There's nothing more annoying than slipping on a pair of jeans for date night only to realize that your stomach's so swollen, you can barely zip the pair shut. The good news? While bloating is a common symptom with many causes, there are just as many ways to get rid of it. So next time your clothes are feeling a little too snug, try one of these bloating remedies and get some relief.
1
.PICK POTASSIUM-RICH FOODS.
This mineral works alongside sodium to help regulate the fluid balance in your body, keeping bloat at bay, says Abbey Sharp, R.D., blogger at Abbey's Kitchen. High-potassium foods include bananas, oranges, tomatoes, watermelon, and asparagus. That last one also contains an amino acid called asparagine that — bonus! — acts as a diuretic to flush excess liquid out of your system.
2.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.
Beware of habits that cause you to swallow excess air, like chewing gum, as that can cause bloat, says Patricia Raymond, M.D., a gastroenterologist in Chesapeake, Virginia. If you're a regular gum chewer, cut back by sucking on a piece of mint instead, Sharp suggests.
3.
CUT THE CARBS.
You don't have to quit carbs all together, but Raymond says you should lighten up your intake in the evening. Starches like bread and pasta may cause you to retain water, so it's best to avoid them before bedtime so you don't wake up feeling puff.
4.
CAN THE SODA.
The bubbles in carbonated drinks can make your stomach expand. Stick to plain water, suggests Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. As a bonus, you'll avoid these weird things that happen to your body when you don't drink enough H2O(water).
5.
PREP FOR PMS.
If you tend to swell up before or during your period, be sure you're getting enough calcium (1,000 mg a day) and magnesium (320 mg daily) in your diet, Sharp says. Both nutrients have been found to help relieve PMS symptoms, including bloat. You can also pop Midol, which contains a diuretic that can help stop bloating.