Beat the Bloat

Now that Spring is here, we are all thinking about flip-flops, groovy sunglasses, and how to get rid of that spare tire we might be carrying (you know, the one around the middle). Perhaps you are looking in the mirror and feeling a little winter-weary when you see puffy eyes, or notice that your skin could use some TLC. All of these symptoms are often caused by and/or perpetuated by consuming too much salt or a combination of salty, hard, dry, baked foods.

Enter my "Beat the Bloat Approach”! 

Here are my favorite foods to put a spring in your step and help reduce bloating. However, please keep in mind that these are all quick fixes, and do not replace a balanced diet. In the long run, it is important to cut back on the amount of salt you use and the number of hard, baked foods you consume. Regarding exercise, the best and simplest thing to do is to walk outside as often as you can. Walking outside is naturally balancing, and will strengthen your digestion. Walking is also a great way to enjoy the warm spring weather!

Beat the Bloat Quick Fixes:

• Cucumbers: light and refreshing; also a natural diuretic.
• Asparagus with fresh lemon: although asparagus can be acidfying (too much can lead to mineral loss) bloating is often caused by too much salt. It can be helpful to eat a little asparagus to help take out any extra salt and relieve your bloat. 
• Vegetable Juice: please see my post on fresh veggie juice, "Green Cocktails Anyone" [April 2012.]
• Dried Shitake Mushroom Tea: this mild tea will help rid your body of excess salt. 
• Good-Quality Green Tea 
• Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice 
• Good-Quality Micro-Brewed Beer: serve at cellar temperature--not too cold!
• Eat plenty of quick-steamed greens with a squeeze of fresh lemon.