Bloating may occur for a variety of reasons, including eating too quickly, ingesting certain foods and drinks, stress, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome and gastrointestinal ailments. There are many ways to get rid of bloating. These include over-the-counter medications, diet modifications and being at a healthy weight. Exercise may also help ease bloat and improve digestion.
Bloating and Exercise
While you may appear stronger or skinnier on the outside, exercise improves the muscles in your insides as well. According to the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, exercise stimulates and strengthens the muscles in the gastrointestinal system, intestines and abdomen to keep food, gas and excess air from moving too slowly, which creates constipation and bloat. Exercise also helps manage stress -- both the gastrointestinal and emotional kind -- which also cause you to bloat.
Bloating and Sweat
Bloating is also known as fluid retention. Fluid retention occurs when the body's tissues and skin are filled with excess water, which is caused for a variety of reasons, including certain medications, hot weather and eating too much salt. Salt is found in many prepackaged meals as well as condiments, snacks, fast food and soups. Some ways to reduce bloat is to watch your salt intake, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and purchase foods with low amounts of sodium. Working out also helps reduce the bloat by releasing excess fluids through sweat.
Bloating and Gastrointestinal Ailments
Certain gastrointestinal ailments, such as constipation, ulcers, food allergies, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, may interfere with the digestive process and cause symptoms such as gas and bloating. While diet modifications and certain over-the-counter medications may help relieve symptoms, regular exercise helps promote digestion, which helps regulate bowel movements. Regular bowel movements will help relieve many gastrointestinal ailments, including gas and bloating.
Other Considerations
To help prevent bloating, spend at least 30 minutes a day on some form of cardiovascular activity. Go for a walk after a meal, work out at the gym or ride your bike. If you still suffer from bloating or experience additional symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite or bloody stools, speak to your doctor because they may be symptoms of a more serious condition, including certain cancers, peptic ulcer disease or certain diseases such as kidney or liver disease.
References
- Better Health: Fluid Retention
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: 7 Tips to Help You Reduce Bloating
- Gastroenterological Society of Australia: The Digestive System
- "Redbook"; 10 Ways to Beat Bloat; Nicole DeCoursy Mead
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Problems of the Digestive System
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