Reasons You are Bloated

Bloating is often attributed to pregnancy and the hormonal changes associated with it. However, it is as common in men as in women and can happen to anyone. If you regularly consume processed foods, you may end up damaging your metabolism to a point where seeking treatment from a gastroenterologist would be necessary. Even joining a weight loss program may not offset the damage, then. Eating quickly can also cause bloating and weight gain. Here are some reasons why you might feel bloated all the time.

Because you have a sedentary job

Working at the desk all day, without any physical activity, is bound to make you feel bloated. Lack of physical activity impedes the normal functioning of the GI tract. Not drinking enough water while working all day can also cause bloating. Sodas and caffeine can further drain your water reserves, so keep a water bottle handy. Take short breaks to stretch or take strolls and start a weight loss program.

You have Digestive Problems

Flatulence is a common problem, and experiencing it about 10 times a day is perfectly normal. Common reasons for flatulence include food choices that promote wind problems, including pulses, cabbage, broccoli, apples. These foods take time to digest and release sulfur gas. Bloating followed by little, hard stool could also mean constipation. Incorporate oats, seeds, cereals, vegetable skins and other laxatives to your diet. Doing light exercises is also recommended.

You Suffer from Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is both a genetic disease and a condition where the body’s lactase production is low. If you have a natural aversion for milk and other dairy products, you most likely have lactose intolerance. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating. Try switching over to lactose-free dairy foods, but do not self-diagnose. See a certified GI practitioner to confirm if you have lactose intolerance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is a common functional disorder of the gut, and could be one of the primary reasons you are bloated. Experts suggest that people with IBS have over-sensitive guts and hence it is susceptible to bloating. In those with IBS, bloating can increase towards the end of the day, and hence seriously disturb one’s social life. Avoid having oats, muesli, whole wheat bread, cereal bars and the like.

You could have Coeliac Disease

Cutting out gluten from your diet can not only help with your weight loss program, but avoid bloating. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley or foods they’re present in, including even some sauces and gravies. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder, where the peptides produced from gluten cause chronic inflammation. This damages the lining of the small intestine, and makes absorbing nutrients from food, difficult. This also causes anemia and osteoporosis. TCM techniques like acupuncture are beneficial in Coeliac disease.

Ovarian Cancer

Bloating isn’t just a problem; it’s an important symptom of other, much more serious problems. If it persists and is followed by abdominal pain, it could be ovarian cancer. Consult your GP while there is time. The symptoms are similar to IBS, and hence it often tends to get misdiagnosed.

How to Avoid Weekend Weight-gain

Traditional weight loss advice often recommends having cheat days to people trying to lose weight. Some take it once every fortnight, where eating what you want and not working out to a reasonable extent is fine. However, skipping your weight loss regime on weekends can be dangerous. Studies have revealed that some people actually have a tendency to put on weight towards the end of the week. Here are some ways to avoid weekend weight-gain.

Stop compensating for sleep lost on weekdays

Often, you plan to compensate for the lost sleep by dozing off for longer than usual on weekends. This can seriously disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms, sending your hunger hormones into a tizzy. Sleeping late can not only cause cravings for calorie-laden food, but raise cortisol levels, adding to visceral fat.

To ensure that this does not happen, schedule your weekend visits to the slimming center in the morning. Do not have snacks or junk food for breakfast.

Don’t take complete workouts offs on weekends

Never treat exercise as punishment or compensation for a fatty diet. It should be enjoyable, creative, and something that you like to do on the weekends as well. Another idea is to reduce the intensity of your weekend workout, or take a break on Saturday for muscle recovery.

Remember your goals of weight loss and consult your physical trainer at the slimming center about different workouts to do throughout the week. One good idea is to opt for traditional Chinese treatment, which helps lose weight without strenuous exercise.

Keep your social outings food-free

For working people, weekends are for enjoyment and going out, but it need not make you put on weight. Plan social outings that are food and alcohol free, since even a few fried snacks and a can of beer can undo all the good work.
The best way to socialize is to go for activities like spa, movie outings, or cooking classes. Cut food out of weekend get-togethers and try to involve more of physical activity.

Avoid starving yourself on Friday

People that regularly binge on party food on the weekends, have a tendency to starve themselves on Fridays. However, doing this can be dangerous, as starving on Friday to avoid feeling guilty eating fatty food later can actually make one overeat. Eating less leads to hunger pangs, which makes you indulge in binge eating.
For this reason, one must construct a balanced diet plan for the entire week. Stock up on protein to feel full and regulate blood sugar.

Don’t be a couch potato

Lying all day on the bed or the couch is even worse than having a sedentary job. Research suggests that cutting down on sedentary time by just 20 minutes on the weekends can help lose 1.6% body fat annually. This proves that lack of physical activity on the weekends is directly related to weight gain.

A weekend getaway is a good way to unwind and get much-required physical activity. If not, you could simply take your dog for a stroll or visit your acupressure slimming center.