Eat to beat bloating

If you're one of the many people who suffer from abdominal bloating, however, the last thing you probably want to do is show off your figure.

Almost everyone experiences that bloated feeling from time to time - often because we've eaten too much or too quickly. And while serious health problems such as liver or kidney disease can cause bloating too, thankfully the vast majority of cases are simply caused by wind and water retention.

But even if the cause of your bloating isn't serious, it can still make you miserable (especially when you think of that bikini). The good news however is what you eat and drink - and what you don't eat and drink - can make all the difference.

So if you want to get that lovely flat stomach look in time for the summer, here are the foods to eat more of as well as those to avoidÖ

Eat more

Parsley

Foods such as parsley, cucumber, watermelon and celery act as natural diuretics which means that they help eliminate any excess fluids in your body making you feel less bloated.

Live yoghurt

Everyone has millions of natural bacteria living in their intestines, some of which produce gas. In an ideal world the ëgood' bacteria (the bacteria that don't produce gas) should outnumber the 'bad' bacteria (bacteria that do produce gas). But several things - eating too many processed foods for instance, or taking antibiotics, can upset the balance causing the ëbad' to outnumber the 'good' resulting in excess wind. If wind is a problem try eating a pot of live (or bio) yoghurt every day to give your system a boost. Alternatively your pharmacist can recommend a suitable probiotic supplement.

Pineapples

Boosting your system with digestive enzymes - substances that help break down food in your stomach and intestines - can also help counteract bloating, as the more efficient your digestive system becomes the less wind it produces. Don't rely on cartons of pineapple juice though as most have been pasturised which kills off the digestive enzymes.

Peppermint

Mint tea is a popular traditional remedy for digestion problems. Peppermint tea is widely available from pharmacies and health food shops so have a cup after your meal if you suffer from occasional wind (and before each meal if wind is a more regular problem).

Eat less

Salt

Women in particular are susceptible to water retention, especially at certain times of the month. If this happens to you, check the amount of salt in your diet as salt encourages the body to retain fluid.

Fizzy drinks

It may seem obvious, but the gas (carbon dioxide) from canned fizzy drinks and even sparkling water can cause wind. So if you tend to suffer from bloating, stick to still water and juices.

Beans & Brussels Sprouts

Experts believe it may be because they're high in fibre which can cause problems if you're new to eating fibre-rich foods. However the advantages of eating beans and vegetables far outweigh the disadvantages as they contain a lot of valuable nutrients. They also help fight constipation which is another reason to not give up eating them!

Still Fighting the Flab?

If the reason you're dreading bikini time is that you have a few pounds to lose - rather than a tendancy to suffer from bloating - then your pharmacist can help. Many pharmacies offer weight management services whereby you can get anything from nutritional advice and recommendations for over the counter weight management products to comprehensive weight management programmes including regular weigh-ins and body mass index calculations along with diet sheets and exercise tips.

There really is no easier or more convenient way to shed any excess pounds before hitting the beach this summer. Use the pharmacy locator to find your nearest pharmacy offering this service!