Gut Soothe 101: How to Calm Your Bloating in Minutes
Have you ever fallen victim to the notorious “Balloon Belly Syndrome”? It’s that uncomfortable feeling when your gut feels like it’s auditioning for the role of a hot air balloon – gassy, bloated, and downright uncomfortable, often after a culinary adventure, or when you have chronic gut health issues.
Perhaps you went a bit overboard at a buffet or indulged in a gastronomic exploration at a new restaurant (don’t worry, we’ve all been there – I’m the first to admit my sin of gluttony)…
Or maybe a new food item decided to revolt in your digestive system. Maybe your gut microbiome is out of whack, causing consistent bloating and gassiness.
Regardless of the cause, today we bring you a special biohack that can work wonders for calming your gut and providing relief – a gentle, calming massage technique.
Let’s call it the “Gut Soothe in Three Steps.”
This amazing technique not only pacifies an agitated digestive system but also nudges along any stubborn gas and stool traffic jams. Plus, it’s a great way to deflate that balloon-like feeling and promote a flatter stomach.
It’s a quickie, takes only a few minutes, and the cherry on top? It’s super relaxing, which helps with aiding digestion and reducing stress!
Ready to give your gut some love? Here’s how:
- Settle down – First things first, find a comfy spot to lie down on your back. Take a moment to breathe deeply, allowing your gut to stretch and unwind.
- Draw a big circle – Starting from your right hip bone, use your hands to gently knead big clockwise circles around your belly (that soft cushiony area between your ribs and hip bones). Give it a 2-minute massage with a gentle touch.
- Now, time for tiny whirls – Switch to your fingertips. Massage in smaller clockwise circles from your right to your left. You can apply a bit more pressure here, but only if it feels good. Keep going for 3 minutes or until your gut gives a sigh of relief.
Bonus Step – After the massage, chug a glass of water to help your body wash away the toxins that you just massaged out.
This method acts like an usher, helping your digestive system move gas and waste along the tract, offering you quick relief from gas, bloating, and constipation.
That’s why it’s a good idea to perform this gut-soothing technique after a large meal – think of it as your personal digestive assistant.
And hey, if you need some extra relief (or if you just fancy the soothing experience)… go ahead and repeat the steps for amplified results.
At Benehealth, we are a big fan of this Gut Soothe technique…
And I’m pretty sure you’ll appreciate the smooth, more comfortable digestion it offers. Now go, give your gut some love!
But…ask yourself “why do I have bloating”?
Ever wondered why your gut sometimes decides to play the lead role in a tragic opera titled “The Bloated and the Restless”? Well, there are multiple reasons why your abdomen might puff up like a parade float or why you might experience an upset stomach.
For starters, it could be due to simple overeating or eating too quickly. Other times, it might be a reaction to specific food groups. Some of us are intolerant or sensitive to certain foods like dairy or gluten, which can cause our guts to resemble a balloon animal.
More seriously, chronic bloating and stomach upset could be symptoms of underlying health conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), chronic gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut bacteria), or even hormonal imbalances. Excessive gas production by gut bacteria could also be a culprit, making you feel like you’re about to lift off like a helium balloon.
Now, you might wonder, “How can I get to the bottom of this bloating business?” Well, that’s where Functional Medicine comes in. Functional Medicine is like the lead detective of healthcare. Instead of just addressing the symptoms (the visible bloating), it investigates the underlying causes.
A Functional Medicine practitioner will take into account your entire history – medical, lifestyle, even your emotional health. They may also conduct advanced laboratory testing to identify any food sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, or gut dysbiosis. The goal is to find the root cause of your bloating and other gut health issues.
Once the cause is identified, a personalized plan is designed to restore balance and health. This could include dietary changes, stress management techniques, exercise routines, and even specific supplements or medications.
So, if you’re tired of your gut troubles, consider reaching out to a Benehealth Functional Medicine practitioner. They might just have the right key to deflate your ‘bloated belly’.