins the healing process to remove harmful stimuli, irritants, pathogens and even damaged cells from your system.
Many people confuse the issue when it comes to inflammation and think it occurs due to an infection. Infections can cause inflammation, but the infection is actually caused by a bacterium, fungus or a virus. Inflammation in of itself is the body’s way to heal itself, a response to an infection or injury and part of your immune system.
Bloating and inflammation can be caused by:
Injuries, water retention, overeating, drinking through a straw, consuming rich and fatty foods, chewing gum, being lactose intolerant, drinking carbonated beverages too fast and sucking on hard candies.
Foods that cause bloating and inflammation and should be avoided include:
Processed foods, packaged foods, prepared foods, fast food, oils, sugar and artificial sweeteners,, food additives, margarine, lard, shortening, meat, fried foods, sweets, iodized salt, dairy products, wheat products, gluten grains and alcohol.
Anti-inflammatory foods include:
Avocados, cherries, figs, Kaffir limes, lemon and limes.
Artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, Bok Choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, chayote, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, kale , kelp. Leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, pumpkin, red beets, seaweed, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips and zucchini.
Basil, cayenne pepper, chives, cilantro, coconut, Galangal root, garlic, horseradish root, onions, oregano, shallot and turmeric.
Barley grass, buckwheat, Fava beans, spelt and wheat grass.
Nuts and seeds
Almonds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and sprouted seeds.
Digestive distress conditions include:
Abdominal distension, inability to breakdown carbohydrates, constipation, celiac disease, acid reflux, dyspepsia, being over-weight and excessive alcohol consumption.
Although some foods such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and carrots are considered anti-inflammatory foods they can also cause gassiness and bloating if not eaten in moderation. Prunes and apricots are fruits that can have the same ill effects.
If you feel you have a serious problem and can’t relieve the bloating, inflammation or gassiness yourself with a change in diet it is time to seek professional help. Some tests may be necessary for the doctor to make a justified diagnosis of your troubles. Make an appointment with your physician and discuss the matter with him/her and follow whatever instructions you are advised to change.
Lose the bloat, gas and inflammation and enjoy a healthier lifestyle while feeling better each day!
© 2014 Beverly Mucha / All Rights Reserved