What to eat and what to avoid when you’re trying to beat belly bloat?
If you suffer from awful water retention during your period, look to your diet to solve the problem.
Other than the discomfort, mess and pain, the other unpleasant thing about your period is feeling like you’ve put on weight. You start feeling sluggish and you have no appetite even if you’re hungry.
The good news is that you’re technically not gaining weight, instead your body is just retaining water which is causing you to bloat. To prevent you from getting dehydrated during your period, your body holds onto the water. The bloat usually goes away with your period, however it still means you’ll have to deal with the discomfort of a bloated belly.
The best way to deal with water retention is to watch your diet during this crucial time. There are some things that you should avoid and others that will help reduce the bloat. Read on to find out what is which.
AVOID: Carbonated Drinks
Bubbly and gassy drinks obviously produce gas on their own, so avoid them at all cost when feeling bloated. Sweet drinks like these also contain simple sugars, which are adept at retaining water.
AVOID: Carbs before Bedtime
If you’re craving pasta, have it for lunch and not dinner. The starch in them can cause you to retain water, so distance yourself from them in the p.m. to avoid waking up in the morning looking like a puffball.
DO EAT: Bananas
The potassium-rich yellow fruit will help regulate the fluid balance in your body, which helps reduce the belly bloat. If you’re not a fan of bananas, try spinach, cataloupes, asparagus or tomatoes.
DO EAT: Yogurt
This friendly breakfast food contains probiotics,”good” bacteria that can help banish belly bloat.
DO DRINK: LOTS of Water
Yes, even though you’re experiencing water retention, water is still MUST. By drinking water you’re telling your body that its well hydrated, and it won’t need to hold onto as much water in your body.
Amanda Lim
Photo: Getty Images
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